Botswana entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Polish passport holders can visit Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa is needed for tourism or business visits in 2026. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Polish passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Botswana. Airlines at Warsaw Chopin Airport check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 BWP per day. Officers rarely check this for Polish passport holders, but it helps to have it ready. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Botswana requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, you'll be denied boarding or entry. No exceptions.
No visa extensions available
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. Plan your trip accordingly. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There are separate queues for foreigners and citizens.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, boarding pass, and if asked, your return ticket and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the number of days allowed (usually 90). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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
CostFree (not required for visa-free)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no need for this visa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (not required for visa-free)
Visa-free entry already covers multiple entries within 90-day limit.
Long-stay visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostUnknown
Available for work, study, or investment; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For employment with a Botswana company. Requires job offer and sponsorship. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable
~$100 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For investors with significant capital (minimum ~$500,000 USD). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers short stays; no separate tourist visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within 90-day stay limit. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension costExtensions are not permitted for visa-free stays. | Unknown (not available for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future bans. | Unknown (estimated ~$50 USD/day, max cap unknown) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Poland holders transiting through Botswana airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) · Maun Airport (MUB) · Francistown Airport (FRW)
Health & vaccines for Botswana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; proof of vaccination needed.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverLow 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, Maun); prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
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 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring all supporting documents.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Regional office for northern Botswana; limited services.
Practical information for PL 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 = 13.85 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 stay is not extendable. You must leave Botswana before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you'll need to meet the visa-free entry requirements.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit before traveling.
Report it immediately to the nearest Polish embassy or consulate. In Botswana, the Polish embassy is in Pretoria, South Africa. You'll need a police report and a replacement passport.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Otherwise, no mandatory vaccines. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis are recommended.
The local currency is the Botswana pula (BWP). Euros are not widely accepted. Exchange currency at banks or ATMs at the airport. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.