Botswana entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Thai passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana in 2026. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival. The eVisa covers tourism and short 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, so apply at least 2 weeks before departure. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for up to 90 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your Thai passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Botswana. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport routinely check for a confirmed return or onward flight. Have your booking printed or accessible on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers may ask for it if you look uncertain about where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a recent bank statement showing at least 20,000 THB (or equivalent in USD/Pula) per person. Immigration may ask to see it if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Botswana does not offer visa on arrival for Thai passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
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's close to expiring, renew it first.
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 and travel details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Botswana.
3
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
Most flights from Thailand arrive via Johannesburg or Addis Ababa. At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip — answer clearly. The process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
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~$50 USD (approx. 1,800 THB)
Apply at Botswana embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 3,600 THB)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayVaries (up to 1 year)
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 7,200 THB)
Requires sponsorship or enrollment.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 7,200 THB) application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 3,600 THB) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 18,000 THB) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $500,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Thai passport holders applying online. | ~$30 USD (approx. 1,100 THB) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays or if eVisa not applicable. | ~$50 USD (approx. 1,800 THB) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (approx. 3,600 THB) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD (approx. 360 THB) per day |
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
Thai passport holders transiting through Botswana airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) · Maun Airport (MUB) · Francistown Airport (FRW)
Health & vaccines for Botswana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended.
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, CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa queries.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Tati River Mall, Francistown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for northern Botswana.
Practical information for TH 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 = 13.8 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eVisa fee is around $30 USD (about 1,100 THB). You pay online with a credit or debit card. The exact amount may vary slightly with exchange rates.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travelling.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (including transit over 12 hours), you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Thailand is not a yellow fever country, so this only applies if you've recently been to an affected area.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all official entry points, including land borders from South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Just show the printed eVisa along with your passport.
No, Botswana does not require an online arrival declaration. You'll fill out a simple paper landing card on the plane or at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.