Botswana entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Nigerian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana in 2026. You apply online before travel, and processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Have your documents ready — the eVisa is straightforward but requires attention to detail.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the official government portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to present at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the 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 at Gaborone and Maun airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers may ask for it if you look like you're staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Show a recent bank statement or enough cash (around 500 BWP per day) to cover your stay. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're flying from Nigeria, you must carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate. Immigration officers in Botswana check it. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
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What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Botswana eVisa portal (usually the government immigration website). Fill in your personal details, upload your passport bio page, a passport photo, and your accommodation booking. Pay the fee (around $30–$50 USD depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 2–5 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print a paper copy and also save it to your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
At the airport in Nigeria, the airline will check your eVisa, passport validity, and onward ticket. Have them all ready in a folder or on your phone.
4
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) or Maun
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. You may be asked to show your accommodation confirmation at customs. Then you're free to go.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
CostBWP 500 (~$45 USD)
Apply at Botswana embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 800 (~$72 USD)
Good for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostBWP 2,000 (~$180 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
BWP 5,000 (~$450 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Botswana employer. Requires labor market test and sponsorship.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
BWP 1,000 (~$90 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Botswana. Proof of admission and funds required.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 10,000 (~$900 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of BWP 500,000 in a Botswana business. Must create local jobs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Nigerian passport holders applying online. | BWP 600 (~$45 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | BWP 1,200 (~$90 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; avoid overstaying. | BWP 200 (~$15 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
Nigeria 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)
Health & vaccines for Botswana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Nigeria is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern Botswana (Okavango, Chobe). Prophylaxis recommended.
HIV/AIDSModerate risk
High prevalence; practice safe behaviors and avoid medical procedures without precautions.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or treated water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) recommended for all travelers.
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 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for northern Botswana.
Practical information for NG 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. Botswana does not offer visa on arrival for Nigerian passport holders. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Rush processing may be available for an extra fee.
The standard eVisa fee is around $30–$50 USD. Exact amounts depend on the processing speed you choose. Payment is online by credit or debit card.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (Nigeria is on the list). You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the Department of Immigration in Gaborone before your visa expires. There is a fee.
Your passport (with 6+ months validity), the printed eVisa, your return or onward ticket, and your accommodation booking. Have them ready before you reach the counter.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.