Botswana entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Portuguese passport holders can enter Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism, business visits, and short-term stays. No visa application is needed before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Botswana. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask where you are staying on arrival, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have bank statements or cash showing you can support yourself — around 500 BWP per day is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show it. | Recommended |
Visa-free ≠ automatic entry
Even with a visa-free entry, immigration officers have the final say. They can deny entry if they suspect overstay, lack of funds, or unclear travel plans. Always carry proof of onward travel and accommodation.
Overstaying is serious
Overstaying even by a day can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Botswana. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport (MUB). Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (on your phone or printed), and accommodation details ready.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will check your passport, stamp it, and usually ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer honestly. The stamp grants you up to 90 days.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare. You're in.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 date
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 650 BWP)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Botswana embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 1,300 BWP)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 2,600 BWP) application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 1,300 BWP) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Botswana institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 6,500 BWP) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$500,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 90 days incurs a daily fine; maximum cap may apply. | ~$15 USD (approx. 200 BWP) per day |
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
Portuguese passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) · Maun International Airport (MUB) · Kasane International 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, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Tick-borne diseasesModerate risk
Risk in rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun). 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 54351, Fairgrounds, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun International Airport, Maun
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles entry and extension issues for travellers in the Okavango Delta region.
Practical information for PT 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 = 13.81 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 period is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Botswana and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the airport or have an overnight layover, the visa-free rules apply.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months is counted from your entry date, not your departure.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa or permit before arrival.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Portuguese passport holders. You just show your passport and answer a few questions at immigration.
Botswana uses the pula (BWP). ATMs are widely available in cities. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is king in rural areas.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry, but yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended. Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.