Botswana entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders can enter Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. No need to apply for anything before you travel — just show up with a valid passport and you're good to go. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Austrian passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in Botswana — there is no 6-month validity rule. Airlines may still check for at least 3 months validity beyond your departure date, so verify with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they will check the date matches your visa-free stay limit. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough cash or card funds to cover your trip. A bank statement or credit card with a reasonable limit (around 500 BWP per day) is usually accepted. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Botswana, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
No visa, no fee, no fuss
Austrian passport holders don't need to apply for anything before traveling. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport (MUB). Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
2
Queue at passport control
Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Collect your luggage
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs (usually a green channel for nothing to declare).
4
Exit the airport
Once through customs, you're free to leave. No additional forms or fees required.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
Austrian passport holders do not need a visa for tourism; this option is redundant.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
Visa-free entry already allows multiple entries; no paid alternative needed.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (e.g., work permit fee ~$200 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days, you must apply for a relevant permit (work, study, etc.) before travel.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Botswana institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$500,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no separate tourist visa fee applies. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within the 90-day period. | Not applicable |
| Stay extension costExtensions are not available for visa-free stays; you must leave and re-enter if needed. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or bans. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconvincing travel purpose20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Botswana
No transit visa needed
Austrian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Botswana, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) · Maun International Airport (MUB) · Kasane International Airport (BBK)
Health & vaccines for Botswana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Diarrheal diseasesModerate risk
Common from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.
HIV/AIDSModerate risk
High prevalence; take precautions.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern regions (Okavango, Chobe, Maun); prophylaxis recommended for all travellers to these areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Gaborone
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Plot 54352, Central Business District, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa and permit inquiries; bring all original documents.
Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun International Airport, Maun
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Useful for travellers in the Okavango Delta region; limited services.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalGaborone
LanguageEnglish, Setswana
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBotswana pula (BWP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 13.78 BWP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D (3-pin round) and Type G (3-pin rectangular) plugs.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally chlorinated and safe in major cities, but avoid in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Austrian citizens get visa-free access for up to 90 days. Just show your valid passport at immigration.
Up to 90 days per visit. This is for tourism or business visits. To stay longer, you'd need to apply for an extension or a different visa type.
Extensions are not available for visa-free visitors. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. Any onward ticket out of Botswana works — it doesn't have to be back to Austria. Just proof you're leaving.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only (meetings, conferences). Paid work requires a work permit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.