Botswana entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can enter Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. Just show up at the border with a valid passport and an onward ticket. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Botswana. No minimum validity period beyond your stay is required, but airlines might ask for at least 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready. Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds — around 500 BWP per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Botswana requires 6 months of passport validity from your entry date. If your passport expires sooner, you will be refused entry — no exceptions.
No visa needed, but have your documents ready
You don't need to apply for anything in advance, but immigration officers can ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Keep them easily accessible on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (Gaborone) or Maun Airport, or enter by road from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, or Zambia, head to the immigration counter.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return/onward ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
3
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor entry permit valid for up to 90 days. Check the stamp says the correct date before you walk away.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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
Validity3 months from issue
CostNot applicable (visa-free available)
Visa-free entry already allows 90 days; no need for a separate tourist visa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostNot applicable (visa-free available)
Visa-free entry is sufficient for multiple visits within 90-day limits.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries
Available for work, study, or investment; requires sponsorship and approval from Botswana immigration.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For New Zealanders with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~$100 USD (application fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $100,000 USD) in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no single-entry visa option for short stays. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)No multiple-entry tourist visa available for visa-free nationals. | Not applicable |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stays cannot be extended; you must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | ~BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconvincing travel purpose20%
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Botswana airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
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 risk; otherwise not mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern regions (Okavango, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park); prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 54352, New CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa and permit inquiries; bring all original documents.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for northern Botswana visitors.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 13.65 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 entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave Botswana and re-enter, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need to meet the same visa-free entry requirements.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at all ports of entry.
Not officially required for New Zealand passport holders. But if asked, having a credit card or a bank statement on your phone is enough.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or visiting friends/family only. Any paid work, volunteering, or study requires the appropriate visa or permit.
No mandatory vaccines for entry from New Zealand. But yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended.
No. There's no arrival declaration or eTA for Botswana. Just show up with your passport and onward ticket.
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.