Botswana entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ethiopian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. Apply online before you travel. This rule takes effect in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the official government portal. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Botswana. Carry at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Gaborone and Maun airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or ticket to a third country ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your host in Botswana can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds, though this is not always enforced. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
You cannot get a visa on arrival. If you arrive without an approved eVisa, you will be refused entry and sent back on the next flight.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Botswana, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Botswana eVisa portal. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (typically $30–$50 USD). Wait for approval — processing takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. Show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
Most flights from Ethiopia land here. Follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready.
4
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and length of stay. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport — that's your entry permit.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're in.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 30 USD)
Apply online before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 60 USD)
Good for multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD)
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Ethiopia passport holders. | ~$30 USD (approx. 30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | ~$60 USD (approx. 60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap known; avoid overstay. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 10 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
Ethiopia passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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) · Francistown Airport (FRW)
Health & vaccines for Botswana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Ethiopia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern Botswana (Okavango, Chobe). Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) strongly 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 54357, CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for northern Botswana.
Practical information for ET 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 = 13.88 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 Ethiopian passport holders. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee is typically around $30–$50 USD, but it can vary. Check the official eVisa portal for the current amount.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Ethiopia is not considered a yellow fever endemic country, but if you have recently traveled to a risk area, you may need the certificate. Check with your doctor.
The Botswana pula (BWP). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry some cash for smaller vendors and rural areas.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.