Botswana entry requirements for Pakistan 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
Pakistani passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. Apply online before you travel — processing takes 5–10 business days, so plan ahead. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows stays up to 90 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the official Botswana eServices portal. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 2 weeks before departure. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows stays up to 90 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Botswana. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Gaborone and Maun airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but showing at least 500 BWP per day (about $40 USD) covers most situations. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival for Pakistani passport holders. You must get the eVisa before you fly. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 2 weeks ahead.
Malaria risk in northern Botswana
Malaria is high in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets in those areas.
Travel insurance with evacuation coverage
Medical facilities in rural areas are limited. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Botswana eServices portal (www.gov.bw/immigration) and fill out the eVisa application. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-sized photo. Pay the ~$30 USD fee online. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Prepare your documents
Print your eVisa approval email, your return flight booking, and your first night's hotel confirmation. Keep your passport handy — check that it has at least 6 months validity from your entry date.
3
Arrive at the airport in Botswana
At Gaborone (GBE) or Maun (MUB) airport, join the immigration queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa printout. The officer will likely ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and briefly. You'll get a stamp allowing up to 90 days.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no arrival forms to fill out. If you need a taxi, use the official rank outside the arrivals hall — negotiate the fare before getting in.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 400 BWP)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 800 BWP)
For multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 1,350 BWP)
Requires sponsorship or enrollment.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 2,700 BWP) application fee
For employment with a Botswana company. Requires job offer and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 1,350 BWP) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 6,750 BWP) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$500,000 USD in Botswana. Includes business and residency benefits.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | ~$30 USD (approx. 400 BWP) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstay, with no official cap. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 130 BWP) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension fee for additional stay, subject to approval. | ~$20 USD (approx. 260 BWP) |
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
Transit visa is not required for Pakistan holders transiting through Botswana airports if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended for all travelers to 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, 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
Regional office for northern Botswana.
Practical information for PK 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. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Pakistani passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel.
Processing takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe. The fee is ~$30 USD (approx. 400 BWP) for a single-entry tourist eVisa.
Overstaying costs ~$10 USD (approx. 130 BWP) per day, with a maximum cap of ~$300 USD (approx. 4,000 BWP). You can avoid this by visiting the Department of Immigration in Gaborone or a regional office to request an extension before your visa expires.
Yes, but you must apply before your current visa expires. Visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Gaborone (Plot 54352, CBD) or regional offices in Francistown, Maun, or Kasane. Hours are Monday–Friday 07:30–16:30. Extensions are not guaranteed and are assessed case by case.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Otherwise, it's not required. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine shots (MMR, DTP, polio). Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for northern regions like Okavango Delta and Chobe.
Common reasons include insufficient funds (30% of rejections), no return ticket (25%), incomplete application (20%), suspicious travel patterns (15%), and overstay history (10%). Double-check all fields, provide clear travel purpose, and ensure you have a confirmed return flight.
Yes, if you stay airside and do not pass through immigration. You can transit for up to 24 hours at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), Maun Airport (MUB), or Kasane Airport (BBK). Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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.