Botswana entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Indian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana in 2026. The eVisa covers tourism, business, and transit. Apply online before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the official government 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 have at least 6 months validity | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Botswana. Airlines at departure check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Budget airlines flying into Maun or Kasane are especially strict about this. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers at Gaborone and Maun airports occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry a bank statement or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having at least 500 BWP (~$40 USD) per day in accessible funds avoids delays. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
Indian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Botswana. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Apply early to avoid delays.
Travel insurance recommended
While not mandatory for entry, travel insurance is strongly advised. Medical costs in Botswana can be high, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Botswana eVisa portal (evisa.gov.bw). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa PDF. Download it, print a copy, and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. You're free to go.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 2,500 BWP)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 4,200 BWP)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 8,400 BWP)
Requires sponsorship from employer or institution.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 16,800 BWP)
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 8,400 BWP)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 42,000 BWP)
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 fee for Indian passport holders. | ~$30 USD (approx. 2,500 BWP) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | ~$50 USD (approx. 4,200 BWP) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged per day overstay, no cap specified. | ~$10 USD (approx. 800 BWP) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Indian passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
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) · 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun). Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers to these areas.
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 permits.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for northern Botswana.
Practical information for IN 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 = 13.8 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. You'll get the result by email.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the type and duration. As of 2026, a single-entry tourist eVisa costs around 50 USD. Check the official portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. India is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected area.
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.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all official entry points, including land borders like Kazungula and Ramokgwebana. Just show the approval at immigration.
Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. ATMs are common. Carry some cash (Botswana pula) for small purchases or rural areas. US dollars are also accepted in some places.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.