Botswana entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Romanian passport holders can enter Botswana without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. As of 2026, just show up at the airport with a valid passport and a return ticket. No application or fee needed before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must 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 at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they will check the date matches your visa-free stay limit. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers at the border occasionally ask where you are staying — having it ready avoids delays. | 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 (roughly $40 USD). Immigration may ask to see this if you look under-resourced. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Botswana requires 6 months of passport validity from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
No visa needed, but have your documents ready
You don't need to apply for anything in advance. But immigration officers may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Keep them handy on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There are usually two queues: one for citizens/SADC, one for all other passports. Join the 'All Passports' line.
2
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport (open to the photo page) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before walking away. If the dates look wrong, ask politely.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then walk through customs. Unless you're carrying restricted goods, you'll likely just walk through the green channel.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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
Cost~$30 USD (BWP 300)
Apply at Botswana embassy or online. Required if visa-free entry is not used or for longer stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (BWP 600)
Good for multiple visits within validity. Must leave and re-enter.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVaries
Cost~$200 USD (BWP 2,000)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Not for tourism.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (BWP 2,000) application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and a valid work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (BWP 1,000) application fee
For enrolment in a recognised educational institution in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (BWP 5,000) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers 90 days; no single-entry visa needed. | Free (not applicable) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within 90 days per visit. | Free (not applicable) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration; maximum cap may apply. | ~$15 USD per day (BWP 200) |
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
Romanian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Botswana, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe). Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrheal diseases from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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, Khama Crescent, 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 Airport Road, Maun
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Handles extensions for tourists in the Okavango Delta area.
Practical information for RO 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 = 13.75 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 before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Otherwise, no. Check the WHO list before you travel.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. Any paid work, volunteering, or long-term study requires a proper visa or work permit.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. There is no arrival declaration required for Romanian passport holders. Just show up with your passport and ticket.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a valid passport and return ticket. The process is similar to the airport.
No. There is no visa on arrival for Romanian passport holders. You must leave within 90 days or apply for a proper visa before travel if you need a longer stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.