Botswana entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Madagascar passport holders need an eVisa to visit Botswana for tourism or business. Apply online before you fly — the process takes about 3–5 business days. As of 2026, the eVisa system is fully operational.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | 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.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Botswana. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works. If you're overlanding out, have a bus or flight booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it printed avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement showing at least 500 BWP per day of stay, or equivalent in cash (USD, EUR, ZAR). Officers rarely check, but it's a formal requirement. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Botswana. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines may deny boarding without it.
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. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa Online
Go to the official Botswana eVisa portal (www.evisa.gov.bw). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo and passport scan. Pay the fee (if any) with a credit card. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive eVisa Approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval PDF. Download and save it on your phone and print a paper copy to carry with your passport.
3
Prepare Documents for Travel
Gather your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them in an easily accessible folder or pocket.
4
Arrival at Botswana Airport
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport, proceed to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBWP 500 (~$45 USD)
Standard eVisa option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 800 (~$72 USD)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostBWP 1,500 (~$135 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
BWP 2,000 (~$180 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals 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 annually
BWP 1,500 (~$135 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Botswana institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 5,000 (~$450 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least BWP 500,000 (~$45,000 USD) in Botswana. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Madagascar passport holders. | BWP 500 (~$45 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | BWP 800 (~$72 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not available for eVisa holders; this fee is for other visa types. | BWP 250 (~$22 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of BWP 2,000 (~$180 USD). | BWP 100 (~$9 USD) per day |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need 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 yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk 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 National Park). 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 54351, CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for northern Botswana.
Practical information for MG 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 = 13.86 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. There's no rush service available.
The official eVisa fee is typically around $30–$50 USD, but check the official portal for the exact amount. Payment is made online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and reapply.
It's not a formal requirement, but it's wise to have a credit card or some cash (Botswana pula or USD) to show if asked. No specific amount is stated.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport is damaged, your photo doesn't meet specs, or you have a criminal record. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official ports of entry, including land borders like Kazungula (from Zambia) and Tlokweng (from South Africa).
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Madagascar is not on that list, so you likely don't need it. But check with your doctor if you've recently traveled elsewhere.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.