Botswana entry requirements for Turkey passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Turkish passport holders can enter Botswana without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy covers tourism, business visits, and short-term stays. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
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 period you plan to stay in Botswana. Airlines sometimes check for 6 months validity — if yours has less, call the airline before you fly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it speeds things up if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card ready showing you have enough money for your stay. Officers rarely check this for short visits, but it's good to have on hand. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from arrival
Botswana requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the country, not from when you leave. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before your trip.
No visa needed — but don't skip the paperwork
While you don't need a visa, you still need a return ticket and accommodation booking. Immigration officers do check these, especially if you look like you might overstay. Have them ready.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before the flight
Before you leave for the airport, check your passport validity (6+ months from landing), print or save your return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Have these ready on your phone or as printouts.
2
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) or other entry point
Most travellers fly into Gaborone or Maun. After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There are usually two queues: one for citizens/residents, one for visitors. Join the visitors queue.
3
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and hotel booking. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp it, and may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, length of stay). Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive your entry stamp and proceed
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Collect your passport, say thank you, and proceed to baggage claim.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Turkey Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Cost~$50 USD (BWP 500)
For longer stays or if visa-free entry is not used.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (BWP 1,000)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$200 USD (BWP 2,000) 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 annually
~$100 USD (BWP 1,000) application fee
For enrolled students at recognised institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (BWP 5,000) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $100,000 USD) in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day |
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
Turkey passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa if they remain 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
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; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrhoea; drink bottled or boiled 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 54352, CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun Airport Road, Maun
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the Okavango Delta area.
Practical information for TR 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 = 14.32 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 after a period outside the country, or apply for a proper visa from a Botswana embassy before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Airlines are strict about this because they can be fined for carrying passengers with invalid documents. Renew your passport before traveling.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Turkey is not a yellow fever endemic country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently visited an affected country.
Yes, you can enter via land borders from South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, or Zimbabwe. The same visa-free rules apply. Be prepared for longer queues and more thorough document checks at land crossings.
No, it's not a legal requirement for entry. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Botswana can be high, and your Turkish health insurance won't cover you abroad. A basic policy costs around $30 for a short trip.
The local currency is the Botswana pula (BWP). You can exchange Turkish lira or US dollars at banks and exchange bureaus in major towns. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but cash is useful for smaller vendors and rural areas.
No, the visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. If you plan to work, study, or volunteer, you must apply for the appropriate visa or work permit from a Botswana embassy before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.