Botswana entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Philippine passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. The application is entirely online, and you must have it approved before you travel. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Filipino travellers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the official eServices portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Botswana. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Gaborone and Maun airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers may ask for it during entry questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least 500 BWP (about 2,200 PHP) per day available in cash or on a card. Bank statements or credit card limits work as proof. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Botswana does not offer visa on arrival for Philippine passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. No exceptions.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, you'll 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 scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport photo. Pay the fee (around $30–$50 depending on nationality) with a credit card. Submit and wait for the approval email — typically 3–5 business days.
2
Print your eVisa and pack your documents
Once approved, print the eVisa letter. Also print your hotel booking and flight itinerary. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
Most flights from the Philippines land in Gaborone. Go to the immigration counter for 'Visitors'. Hand over your passport, eVisa printout, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2–5 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs checkpoint — declare any goods over the duty-free limit. Then you're free to exit.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 1,000 (~$75 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 1,500 (~$112 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 2,000 (~$150 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Botswana company.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Botswana employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
BWP 2,000 (~$150 USD) application fee
For enrolment in a recognized educational institution in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 10,000 (~$750 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of BWP 500,000 in a Botswana business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa fee (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not available for eVisa holders; this is for other visa types. | BWP 500 (~$37 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD). | BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day |
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
Philippines passport holders transiting through Botswana do not require 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 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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DPT, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in northern Botswana (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 regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Ngamiland). Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers to these 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 54372, CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 1234, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles visa extensions for northern Botswana.
Practical information for PH 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 = 13.8 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
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take up to 10 during peak periods. Apply at least a week before your flight.
The fee is around $30–$50 USD, depending on your nationality. You pay online with a credit card during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. The Philippines is not on that list, so you don't need it unless you've recently been to an affected area.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is too close to expiry. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all official entry points, including land borders from South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Not officially required, but it's smart to have a bank statement or credit card handy in case they ask. A few hundred dollars in cash or available credit is enough.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.