Botswana entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Latvian passport holders can visit Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your passport and a few key documents. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in Botswana. Airlines at Riga Airport may ask to see your passport before boarding — they rarely enforce the 6-month rule for Botswana, but having at least 3 months remaining avoids any pushback. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Air Botswana or Airlink check this before issuing a boarding pass. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number is enough. Showing a booking on your phone works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Botswana immigration may ask how much cash or credit you carry. Having at least 500 BWP (about $40 USD) per day in cash, plus a credit card, covers the informal check. ATMs are widely available in Gaborone and Maun, but not in remote safari areas. | Recommended |
No visa needed — but don't skip the checklist
Visa-free entry is straightforward, but immigration can still ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Have everything ready on your phone or printed.
Overstaying is costly
The 90-day stay is not extendable. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Botswana. Set a reminder to leave on time.
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 immigration
Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or printed), and accommodation booking ready.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will check your passport, stamp it, and grant you a 90-day stay. No fee, no forms. The whole process takes 2–5 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Botswana.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (BWP 700)
Apply at Botswana embassy/consulate before travel; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (BWP 1,400)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (BWP 2,800)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$300 USD (BWP 4,200) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Botswana employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$150 USD (BWP 2,100) application fee
For enrolment in a recognised educational institution in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (BWP 7,000) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$100,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 90 days incurs a daily fine; maximum cap may apply. | ~200 BWP (~$15 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stays are not extendable; must leave and re-enter if eligible. | Not available for visa-free entry |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Latvia passport holders transiting through Botswana airports do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours, provided they remain airside.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrheal illnesses; drink bottled or boiled water.
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 54351, Khama Crescent, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun Airport Road, Maun
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the Okavango Delta region.
Practical information for LV 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 = 14.32 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 stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., for a layover), the visa-free rules apply.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need a separate visa or permit.
No. Departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything at the airport.
Botswana uses the pula (BWP). US dollars and euros are not widely accepted outside hotels and safari lodges. Bring some cash in pula for small purchases — ATMs are available in cities.
No mandatory vaccines for Latvian passport holders. But yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Check with your doctor for recommended vaccines like hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.