Visit World - Filipino Citizens Traveling to Botswana: Entry Rules, Visa Requirements & Regulations

Tourist visa

Who need to apply for a visa?

Citizens of countries, that do NOT need a visa can stay in Botswana for a period of 90 days in the span of 112 months with the purpose of tourism. In order to enter Botswana without a visa travelers need to provide a foreign passport, valid for at least 6 months after the day of arrival. Tourists should also have an insurance policy, return plane tickets and proof of residence. In some cases, the border service may require proof of sufficient financial means to carry out the trip (at the rate of 300 American dollars per week per person).

Countries whose citizens must apply for and obtain a Botswana visa before traveling can do so online through the e-Visa service.

Foreign citizens can apply for short-term visas (single-entry, multiple-entry) to Botswana through the embassy, for temporary reasons such as tourism, business, cultural and other short-term purposes.

What supporting documents are required?

Along with the application form, the following documents must be submitted:

A certified copy of pages 1 and 2 of a passport with a validity period of at least six (6) months;
Two recent passport size colored photos;
A cover letter indicating the reasons for the visit;
Flight route and accommodation reservation, or residential address in Botswana;
Re-entry permit to the country where the applicant usually resides, if such permit is required in that country;
Trip route;
Intention to leave Botswana at the end of the trip.

The cost of a tourist visa to Botswana

The cost of a tourist visa to Botswana is 30 dollars for a single entry for up to 1 month, and 50 dollars for a multiple entry for up to 3 months. The amount of the fee may vary depending on your nationality or country of submission.

How long will this service take?

The service takes seven (7) to fourteen (14) days from the date of application or one (1) day in the case of a visa on arrival to complete the service.

Botswana visitor visa

A visitor visa is issued to people visiting Botswana for social reasons such as:

Visiting friends or relatives;
Receiving medical care;
Participation in community events held by fraternal, community, or service organizations;
Participation of amateurs in musical, sports or similar events or competitions, if participation is not paid for;
Enrollment in a short non-degree recreational course of study (for example, a two-day cooking course while on vacation);
For the visa to remain valid, the applicant must not work, provide services or sell goods to businesses or the public in Botswana. The visa is valid for up to 2 years;

Required documents for a visitor visa to Botswana.

A transit visa is designed for those willing to leave the airport for a maximum of 7 days during transit. A transit visa is not required if you depart on the same plane and from the same airport as your arrival. Transporters and tour operators may be allowed to stay in the country for no more than 7 days at any given time. This visa cannot be extended for any reason.

How to get this service?

Visit any Botswana immigration office (contact details below), embassy or consulate to complete and submit the form in person, or online.

Pets must enter Botswana through Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, located near Gaborone. Dogs and cats may arrive in the aircraft cabin as checked baggage or air cargo. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of signs of human-transmissible disease when inspected at the airport of entry. Information on the transportation of other types of animals on the official website: https://www.gov.bw/animals-and-plants/animal-transit-permit

Emergency service 997.

Police 999.

Fire Brigade 998.

Emergency medical service 911

*Medical air rescue service - 390 1601 is paid at the standard local rate

For information and advice on Botswana customs regulations, please visit the official Customs website: https://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/customsexcisemain/customs-clearance

Owners of foreign driver's licenses may use their foreign driver's license for a maximum of 90 calendar days, after which they must apply for a Botswana driver's license.

Foreign citizens who have a valid International Driving Permits (IDP) and International Driving Permits can drive without a conversion.

Owners of driver’s licenses issued in SADC countries are exempt from this, but they have the option of converting their licenses if they wish.

Who has the right?

Citizens and non-citizens;
18 years and older;
Owners of a valid foreign driver's license.

What supporting documents are required?

Original and certified copy of foreign driver's license (copy must be certified by the embassy or consulate representing the specific foreign country or any authorized officer on oath in Botswana);
Letter from the authority that issued the driver's license or representative embassy confirming the authenticity of the foreign driver's license;
Certified copy of valid national identity card (Omang);
Certified copy of passport;
A certified copy of the release certificate or residence and work permit;
Certified copy of work permit (non-citizens);
Certified copy of study permit (foreign students);
Certified copy of National Identity Card/Omang guardian (foreign students)

How to get this service?

To access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

Download and complete the Botswana Driver's License (DL1) application form. Please note that the application form can also be obtained from the information desk at any of the offices of the Department of Road Transport and Safety.

Take the completed form along with supporting documents to the eye testing office and undergo the eye test.
Present the documents, including the results of the vision test, to the registration and licensing officer. Please note that vision test results are only valid for 1 year. If applicants have vision problems, the Registration and Licensing Officer will refer them to an external eye specialist for further testing. Only after an external vision specialist recommends continuing with the driver's license process should applicants return to the Registration and Licensing Officer with results and recommendations.
Take the results (valid only for 1 year) and supporting documents to the employee of the registration and licensing department.
Pay the required fee as instructed, then take a photo.
After the photo is taken, sign in the signature pad and collect the printed driver's license.

The list of foreign representative offices of the Botswana can be viewed here.

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