Botswana entry requirements for Bangladesh passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Bangladeshi passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. You apply online before travel and receive approval electronically. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Bangladeshi nationals.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the official Botswana eServices portal. Processing takes 5–10 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the border.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Botswana. Have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticket
Outbound travel proof
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Botswana. Show a printed or digital copy of your flight booking.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers rarely check this, but having it ready avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least 500 BWP per day of your stay. Officers ask for this only if they suspect you cannot cover costs.Recommended
No visa-on-arrival for Bangladeshis
Botswana does not offer a visa-on-arrival for Bangladeshi passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Arriving without one means you'll be refused entry and sent back.
eVisa is valid for all border posts
Your eVisa works at all official entry points — airports and land borders. If you plan to enter from South Africa or Namibia, just show the printed eVisa at the border.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Botswana eVisa portal (official government site). Fill in your personal details, upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa document. Print a paper copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at immigration in Botswana.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, gather: passport (6+ months validity), printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance if you have it. Keep them together in a folder.
4
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
Most flights from Bangladesh arrive via Doha or Addis Ababa. At immigration, present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 2,500 BWP)

Standard eVisa for tourism; apply online before travel.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 5,000 BWP)

Allows multiple visits; suitable for frequent travellers.

work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 2,700 BWP) application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 1,350 BWP) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 6,750 BWP) application fee
For those investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Bangladesh passport holders; payable online.~$30 USD (approx. 2,500 BWP)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.~$60 USD (approx. 5,000 BWP)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 5,000 BWP).~$10 USD (approx. 100 BWP) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%

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

Bangladesh passport holders transiting through Botswana do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a visa is needed if leaving the airport.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for Botswana or a neighboring country may transit without visa.
Transit hubsSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) · Maun Airport (MUB) · Francistown Airport (FRW)

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

High risk in northern regions (Okavango, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.

Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.

Malaria risk: high

High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park). 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 54351, CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and application form.

Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30

Handles extensions and re-entry permits for northern Botswana.

Practical information for BD 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 = 13.69 BWP
updated May 29
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
Police999
Medical997
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The official eVisa fee is around $30 USD, but it can vary slightly. You pay online during the application. There are no additional visa-on-arrival fees.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiry date shown on your eVisa. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Botswana does not require yellow fever vaccination unless you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Bangladesh is not on that list, so you likely don't need it. Check with your airline or a travel clinic.
There is no visa-on-arrival for Bangladeshi passport holders. You will be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Always apply and receive approval before travelling.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border posts, including land crossings from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Just show the printed eVisa along with your passport.
There is no official requirement to show proof of funds, but immigration officers may ask how you will support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is a good idea.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.