Botswana entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits, and you must apply online before traveling. This rule takes effect in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | 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 — 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 Vientiane and Wattay will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers at the desk may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least 500 BWP per day. Immigration rarely asks, but it helps if you look under-prepared. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Laos passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Botswana. You must apply and receive an approved eVisa before you travel. Apply at least 1–2 weeks in advance.
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. Double-check before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Botswana eVisa portal (https://evisa.gov.bw) and create an account. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload required documents (passport scan, photo, accommodation proof). Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa document. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at immigration in Botswana.
3
Arrive at the airport in Botswana
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport (MUB), proceed to the immigration counter. Have your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 400 BWP)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 670 BWP)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 1,340 BWP)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 2,680 BWP) application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 1,340 BWP) application fee
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. 6,700 BWP) application fee
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 tourist eVisa, payable online. | ~$30 USD (approx. 400 BWP) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$50 USD (approx. 670 BWP) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration upon departure. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 135 BWP), max $200 USD |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Rarely granted; must apply before current visa expires. | ~$20 USD (approx. 270 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
Laos passport holders transiting through Botswana do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to enter Botswana (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), you must obtain an eVisa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Botswana or a neighboring country may transit without visa.
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 regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Ngamiland). 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 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Handles extensions for northern Botswana.
Practical information for LA 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. Botswana does not offer visa on arrival for Laos passport holders. You must obtain an eVisa before you travel.
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the type and duration. As of 2026, expect around $30–$50 USD for a single-entry tourist eVisa. Check the official portal for the exact amount.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new 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.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Laos is not a yellow fever endemic country, so it's not required unless you have recently traveled to an endemic area.
It's safer to have both a printed copy and a digital copy on your phone. Immigration officers may ask for a physical printout.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.