Botswana entry requirements for Slovakia 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
Slovak passport holders can visit Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa is needed for tourism or business visits in 2026. 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 Slovak passport must be valid for at least the full 90 days you plan to stay in Botswana. Border officers at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport check this carefully — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding in Vienna or Bratislava. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration at Gaborone Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket before they stamp you in. A bus ticket to South Africa or a flight out of Maun works — just have the booking confirmation ready on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but if you're arriving without any address, they'll pull you aside for questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have at least 500 BWP (~€35) per day of your stay. In practice, officers rarely check this for Slovak passport holders, but having a statement on your phone avoids delays. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 90 days
Slovak passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. The clock starts the day you enter. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Passport validity is strict
Botswana requires 6 months of validity from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport is close to expiring, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (Gaborone) or Maun Airport, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and calmly. They'll stamp you in for up to 90 days.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim. There's no customs declaration for personal items. You're free to leave the airport.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Slovakia 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 date
CostFree (not applicable for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry already allows 90 days; no need for this visa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (not applicable for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry already allows 90 days; no need for this visa.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (e.g., work permit ~$200 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days, apply for a relevant permit before travel.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (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
~$100 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $500,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
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 short stays; no separate tourist visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future entry issues. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Slovakia passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Botswana, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
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, 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 tourists in the Okavango Delta region.
Practical information for SK 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 entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Botswana and re-enter, or apply for a visa at a Botswana embassy before your trip.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Slovakia is not a risk country, so you won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area. Check with your doctor.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
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 from the Botswana Department of Immigration.
No. There's no arrival declaration required for Slovak passport holders. Just show up with your passport and documents.
The local currency is the Botswana pula (BWP). Euros are not widely accepted. Exchange at the airport or use ATMs. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants.
No. The visa-free entry covers all tourism activities, including safaris. Just stay within the 90-day limit.
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.