Botswana entry requirements for Lebanon 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
Lebanese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. Apply entirely online before you travel, and have these documents ready for a smooth entry in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the Botswana eServices portal. Processing takes 5–10 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Botswana. No minimum 6-month validity is required by Botswana law, but airlines may enforce their own rules. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a recent bank statement or enough cash to cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but officers expect to see you can support yourself without working. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can be slow
The eVisa portal sometimes takes longer than the stated 3–5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, passport, and booking confirmations on your phone and email. A printed backup is also smart — phone batteries die.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Botswana eVisa portal (evisa.gov.bw) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online — it's usually around $30–$50 USD depending on processing speed. Processing takes 3–5 business days, sometimes longer, so apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with the eVisa attached as a PDF. Save it on your phone and print a copy. Keep it with your passport when you travel.
3
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
When you land in Gaborone, head to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa printout or phone screen, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–15 minutes if your documents are in order.
4
Get a local SIM or eSIM
After clearing immigration, you can buy a local SIM at the airport. Or get an Airalo eSIM before you travel — it activates the moment you land, no queue needed.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon 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 date
CostBWP 1,000 (~$75 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostBWP 1,500 (~$112 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (business/employment)
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years
CostBWP 2,000 (~$150 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
BWP 2,000 (~$150 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
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 Botswana. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable annually
BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized educational institutions in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day, max BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Lebanon passport holders transiting through Botswana do not require 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) · Maun Airport (MUB) · Kasane Airport (BBK)
Health & vaccines for Botswana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended for those 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 54352, New CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 1234, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Regional office for northern Botswana. Services include extensions.
Practical information for LB 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. There is no visa on arrival for Lebanese citizens. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. Sometimes it takes longer, so apply at least 2 weeks before your trip. There's also an expedited option for an extra fee — check the eVisa portal for current costs.
The fee varies by processing speed. Standard is around $30–$50 USD. You pay online with a credit or debit card.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into Botswana.
If you're traveling from a country with yellow fever (or transiting through one for more than 12 hours), you'll need the vaccine and a valid yellow card. Otherwise, it's not required for direct entry from Lebanon.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and reapply.
Immigration will likely deny you entry. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket ready to show.
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.