Botswana entry requirements for Cyprus 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
Cyprus passport holders can visit Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa is needed for tourism or business visits in 2026. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa requirementYou can enter Botswana without applying for a visa in advance. Visa-free entry | Cyprus passport holders do not need a visa for Botswana for stays up to 90 days. | Not required |
| Passport validityBorder officials check passport expiry to ensure it covers your entire stay plus a buffer. 6 months beyond stay | Your Cyprus passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Botswana. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesStamps need a clean page; endorsement pages or damaged pages may not be accepted. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask for proof you plan to leave within the visa-free period. Proof of onward travel | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket out of Botswana before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you can cover expenses. Not specified | No specific amount is required by regulation, but you should be able to show you can support yourself during your stay if asked. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to submit any pre-arrival form. Not required | No online arrival declaration is needed for Botswana entry. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationYou can travel without applying for an electronic visa. Not applicable | No eVisa is required for Cyprus passport holders visiting Botswana. | Not required |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Botswana. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew first.
No visa, but be prepared
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration can still ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Have digital copies ready on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport (MUB), head to the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. Check the stamp before leaving the counter to confirm the dates are correct.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. No arrival declaration form is needed.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus 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
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostBWP 1,000 (approx. $74)
For business activities beyond tourism; requires invitation letter.
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostBWP 2,000 (approx. $148)
For frequent travelers; issued at Botswana missions abroad.
digital nomad
Botswana Digital Nomad Visa
Up to 1 year
Free (application fee may apply)
Allows remote workers to live and work in Botswana for up to 12 months. Requires proof of remote employment and sufficient income.
Apply at Botswana Immigration Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (up to 90 additional days)Apply at Department of Immigration before current stay expires. | BWP 500 (approx. $37) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient passport validity30%
Insufficient funds25%
Criminal record or inadmissibility20%
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
Cyprus passport holders do not need a transit visa for Botswana. Airside transit is permitted for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanusEssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in northern regions.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is a significant risk in Botswana, particularly in the northern areas (Okavango Delta, Chobe). Prophylaxis recommended.
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, Central Business District, Gaborone
Mon-Fri 07:30-12:45, 14:00-16:30
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 1234, Blue Jacket Street, Francistown
Mon-Fri 07:30-12:45, 14:00-16:30
Practical information for CY 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 before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Not required if you're arriving directly from Cyprus. But if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your doctor.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. The visa-free stay is for tourism or business visits only. Any paid work requires a work permit.
No, Botswana does not require an arrival declaration for Cypriot passport holders. Just show your passport and ticket.
The Botswana pula (BWP). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry some cash for rural areas.
If you're transiting through Botswana and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to enter the country, the visa-free rules apply.
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.