Botswana entry requirements for Vietnam 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

Vietnamese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits, and you must apply online before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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 eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Botswana. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation, lodge booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers may ask for it at the border.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a recent bank statement or enough cash (around 500 BWP per day) to cover your stay. Officers rarely check, but it helps if asked.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory
You cannot get a visa on arrival in Botswana. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly. 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 the day you apply. Double-check your passport's expiry date before starting the eVisa application.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Botswana eVisa website and fill out the application. You'll need to upload a passport photo, a copy of your passport bio page, and your travel itinerary. Pay the fee (around $30–$50 USD) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa approval. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at immigration when you arrive.
3
Arrive at the airport in Botswana
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone or Maun Airport, head to the immigration queue. Present your passport, eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Expect a stamp in your passport.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 30 USD)

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)

For multiple visits within validity.

Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa.BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within the visa validity.BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD).BWP 200 (~$15 USD) 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

Vietnam passport holders transiting through Botswana do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present in northern regions including Okavango Delta and 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 Botswana (Okavango, Chobe, Maun). Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.

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.

Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30

Regional office for northern Botswana.

Practical information for VN 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
updated May 29
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
Police999
Medical997
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but it can take up to 10 days during peak season. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The eVisa fee is around $30–$50 USD, depending on the type of visa. Payment is made online with a credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Vietnam is not a risk country, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected area.
If rejected, you'll usually get a reason. Common issues include incorrect documents or insufficient passport validity. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Botswana embassy in Hanoi for help.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all major entry points, including Kazungula Border Post (from Zambia) and Martin's Drift (from South Africa). Just show the approval email and your passport.
It's not officially required for the eVisa, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is a good idea.

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.