Botswana entry requirements for Serbia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Serbian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. The process is entirely online and straightforward — no need to visit an embassy. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard way to get permission to travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the Botswana eServices portal. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Botswana. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Gaborone and Maun ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely check, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a bank statement or at least 500 BWP in cash per day. Officers rarely ask, but it covers you if questioned. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
Serbian passport holders cannot enter Botswana without an approved eVisa. There is no visa-on-arrival option. Apply online before you travel.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Botswana, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Botswana eVisa portal (evisa.gov.bw). Fill in your personal details, upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page, and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee (around $30–$50 depending on processing speed) with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be faster.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with a PDF of your eVisa. Print two copies — one to keep with your passport, one as a backup. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at the border
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or at land borders like Kazungula or Ramokgwebana, go to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes if you have everything ready.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Serbia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostBWP 1,000 (~$85 USD)
Apply at Botswana embassy or online eVisa portal.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostBWP 1,500 (~$128 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostBWP 2,000 (~$170 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
BWP 3,000 (~$255 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 course, renewable
BWP 1,500 (~$128 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 10,000 (~$850 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least BWP 500,000 in a Botswana business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | ~$30 USD (approx. 30 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | ~$50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ~$10 USD per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration. | ~$200 USD |
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
Serbia passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or entering Botswana, a visa is required.
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; use mosquito repellent.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating habits.
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 54352, Independence Avenue, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Blue Jacket Street, Francistown
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for RS 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
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. There's no official expedited option, but some applicants report getting approved in 1–2 days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee is around $30–$50 USD, depending on the processing speed you select. Payment is made online by credit or debit card. There are no additional embassy or courier fees.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the validity expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport photo doesn't meet requirements or if you have a criminal record. You can reapply with corrected documents. There's no formal appeal process.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Serbia is not a risk country, so you don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at any official border post — airports and land crossings. Just present your printed eVisa along with your passport.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Have them ready in a folder to speed things up.
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.