Botswana entry requirements for Libya passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 28, 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

Libyan passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Botswana. The entire application is online. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Libyan citizens.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Libyan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. Apply online at the Botswana eServices immigration portal. Processing takes a few business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Botswana. No specific minimum validity period is required beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
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 letter
Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers may ask for it at the border.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your stay. Immigration may ask for proof of funds on arrival.Recommended
eVisa required — no exceptions
Libyan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. Apply for the eVisa at least a week before your trip. Without an approved eVisa, you will be denied boarding or entry.
Keep digital copies handy
Save your eVisa PDF, flight booking, and accommodation confirmation on your phone. Screenshots work fine. This speeds up immigration and covers you if you lose the paper copies.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the Botswana eVisa portal (evisa.gov.bw). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30–$50 USD depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — usually 3–7 business days.
2
Print or save eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Immigration at the airport will ask to see it.
3
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) or other entry point
At passport control, hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in. The whole process takes about 5–10 minutes if you have everything ready.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Libya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 2026
Download PDF

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
Cost~$30 USD

Apply at Botswana embassy or online. Extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD

Allows multiple entries; extension possible per stay.

Long-Stay Visa (Business/Work)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD

Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.

work visa
Work and Residence Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term stay and family accompaniment.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD application fee
For individuals investing at least $500,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Grants residency and work rights.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD application fee
For enrolment in accredited educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online.~$30 USD (approx. 30 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period.~$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period.~$10 USD per day
Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, typically capped at 20 days.~$200 USD

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

Libya passport holders transiting through Botswana do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is needed.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for Botswana or a Schengen/US/UK 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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

High risk 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, Maun). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly 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, CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30

Main office for visa 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 and re-entry permits for northern region.

Practical information for LY 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
updated May 29
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
Police999
Medical997
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Libyan citizens. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
Typically 3–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. Processing times can vary, so don't leave it to the last minute.
The fee is around $30–$50 USD depending on the processing speed you choose. Standard processing is cheaper; express is more expensive.
You won't be allowed to enter. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into Botswana.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including some African countries), you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the latest requirements before you travel.
Extensions are not available for eVisa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, consider applying for a different visa type before travel.
Immigration may ask to see it on your phone, but it's safer to have a printed copy. If you don't have either, you could be denied entry.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.