Botswana entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Belgian passport holders can visit Botswana for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. You'll receive a free visitor's entry stamp on arrival at the airport or border post. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the full period you plan to stay in Botswana. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Gaborone and Maun enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration can ask for evidence of sufficient funds — roughly 500 BWP per day or a credit card statement. Most visitors never get asked, but having a bank statement or cash handy avoids delays. | Recommended |
No visa, no fee, no fuss
Belgian passport holders get a free 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. No application, no payment, no forms. Just a stamp in your passport.
Overstaying is expensive
Botswana takes overstays seriously. You can be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering. Set a calendar reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or border post
You'll land at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, or at Kasane or Maun airports. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
2
Queue at the foreign passport line
Join the line for non-SADC nationals. Belgian passports go through the standard foreigner queue. Wait times are usually 10–30 minutes.
3
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport, and if asked, your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
4
Get your free visitor's entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor's entry permit valid for up to 90 days. No fee, no forms to fill. You're free to enter.
5
Collect your bags and proceed to customs
After immigration, pick up your luggage from the carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). That's it.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (BWP 700)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Botswana embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (BWP 1,400)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (BWP 2,800)
For work, study, or retirement; requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (BWP 2,800)
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (BWP 1,400)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Botswana. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (BWP 4,200)
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply. Check with immigration. | ~$15 USD per day (BWP 200) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Belgium passport holders transiting through Botswana airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) · Maun Airport (MUB) · Kasane Airport (BBK)
Health & vaccines for Botswana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern regions (Okavango, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
HIV/AIDSModerate risk
High prevalence; take precautions if engaging in risky activities.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe). Use mosquito repellent and consider prophylaxis like atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
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, New CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun Airport Road, Maun
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the Okavango Delta region.
Practical information for BE 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 = 13.81 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. The visitor's entry permit is not extendable for Belgian passport holders. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Belgium is not a risk country, so you won't need it if you fly directly from Belgium. If you've recently been in a yellow fever zone (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you'll need the vaccine certificate.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at all land border posts (e.g., Kazungula, Martin's Drift, Ramokgwebana). Just have your passport and return ticket ready.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions are published.
No. There is no online arrival declaration or pre-registration required for Belgian passport holders. You just show up and get stamped in.
No. There is no visa on arrival for longer stays. If you need to stay beyond 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit from the Botswana Department of Immigration before your 90 days expire — but this is rarely granted for tourism.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only (meetings, conferences, site visits). Any paid work, volunteering, or long-term study requires a proper work or study permit obtained in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.