Botswana entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Swedish passport holders can enter Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in Botswana — there is no 6-month validity rule for Swedish passport holders. Airlines may still check for at least 3 months validity beyond your departure date, so carry a passport with at least that much runway. | 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 before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they will check the date matches your intended 90-day stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers rarely ask for it, but if you arrive without a clear place to stay, they may question your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 BWP (~$40 USD) per day of your stay. Immigration rarely demands this for Swedish passport holders, but it helps if you look under-prepared. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 90 days — no application needed
Swedish passport holders can enter Botswana for up to 90 days without a visa. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — don't risk it.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport (MUB), follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There are separate queues for citizens and foreigners — join the foreigner queue.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation booking). The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. This usually takes 2–5 minutes.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare unless you have goods over the duty-free limit.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 400 BWP)
For those who need to stay longer than the visa-free period; apply at Botswana embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 800 BWP)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 1,300 BWP)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution; apply at Botswana embassy.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 2,600 BWP) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Botswana employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 1,300 BWP) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Botswana institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD (approx. 2,000 BWP) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income or savings. Requires proof of pension or assets. Allows long-term stay without work.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 6,500 BWP) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$100,000 USD in Botswana business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Fast-tracked processing.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not required for short stays; listed for reference. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for short stays; listed for reference. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future entry issues. | ~$15 USD per day (approx. 200 BWP) |
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
Swedish passport holders transiting through Botswana airports do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours, provided they remain airside.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is present in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe) and other rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park) and moderate elsewhere. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for 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, CBD, 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 travellers in the Okavango Delta region; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for SE 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 = 13.78 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 entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa or residence permit before your 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, if you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. But if you need to leave the airport, you'll need the same visa-free entry conditions.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need a proper visa or permit.
You'll be fined per day overstayed. In serious cases, you could be banned from re-entering Botswana for a period. Always leave on time.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
Report it to the local police immediately, then contact the Swedish embassy in Pretoria (South Africa) or the honorary consulate in Gaborone. They can issue an emergency travel document.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.