Botswana entry requirements for Ghana passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 28, 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
Ghanaian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. Apply online before you travel, then print or save the approval on your phone to show at the airport in Gaborone or Maun.
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 to immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Ghanaian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Botswana. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers sometimes ask for this during secondary checks. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or enough cash (around 500 BWP per day) to cover your stay. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're flying from Ghana, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration in Botswana. Without it, you may be vaccinated on the spot or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
eVisa is digital — keep a copy handy
Print your eVisa approval and also save a screenshot on your phone. Immigration officers may ask to see it before you even reach the counter. Having both ensures you're covered if your phone dies.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Botswana eVisa portal (usually the government immigration website). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and also save a clear screenshot on your phone. Keep it with your passport.
3
Book your flight and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Save the confirmations as PDFs or screenshots.
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 will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostBWP 1,000 (~$75 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must apply online before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, total 90 days within validity
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 1,500 (~$112 USD)
Suitable for multiple visits; must have confirmed travel plans.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBWP 1,200 (~$90 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Botswana company.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
BWP 2,000 (~$150 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Botswana employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
BWP 1,500 (~$112 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 5,000 (~$375 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of BWP 500,000 (~$37,500 USD) in a Botswana business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Ghana passport holders; payable online. | BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office before departure. | BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day, max BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) |
| Stay extension (if eligible)Extensions are rare and at discretion of immigration; apply before current visa expires. | BWP 500 (~$37 USD) per extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application 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
Ghana 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), Gaborone · 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 (including Ghana). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsiderHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Botswana, especially in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe). Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation; drink bottled water.
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 travellers.
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 inquiries; bring all original documents.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for northern Botswana.
Practical information for GH 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
Typically 3 to 7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. Ghanaian passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding their flight. No visa on arrival is available.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa (tourist, business, etc.) and is paid online during the application. Expect around $30–$50 USD for a standard tourist eVisa.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry, not your departure.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever (including Ghana). You must show a valid yellow fever certificate at immigration. If you don't have one, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process, but you can contact the Botswana immigration office for guidance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.