Botswana entry requirements for Ukraine passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Ukrainian passport holders need an eVisa to visit Botswana in 2026. The application is done entirely online before you travel, and processing usually takes up to 5 business days. Plan ahead — apply at least a week before your flight.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Botswana eVisa | Apply for your Botswana eVisa at the official eServices portal before travel. The eVisa is mandatory for Ukrainian passport holders. Processing takes up to 5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Botswana. Airlines at check-in will enforce this strictly — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Gaborone and Maun airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask for it if you look uncertain about where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or a credit card ready showing you have enough funds for your trip. Around 500 BWP per day is a safe benchmark, but officers rarely ask for a specific amount. | Recommended |
Apply for your eVisa early
Processing can take up to 5 business days, and there's no rush service. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress.
Malaria risk in northern Botswana
If you're visiting the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, or other northern areas, malaria is a high risk. Talk to your doctor about prophylaxis (like Malarone or Doxycycline) before you go. Also use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Botswana eServices portal (www.gov.bw/immigration) and fill out the eVisa application. You'll need a digital passport photo, a scan of your passport bio page, and your travel details. The fee is about $30 USD. Processing takes up to 5 business days — apply at least a week before your flight. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, print or save on your phone: your eVisa, your return or onward ticket, and your hotel booking. Also check that your passport has at least 6 months of validity from your entry date. At check-in, the airline will verify your eVisa and passport validity — no exceptions.
3
Arrive at the airport in Botswana
You'll likely land at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone or Maun Airport. Follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip — be clear and concise. The process usually takes 10-15 minutes if your documents are in order.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. If you need a SIM card, there are kiosks in the arrivals hall. For an eSIM, activate your Airalo eSIM before you land — it connects automatically.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Ukraine Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 30 USD)
Apply online before travel. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 60 USD)
For multiple visits within validity period.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For those with a job offer from a Botswana employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for exceeding authorized stay. | BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day, max BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) |
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
Ukraine passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) · Maun Airport (MUB)
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 regions (Okavango, Chobe). Prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe). Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers 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 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun Airport Road, Maun
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for tourists in the Okavango Delta region.
Practical information for UA 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. If you're staying airside (not passing through immigration) and your layover is under 24 hours at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport or Maun Airport, you don't need a visa. Just stay in the transit area.
The standard tourist eVisa allows a stay of up to 30 days. It can be extended once for another 30 days at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Gaborone or at immigration offices in Maun or Kasane. The extension fee is about $30 USD.
You'll be fined about $10 USD per day, with a maximum cap of around $200 USD. Pay it at the airport immigration office before you leave. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications, so avoid it.
No. The tourist eVisa is for tourism only. If you have a job offer, you need a work permit (about $200 USD application fee, up to 2 years, renewable). For studies, you need a student visa (about $100 USD application fee, valid for the duration of your studies). Both require employer or school sponsorship.
Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio), and consider Rabies if you'll be around animals. Malaria is a high risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe) — prophylaxis is strongly recommended for those areas.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities in rural areas are limited, and private clinics in cities can be expensive. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is a smart idea — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day.
The local currency is the Botswana pula (BWP). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in cities like Gaborone and Maun. ATMs are available in towns. Carry some cash for rural areas and small vendors.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.