Botswana entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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
Chilean passport holders can visit Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa is needed for tourism or business trips in 2026. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa requirementYou can enter Botswana without applying for a visa in advance for tourism or business visits. Visa-free entry | Chilean passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Botswana. | Not required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date in Botswana. 6 months beyond departure | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Botswana. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport upon arrival and departure. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a booked ticket showing you will leave Botswana within 90 days helps avoid delays. Proof of onward travel | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Botswana. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you can cover expenses during your visit. Not specified | No official minimum amount is published, but be prepared to show evidence of funds for your stay. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any pre-arrival form online. Not required | No online arrival declaration is needed before traveling to Botswana. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationYou can simply show your passport at the border without any electronic visa. Not applicable | No eVisa is required for Chilean passport holders visiting Botswana. | Not required |
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport often asks for proof of onward travel. A screenshot on your phone is fine, but having a printed copy is even smoother.
Overstaying is expensive
The 90-day visa-free period is not extendable. Overstaying even a day can lead to fines and a note in your immigration record. Set a calendar reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
Most visitors fly into Gaborone. After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There are usually two queues: one for citizens/SADC, one for foreigners. Join the foreigners queue.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport (with at least 6 months validity and a blank page). The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and politely.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. Check the stamp says '90 days' before walking away. If it's less, ask for clarification.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel for nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods over the duty-free limit.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 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:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBWP 600 (approx. $44)
For business activities not covered by visa-free entry. Apply at Botswana embassy in Santiago or online.
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity12 months
CostBWP 1,200 (approx. $88)
For frequent travelers. Requires supporting documents.
digital nomad
Botswana Digital Nomad Visa
Up to 12 months
Free (application fee BWP 200)
For remote workers earning at least $50,000/year. Allows stay up to 1 year with possible renewal.
Apply online retirement
Botswana Retirement Visa
5 years (renewable)
BWP 2,000 (approx. $147)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires medical clearance.
Apply online Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (up to 90 additional days)Apply at Department of Immigration in Gaborone or Francistown before current stay expires. | BWP 500 (approx. $37) |
| Overstay penalty (per day)Charged upon departure if you overstay without an extension. | BWP 200 (approx. $15) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Invalid or damaged passport25%
Lack of return/onward ticket20%
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
Chilean passport holders do not need a transit visa for Botswana. You may transit airside for up to 24 hours without a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport transit area, you must obtain a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) or a visa.
Transit hubsSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) · Maun Airport (MUB) · Kasane Airport (BBK)
Health & vaccines for Botswana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if traveling from a country with yellow fever risk (including transit >12 hours). Chile is not a risk country, but if you have recently visited an endemic area, you need proof.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present year-round in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun). Use prophylaxis and mosquito avoidance.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in rural areas. Practice food and water hygiene.
HIV/AIDSModerate risk
Prevalence is high. Take standard precautions.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun). Low risk in Gaborone and southern areas. Antimalarials recommended for northern travel.
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 07:30-12:45, 13:45-16:30
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Government Enclave, Francistown
Mon-Fri 07:30-12:45, 13:45-16:30
Practical information for CL 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 = 14.32 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 visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave Botswana before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Chile is not a yellow fever country, so you won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Any work or study requires a proper visa or permit obtained in advance.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, there's no visa on arrival. You either enter visa-free (which you do) or you need a visa in advance. For Chileans, it's visa-free.
Not officially required, but it's smart to have a credit card or some cash (Botswana pula or USD) to show if asked. ATMs are available at the airport.
Yes, you can enter by road at border posts like Kazungula or Ramatlabama. The same visa-free rules apply — just have your passport and return ticket ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.