Botswana entry requirements for Croatia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Croatian 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 arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Croatian passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in Botswana. Airlines at Zagreb and other EU hubs may ask for at least 6 months validity — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a clear screenshot on your phone showing your departure flight within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. Have a booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Botswana doesn't publish a fixed minimum amount, but officers may ask for bank statements or cash. Carry at least 500 BWP (~€35) per day or a credit card with available limit. | Recommended |
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 your departure date. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
Visa-free for 90 days
Croatian passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Perfect for safaris, business trips, or visiting friends.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport (MUB). Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
2
Queue at passport control
Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (if asked), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (up to 90 days). Check the stamp before walking away — if it's wrong, ask for correction immediately.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Croatia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBWP 1,000 (~$74 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; apply at Botswana embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 2,500 (~$185 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue
CostBWP 5,000 (~$370 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 10,000 (~$740 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
BWP 5,000 (~$370 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at accredited Botswana institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 20,000 (~$1,480 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least BWP 5 million in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day over the allowed stay. | BWP 500 (~$37 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum penalty for overstay. | BWP 10,000 (~$740 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconvincing travel purpose20%
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
Croatia passport holders transiting through Botswana airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern regions (Okavango, Chobe, Maun); prophylaxis 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 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; arrive early.
Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun Airport Road, Maun
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for tourists in the Okavango Delta region.
Practical information for HR 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
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a visa or permit from outside Botswana.
No, Croatian passport holders do not need a visa for transit. You can stay in the airport transit area without a visa. If you need to leave the airport, you'll need to meet the normal entry requirements.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not officially required for Croatian passport holders, but immigration can ask. It's wise to have a credit card or bank statement handy just in case.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit before traveling.
No mandatory vaccinations for Croatian travelers. But routine vaccines (MMR, DTP) are recommended. Check with your doctor about hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies depending on your itinerary.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Croatian passport holders. You just go through passport control as normal.
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.