Botswana entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. Apply online before you travel; approval usually takes a few days. Plan ahead — this has been the rule since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the Botswana eServices portal. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Botswana. Have at least two blank visa pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Gaborone and Maun airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least 500 BWP per day. Officers rarely check, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Chinese passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have the eVisa approved before you board your flight. Airlines check this before issuing your boarding pass.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Botswana, not from when you apply for the eVisa. If it's close to expiring, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Botswana eVisa website (evisa.gov.bw). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30–$50 USD depending on processing speed). Submit and wait — typical processing is 3–5 business days.
2
Receive approval and print
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and also save the PDF on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
Most flights from China arrive via Johannesburg or Addis Ababa. After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready.
4
Pass through immigration
Hand over your documents. The officer will check your eVisa, stamp your passport, and usually ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for the duration of your eVisa.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBWP 1,200 (~$90 USD)
Apply at Botswana embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 2,400 (~$180 USD)
For frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostBWP 5,000 (~$375 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
BWP 10,000 (~$750 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 20,000 (~$1,500 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of BWP 1 million in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for China passport holders. | BWP 1,200 (~$90 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | BWP 2,400 (~$180 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | BWP 500 (~$38 USD) per day, max BWP 10,000 (~$750 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
China passport holders transiting through Botswana airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter Botswana (e.g., to change airports or overnight), you must have an eVisa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all travelers 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 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun Airport Road, Maun
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for tourists in the Okavango Delta area.
Practical information for CN 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 = 13.79 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
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. There's also an express option (24–48 hours) that costs more — around $80–$100 USD. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply from outside the country.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no formal appeal process — just submit a new application.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (including transit in an endemic country), you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the latest requirements before you travel.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official ports of entry — airports and land borders. Just have your approval ready.
The eVisa typically allows stays up to 30 days. The exact duration is stated on your approval letter. It cannot be extended.
No. Botswana does not require an arrival declaration form for tourists. Just your passport and eVisa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.