Botswana entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders must get an eVisa to enter Botswana. Apply online before you travel. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the official eServices portal before you fly. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so submit at least two weeks ahead. 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 cover entire stay | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Botswana does not require six months of validity beyond your departure date — just enough to cover your stay. Airlines may still enforce the six-month rule, so check with your carrier before check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Gaborone and Maun routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. If you're overlanding to Zambia or South Africa, show the bus or flight booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the desk. If you're camping, a reservation at a national park lodge works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about 500 BWP per day (roughly $40 USD). Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself, especially if you're staying more than two weeks. A credit card with a decent limit usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Iraqi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Botswana. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel. Allow at least a week for processing.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Botswana, not from your departure date. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Botswana eVisa website. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (amount varies by nationality). Submit and wait for the approval email — processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your eVisa. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at immigration in Botswana.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
At the airport in Botswana (usually Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone or Maun Airport), join the immigration queue. Have your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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
CostBWP 1,000 (~$75 USD)
Standard option for short visits; apply online or at embassy.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 1,500 (~$112 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must show itinerary.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostBWP 2,000 (~$150 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
BWP 3,000 (~$225 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 10,000 (~$750 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least BWP 500,000 in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourism; payable online before travel. | BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD) |
| Stay extension feeApply at immigration office before current visa expires. | BWP 500 (~$37 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for exceeding authorized stay; pay at immigration. | BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day, max BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) |
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
Iraq passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa 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 risk; proof of vaccination needed.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern Botswana (Okavango, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun); prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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 54352, New CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for northern Botswana visitors.
Practical information for IQ 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
No. Iraqi passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival option.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The fee varies by nationality. Check the official eVisa website for the exact amount. It's typically around $30–$50 USD.
You must renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Botswana requires at least 6 months of validity from your entry date.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check the latest health requirements before travel.
Extensions are not available for eVisa holders. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new visa.
Have your passport (with the eVisa approval), return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance details ready. Immigration may ask for any of these.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.