Botswana Visa
Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, Botswana has a landscape like no other. It is home to the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta. That coupled with its majestic wildlife, natural wonders and warm locals makes it a place to visit.
VISA EXMPT COUNTRIES
The following nationals do not require a visa to enter Botswana:
Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, Grenada, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Russia (Diplomatic & Official Passport holders), Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Members of all Commonwealth countries:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, German Federal Republic, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA and Yugoslavia (except the nationals of Ghana, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh).
All other nationals require a visa to enter Botswana.
TYPES OF BOTSWANA VISA
The application process for a tourist visa for Botswana is not as a straightforward as it is for other destinations. Travellers are therefore encouraged to investigate visa regulations ahead of time and apply prior to travelling if necessary.
Foreigners looking to work and live in Botswana will need to apply for the relevant work permit and residency.
Foreigners hired for a short-term project in Botswana or fixed-term contract lasting less than six months will need to be in possession of a temporary work permit before entering the country.
Expats with a permanent job offer in Botswana need to apply for an employment permit. Employment permits are initially valid for a period of two years but can be extended.
Special requirements apply for expats pursuing job offers for the following professions in Botswana: Medical positions (doctors, nurses, etc.), Teachers, Accountants, Footballers, Pilots, Farmworkers
This is issued for spouse or children of the foreigner working in Botswana.
Students accompanying their parents to Botswana will need a student permit for studying in Botswana.
BOTSWANA VISA REQUIREMENTS
General requirements of Botswana visa:
Completed immigration supplementary Form D by the applicant (Visa form).
– Letter of support from the host.
– Passport valid for 6 months.
– Two passport size photos (identical).
– Fee of P25.00 (around USD 5)
– Return visa or residence permit from his/her country of residence.
– Return air ticket.
– Confirmation letter from the country if the person is coming for business purposes.
For specific types of visas, you have to submit some additional documents:
Visitors
- Invitation letter from the host
- Sworn statement from the host (personal appearance of the host to the nearest immigration office in Botswana to fill in the affidavit)
- A copy of hotel/lodge bookings or state residential address where the applicant will be staying
- A certified copy of the host, national identity/residence permit, work permit/exemption certificate/naturalization certificate
- Copies of certified marriage and birth certificates (in case of married couples/dependants)
- Certified copies of ordination certificates of religious leaders
- Business profile if coming to establish a business (host)
- Return visa or residence permit from the country of residence
Business
- Invitation letter from the host or facilitator in Botswana
- Business profile if coming to establish a business
- Certified copies of ordination certificate for religious leaders
- Labour clearance/exemption if coming for a month or more
- Meeting schedule if coming to attend or organize a meeting
- Certified copies of Certificate of Incorporation, Trade License, Share Certificate of host if running a business
Employment
- Waiver from department of labour and social security or copies of work and residence permits
- Letter of confirmation of employment/contract of employment or offer letter
- Copies of RELEVANT qualifications
Investors
- Copies of work and residence permits
- Certified copies of certificate of incorporation, trade license, share certificate, list of directors, bank statement
Tourists
- Tour plan or copy of travel schedule
- Confirmation of bookings at hotels/lodges
Temporary work permit for Botswana:
- Contract between the Botswanan company and a company in the applicant’s country of residence to explain the temporary nature of the projects
- Proof of qualifications necessary to take up the position
- CV (resume)
Employment permits for Botswana:
- A copy of the job advertisement in a local paper
- Proof of qualifications
- Medical certificate
- Letter of acceptance for the job in Botswana from the applicant
- Contract of employment
Accompanying dependents permit:
- Marriage certificate (in the case of a spouse)
- Unabridged birth certificate, clearly reflecting the names of both parents (in the case of a child)
- Medical certificate
- A set of fingerprints, taken at the police station
- Letter of support from the spouse/parent with a job offer in Botswana
Student permit:
- Letter of acceptance of a school in Botswana
- Unabridged birth certificate, clearly reflecting the names of both parents (in the case of a child)
- Letter of support from the spouse/parent with a job offer in Botswana
HOW TO APPLY FOR A BOTSWANA VISA
Steps to apply for visas at Botswana embassy or consulate:
Make a check list of the documents that you need to submit along with your application form. Gather all the documents and keep them ready for submission.
Submit everything to the embassy, as asked for and Pay the fee
After your visa is issued you will be notified about it. Collect your visa on time.
BOTSWANA VISA APPLICATION FORM
All applicants must download the Botswana visa application form, fill in the required details and submit it with mandatory documents to start the process for a Botswana visa.