Botswana is a fabulous place for those who want a real exotic. Learn more about the current rules of entry, the list of necessary documents for foreign tourists and other useful information
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Botswana is a real wildlife paradise. The country boasts vast protected areas and pristine landscapes. Botswana is recognized as one of the best safari destinations in the world.
Two-thirds of the country's territory is located in the tropics, while the South and East of the country is a vast Kalahari desert. Whether it's your first trip to Botswana or your tenth, there's always something to see in one of Africa's friendliest countries.
Rules for entering Botswana and useful information for travelers follow.
List of documents and rules for entering Botswana
Visa-free regime
Citizens of more than 100 countries of the world have the right to visa-free entry to Botswana - they are tourists traveling from most countries of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, the USA, Canada, the Caribbean and neighboring African countries.
Visa-free stay in Botswana is allowed for up to 90 days within 12 months.
List of documents for visa-free entry:
- foreign passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in the country;
- return air tickets;
- proof of residence;
- evidence of sufficient funds for the trip (at the rate of $300 per week per person).
E-Visa to Botswana
Foreigners who are citizens of countries with which Botswana does not have a visa-free regime must apply for an electronic visa through the
e-visa service before traveling.
List of documents for issuing a tourist visa:
- visa application form;
- valid passport (must be valid for at least six months and have at least three unused pages);
- a certified copy of pages 1 and 2 of a passport with a validity period of at least six months;
- two passport-size color photos in JPG format no larger than 30 KB;
- a tour plan or a copy of the travel schedule;
- booking tickets;
- hotel reservation confirmation.
The cost of a tourist visa to Botswana is $30 for a single entry for a period of up to 1 month and $50 for a multiple entry for a period of up to 3 months.
The processing period is from 7 to 14 days from the date of submission of the application.
Transit through Botswana
If the tourist departs on the same plane and from the same airport he arrived at, then a transit visa is not required. In the remaining cases, an appropriate visa must be obtained for transit through Botswana. This can be done at the Botswana embassy or consulate in your country of residence or online.
The maximum period of stay on the basis of a transit visa is 7 days.
Quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 epidemic
All quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 epidemic in the country have been lifted.
Traveling with children
A child must have a full birth certificate or international passport to travel. If the child is traveling with only one parent, permission from the other parent is required for such a trip.
Safety in Botswana
Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa. Attacks on tourists are rare, and there is no information about terrorist acts in the country. Pickpockets or thefts from parked cars happen in the country.
Travel by car
Tourists can drive a car using an international driver's license for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer, you should apply for a Botswana driver's license.
Botswana has good paved roads that cover most of the country.
You should be careful when traveling through the country by car, especially at night, because there are many wild animals and livestock in the state.
Local laws
It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or catch any wild animal in Botswana. Persons caught committing such crimes will be prosecuted, and the sentences can be quite severe.
Drug use and smuggling is also a serious crime in Botswana.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Botswana;
