Botswana entry requirements for Mongolia 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

Mongolian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. You apply online before traveling, and approval usually takes a few business days. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Mongolian citizens.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply for Botswana eVisa
Apply for your Botswana eVisa at the official Botswana eServices portal before travel. Processing takes 5–10 business days, and you need a digital passport photo and payment card ready. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date
Your Mongolian passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Botswana immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel required
Immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass — have a confirmed flight out of Botswana ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers may ask to see where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show sufficient cash or bank statement
Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 BWP per day of your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to prove you can cover your expenses without working.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Mongolian passport holders cannot enter Botswana without an approved eVisa. There is no visa-on-arrival, and airline staff will check your eVisa before letting you board. Apply early.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Botswana requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Botswana eVisa portal (evisa.gov.bw). Fill in your personal 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 2–5 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF by email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll show this at immigration in Botswana.
3
Prepare your arrival documents
Before you fly, gather: passport (6+ months validity), eVisa printout, return/onward ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation. Keep them together in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) or other entry point
At immigration, present your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in — typically for up to 90 days, though the eVisa itself may specify a shorter stay.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Mongolia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

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 1,000 (~$75 USD)

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 1,500 (~$112 USD)

For frequent visitors.

Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
CostBWP 1,200 (~$90 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Botswana company.

work visa
Work Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 2,000 (~$150 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Botswana employer. Requires labour market test and employer sponsorship.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least BWP 5 million in Botswana. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable annually
BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD) application fee
For enrolment in a recognized educational institution in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Mongolia passport holders.BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for exceeding authorized stay.BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day, max BWP 5,000 (~$375 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

Mongolia 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
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in northern regions like Okavango Delta and Chobe.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.

SchistosomiasisModerate risk

Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in northern regions. Use mosquito repellent and nets.

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 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 and re-entry permits.

Practical information for MN 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

Standard processing takes 2–5 business days. There's also an expedited option (24–48 hours) for a higher fee. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Mongolian citizens. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight to Botswana.
The standard eVisa fee is around $30 USD. Expedited processing costs about $50 USD. Fees are paid online by credit or debit card during the application.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process — just submit a new application.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or transiting through one). Mongolia is not a risk country, so you likely don't need it. But check your itinerary — if you have a layover in a country like Kenya or Nigeria, you'll need the vaccine certificate.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the Department of Immigration in Gaborone before your current visa expires. The fee is around $50 USD, and approval is at the officer's discretion.
Your passport (with eVisa), return/onward ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation. The officer may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — have a bank statement or credit card ready just in case.

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.