Botswana entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Senegalese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. You apply entirely online before traveling, and approval usually comes within a few business days. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa for tourism or business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the official 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. At least two blank pages are needed for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Botswana. Officers rarely check, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Show a recent bank statement or enough cash to cover your stay. No fixed amount is published, but 500 BWP per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
eVisa is the only option
Botswana does not offer visa on arrival for Senegalese passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. No exceptions.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Botswana, not from your departure date. If it's close, renew before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Botswana eVisa website. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30–$50 USD depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — usually 3–5 business days.
2
Print or save eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Botswana.
3
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
After landing in Gaborone, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2–5 minutes.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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
CostBWP 1,000 (~$75 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 1,500 (~$112 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostBWP 2,000 (~$150 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
BWP 3,000 (~$225 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Botswana employer. Requires sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD)
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 (~$750 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of BWP 500,000 in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Senegal passport holders. | BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD). | BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension may be possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | BWP 500 (~$37 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Senegal passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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 during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
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 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 1234, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for SN 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 = 13.69 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. Botswana does not offer visa on arrival for Senegalese citizens. You must apply for an eVisa before you travel.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. There's also an express option that costs more and can be processed in 1–2 days.
The standard fee is around $30 USD. Express processing can cost up to $50 USD. Payment is made online during the application.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before the validity expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Botswana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Senegal is not on that list, so you don't need it unless you've recently been to a risk country.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process, but you can contact the Botswana immigration office for guidance.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at any official border post, including land crossings from South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, or Zimbabwe. Just show the same documents as at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.