Botswana entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana for tourism or business. Apply online at least two weeks before your trip — processing takes 5–10 business days. As of 2026, the eVisa costs BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD) for a single entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the official eServices portal. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Sir Seretse Khama Airport will check it before stamping you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Colombian passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Botswana. Airlines at El Dorado Airport check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — a flight booking confirmation works, not a reservation hold. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation for your entire stay, or a signed letter from your host in Botswana with their address and contact number. Officers ask for this less often than the return ticket, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement showing at least 500 USD (or equivalent in pula) per day of your stay, or carry cash in US dollars or pula. Immigration rarely asks, but if you cannot show funds they may deny entry. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
If you're coming from Colombia (or any country with yellow fever risk), you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Malaria risk in northern Botswana
Malaria is high in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Maun. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets. In other areas, the risk is moderate.
Overstay fines add up fast
Overstaying your visa costs BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day, capped at BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD). But the bigger risk is being flagged in the immigration system — that can cause problems for future travel to Botswana or other countries. Always extend before your visa expires.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Botswana eServices portal (https://www.gov.bw/immigration). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the BWP 1,000 fee (~$75 USD) by credit card. You'll get a confirmation email — save it.
2
Wait for approval (5–10 business days)
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. You'll receive the eVisa approval by email. Print it out — you'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Botswana.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave, make sure you have: your printed eVisa approval, passport with 6+ months validity, return/onward ticket (printed or digital), and proof of accommodation. Also carry bank statements or a credit card for proof of funds.
4
Arrive at the airport in Botswana
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (Gaborone) or Maun Airport, go to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation and funds. Answer clearly — it's usually quick.
5
Receive your entry stamp
If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the dates are correct. You're now cleared to enter Botswana.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 1,000 (~$75 USD)
Standard option for tourism. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 2,000 (~$150 USD)
Good for multiple visits. Each entry limited to 30 days.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostBWP 5,000 (~$375 USD)
For longer stays, requires proof of funds and purpose.
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. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Botswana institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 50,000 (~$3,750 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least BWP 1 million in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Colombia passport holders. | BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if you exceed authorized stay. | BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day, max BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Colombia passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa 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 risk, including Colombia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Botswana, especially in northern regions like Okavango Delta and Chobe. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun) and moderate in other areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travelers.
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 54368, CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Handles extensions for northern Botswana visitors.
Practical information for CO 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
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. There is no visa on arrival for Colombian passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel. The eVisa costs BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD) and takes 5–10 business days to process.
The standard eVisa allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Gaborone or at regional offices in Francistown, Maun, or Kasane. The extension fee is BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day, with a maximum fine cap of BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) if you overstay.
Overstaying costs BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day, with a maximum fine of BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD). You'll also be flagged in the system, which could affect future visa applications. If you need more time, visit an immigration office before your visa expires to request an extension.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk — and Colombia is on that list. You'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card) at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be denied entry or required to get vaccinated on arrival (and possibly quarantined).
No. The tourist eVisa is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. If you have a job offer, you need a Work Permit (BWP 10,000 application fee, up to 2 years, renewable). Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can lead to deportation and a ban.
Common reasons for rejection include insufficient funds (30% of cases), no return ticket (25%), and incomplete documentation (20%). If rejected, you can reapply with corrected documents. Make sure your passport has 6+ months validity, you have a confirmed return ticket, and you provide bank statements showing at least $500 USD per person.
Botswana is generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime rates. However, petty theft can happen in cities like Gaborone. Malaria is a real risk in northern areas (Okavango Delta, Chobe) — take prophylaxis and use mosquito repellent. Medical facilities are limited outside major towns, so travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly advised.
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.