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 Botswana international border crossing points |
Visitors to Botswana require a visa unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
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| Constitution |
| External image | |
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| Botswana international border crossing points |
Visitors to Botswana require a visa unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
Holders of passports of the following 103 jurisdictions do not require a visa to visit Botswana for up to 90 days within a 12-month period: [1] [2] [3]
All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.
Holders of diplomatic or service passports of Bahrain, China, Malaysia (90 days), Singapore (90 days) and diplomatic passport of India do not require a visa to enter Botswana for up to 30 days (unless otherwise stated).
Botswana and Namibia signed an agreement in February 2023 allowing citizens to travel between the two countries using only identity cards, with passports no longer being needed. [4] Botswana has held talks with Zimbabwe to achieve a similar deal, and expects to open talks with Zambia. [5]
On 15 November 2018, the Government of Botswana announced that tourists would be able to obtain visas on arrival from 24 November 2018. [6] [7] The plan was put on hold on 27 November 2018. [8] Visa on arrival for Indians was made official in 2019. [9]
On 12 August 2021, Botswana launched an electronic visa system, all countries that needed prior visa, are now eligible for e-Visa. [10] [11] [12] [13]
Ministry of foreign affairs of Botswana stated that they introduced an e-Visa system to boost tourism and business in country. [11]
Most visitors arriving to Botswana were from the following countries of nationality: [14]
| Country | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Zimbabwe | 874,169 | 967,322 | 784,720 | 825,717 |
 South Africa | 759,564 | 808,118 | 600,387 | 742,639 |
 Zambia | 220,649 | 202,289 | 188,351 | 331,799 |
 Namibia | 187,044 | 170,326 | 162,453 | 169,733 |
 United States | 52,171 | 49,451 | 49,961 | 139,752 |
 United Kingdom | 42,534 | 41,011 | 39,675 | 47,929 |
 Germany | 35,288 | 32,230 | 34,576 | 43,674 |
 India | 19,297 | 17,413 | 18,342 | 13,543 |
 Lesotho | 18,773 | 18,842 | 12,408 | 10,839 |
 Malawi | 17,102 | 20,607 | 15,175 | 17,386 |
| Total | 2,401,786 | 2,501,616 | 2,082,521 | 2,598,158 |
A visa is a conditional authorization granted by a polity to a foreigner that allows them to enter, remain within, or leave its territory. Visas typically include limits on the duration of the foreigner's stay, areas within the country they may enter, the dates they may enter, the number of permitted visits, or if the individual can work in the country in question. Visas are associated with the request for permission to enter a territory and thus are, in most countries, distinct from actual formal permission for an alien to enter and remain in the country. In each instance, a visa is subject to entry permission by an immigration official at the time of actual entry and can be revoked at any time. Visa evidence most commonly takes the form of a sticker endorsed in the applicant's passport or other travel document but may also exist electronically. Some countries no longer issue physical visa evidence, instead recording details only in immigration databases.
The Government of Namibia allows citizens of specific countries and territories to travel to Namibia for tourism, visiting friends and relatives as well as official purposes for 3 months with an ordinary, diplomatic and service passports without having to obtain a visa. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months.
Most visitors to Indonesia may obtain a visa on arrival to Indonesia, unless they are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries. However, some countries must obtain a visa in advance from one of the Indonesian diplomatic missions before being allowed to enter Indonesia.
Visitors to Mali must obtain a visa from one of the Malian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
The visa policy of South Africa is how the South African government determines who may and may not enter South Africa. Visitors to South Africa must obtain a visa from one of the South African diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries, in which case they get a "Port of Entry Visa". Visitors who require a visa must apply in person and provide biometric data.
The visa policy of Malaysia consists of the requirements for foreign nationals to travel to, enter, and remain in Malaysia. Most visitors to Malaysia are granted visa-free entry for a period of 90, 30, or 14 days respectively.
Bangladesh requires all foreigners to obtain permission, specifically a visa, to enter its territory unless exempted. Visas are issued by Bangladesh diplomatic missions located throughout the world or, if applicable, on arrival in Bangladesh.
Visitors to Nigeria require a visa unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.
Most visitors to Iran must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) prior to their arrival in Iran, unless they are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries or countries that are ineligible for an e-Visa, in which case they must obtain a visa in advance from one of the Iranian diplomatic missions around the world.
The Republic of Rwanda, a member of the East African Community, allows citizens of all countries that are not visa-exempt to obtain a visa on arrival. In addition, they may also obtain an e-Visa online before departure.
Visitors to Chile must obtain a visa from one of the Chilean diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
Visitors to Zambia must obtain a visa from one of the Zambian diplomatic missions, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or countries whose citizens are eligible for visa on arrival. Visitors may alternatively obtain an electronic visa.
Visitors to Angola must obtain either a visa in advance from one of the Angolan diplomatic missions or a pre-visa online, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
Kenya has abolished visa requirements for all foreign visitors from 1 January 2024, and instead implemented an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system.
Visitors to Tunisia must obtain a visa from one of the Tunisian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
Visitors to Malawi must obtain a visa from one of the Malawian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or countries eligible for visa on arrival.
Visitors to Uganda must obtain an e-Visa or from one of the Ugandan diplomatic missions, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
Visitors to Zimbabwe must obtain a visa from one of the Zimbabwean diplomatic missions or online, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or are eligible for visa on arrival. As of November 2014 Zimbabwe and Zambia also offer a universal tourist visa.
Visitors to the Democratic Republic of the Congo must obtain a visa from one of the Democratic Republic of the Congo diplomatic missions unless they are citizens of visa-exempt countries, citizens who can obtain a visa on arrival or citizens eligible to obtain an e-Visa.
Visitors to Egypt must obtain a visa from one of the Egyptian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or countries that are eligible for visa on arrival.
