Botswana Immigration and Visas

Your Central Source for Information on Botswana

Free Case Assessment
5 Star Google Rating

Your Immigration to Botswana starts here

Botswana has risen from humble beginnings at the start of its democracy to become the most prosperous country in southern Africa. Its turnaround is driven by economic growth, which boosts the quality of life of all its citizens.

Botswana is a member of the SADC and Commonwealth, so foreign nationals residing in these countries are considered visa-exempt.

Botswana is well known for its natural beauty. At least 38% of the country is devoted to national parks, reserves, and wildlife management areas. This, together with its economic growth, has made it one of the most desirable countries for those wanting to immigrate to southern Africa.

There are 10 types of visas for those who want to work, visit, or immigrate to Botswana. We’ll take a detailed look at each of the permits below.

Apply for a Visa in Botswana - Contact our Immigration Specialists today

Types of Botswana Visas and Permits

There are 10 types of visas for those who want to work, visit, or immigrate to Botswana. We’ll take a detailed look at each of the permits below.

The ministry overseeing the company’s relevant sector (for example, mining) is also
involved as it must authorise or recommend hiring a foreign national before the work visa application can be accepted.

The National Private Investment Agency (ANIP) is involved with applications for privileged
visas, as it must issue a recommendation regarding the investment and business plan.

Botswana Tourist/Business Visa
Botswana Employment Visa
Botswana Visitor’s Visa
Botswana Study Visa
Botswana Short-Term Work Authorisation Visa
Botswana Long-Term Work Authorisation
Botswana Residence Permit
Botswana Dependent/Accompanying Spouse Visa
Botswana Investor Visa
Botswana Business Visa
Botswana Permanent Residence Permit

Botswana Tourist/Business Visa

Botswana Tourist/Business Visa

There is no distinction between a tourist and a business visa in Botswana. Business professionals attending conferences, seminars, conventions, and training courses are welcome to apply for a business/tourist visa. As are those who must be in the country to settle estates or negotiate contracts in person. People who want to see the sights or visit friends and family can apply for a Botswanan tourist/business visa.

Note: You are not allowed to conduct business activities on this visa.

The purpose for which you enter Botswana (travel, negotiations, conference, etc.) is recorded on your visa by a Botswana Immigration official from the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs. The Botswana Immigration officer will determine if you meet the conditions and requirements of the visa before granting approval and entry.

Note: You must keep to the conditions specified for your stay.

Travellers from visa-exempt countries may enter Botswana without prior arrangement. However, they must procure and complete certain documents before they travel. Once at their port of entry, they must inform the Botswana immigration officer of their visa-exempt status and provide the completed documentation.

This Botswanan visa is valid for up to 90 days per calendar year.

Travellers from non-visa-exempt countries must apply for a Botswana tourist visa at the Botswanan embassy or mission in their home country or country of residence. Alternatively, non-visa-exempt foreign nationals can apply for an entry visa through Botswana Immigration authorities.

This Botswanan visa is valid for one month. You may be able to arrange for an extension if you can prove that the reason is justified.

Botswana Tourist/Business Visa Requirements, Forms & Documentation

In addition to the application form, you must provide the following documents when you apply for a tourist/business visa.

  • Certified copies of the first two pages of your passport. Your passport must still be valid for at least six more months.
  • Two recent colour passport-size photographs.
  • A cover letter indicating reasons for the visit.
  • A flight itinerary with accommodation bookings or the residential address where you will stay while in Botswana.
  • If required, a re-entry permit to your home country or country of residence.
  • Your trip itinerary.
  • Your intent to depart Botswana.

Tourist/Business Visa Costs

The costs depend on whether you’re applying for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

  • A single-entry visa, valid for up to one month, costs 550R.
  • A multi-entry visa, valid for up to five years, costs 900R.

Contact IBN Immigration solutions, and we’ll assign a specialist in Botswanan visas to oversee your application. Your immigration specialist will provide you with an estimate of all related costs and fees so you can properly prepare for your trip.

How to Apply for a Tourist/Business Visa

Your Botswana visa specialist will help you through the application process, so you don’t have to figure it out independently.

You’ll need to go to any immigration office, Botswanan embassy, or consulate to complete and submit your visa application in person.

  • Submit the required documents with the application form.
  • Wait for seven working days and then check on your application’s progress.
  • You’ll get either an approval or rejection letter.
  • Approved applications are printed at the office where you submitted your application.

If the visa isn’t printed, you can travel with the approval letter as proof of your permission to enter Botswana. Your visa will be printed at your port of entry.

Let our Immigration Experts contact you

Botswana Employment Visa

Botswana Employment Visa

This Botswana visa is available to people who want to enter Botswana for employment, an internship, research, or voluntary service. It’s a short-term visa that is valid for only six months. Extensions are available, provided Botswana immigration authorities believe the request is justified.

Note: If you have an offer of employment for a full-time or long-term job, you must apply for a work or residence visa.

Botswana Employment Visa Requirements, Forms & Documentation

The following forms and documents are necessary for all Botswana visas.

  • A certified copy of pages one and two of your passport. Your passport must have an additional six months of validity.
  • Two current full-colour passport-size photographs.
  • A cover letter detailing the reasons for your stay.
  • Your flight itinerary with accommodation, including hotels, B&Bs or guest houses, or the residential address where you’ll be staying for the duration of your visit.
  • A re-entry permit to your home country or country of residence, should your country require it.
  • Your trip itinerary.
  • Your intent is to depart Botswana after completing your purpose, for example, return tickets.

The following documents and forms are specific to employment visas.

  • A waiver from the Botswanan Department of Labour.
  • Your employment contract or letter of confirmation, if applicable.
  • A letter of confirmation for a volunteer position, if applicable.
  • Volunteers must prove they have adequate financial means to support themselves.

Note: If you want an extension, you must provide a justification letter and a copy of your previous permit.

Employment Visa Costs

There are three types of employment visas, and the costs vary.

  • A single-entry visa that is valid for up to three months costs 900R.
  • A multiple-entry visa that is valid for up to three months costs 1800R.
  • A multi-entry visa that is valid for up to six months costs 2700R.

Your specialist in Botswanan visas will include additional costs or miscellaneous fees that might crop up, for example, the cost to renew your passport if necessary.

How to Apply for an Employment Visa

The steps to apply for all Botswana visas are the same.

  • Work with your immigration specialist to determine precisely what documents are necessary for employment applications.
  • Go to any immigration office, embassy, or consulate to complete and submit the application for your visa in person. Submit the required documents with the application form.
  • Wait seven working days and then contact the immigration office or embassy to check your visa’s progress.
  • An approval or rejection letter will be sent to the office where you made the application.

If the visa application is approved, it will be printed at the relevant office.

You can travel with the approval letter if the visa isn’t printed. Your visa will be printed at your port of entry in Botswana.

Let our Immigration Experts contact you

Botswana Visitor’s Visa

Botswana Visitor’s Visa

The Botswana visitor’s visa is issued to foreign nationals entering Botswana for:

  • Visiting friends or family
  • Receiving medical treatment
  • Attending or participating in social events hosted by social or service organisations.
  • Attending or participating in amateur musicals, sporting events, or contests.
  • Note: You can’t receive remuneration for these activities.
  • Enrolling in a short recreational course of study, for example, a two-day photography class while on holiday.
  • Note: It can’t contribute to a credit toward a degree

It’s essential that you stick to the conditions specified on your visa. You can’t perform work-related activities on this visa.

Validity

  • A single-entry visa is valid for up to three months.
  • A multiple-entry visa is valid for up to three months within a calendar year.
  • Dependents visiting residents: This visa is valid for up to two years.
Let our Immigration Experts contact you

Botswana Study Visa

Botswana Study Visa

The Botswana study visa is for foreign nationals who want to come to Botswana to study at a tertiary institution for more than six months. If you intend to study for six months or less, you can apply for a Botswana Study Waiver.

Citizens of visa-exempt countries do not need a visa to study in Botswana.

If you’re from a non-visa-exempt country, you must apply to the institution of your choice. Once the university has accepted you, it will provide you with the documentation needed to begin your Botswana study visa application.

Validity

The Botswana study waiver is valid for six months or the period of your prescribed qualification.

Let our Immigration Experts contact you

Botswana Short-Term Work Authorisation Visa

Botswana Short-Term Work Authorisation Visa

The short-term work authorisation visa is technically a Botswana visitor’s visa that includes a certificate of exemption from Botswana Immigration, allowing you to work for a short period.

Validity
This visa is valid for a maximum of three months. An extension is possible, provided the immigration authority deems it justifiable.

Let our Immigration Experts contact you

Botswana Long-Term Work Authorisation

Botswana Long-Term Work Authorisation

The long-term work authorisation visa is a work permit for people who want to enter Botswana to perform work activities for over three months. You must have a residence permit to stay in Botswana for the required period.

Validity

This visa is valid for up to five years, depending on the employment contract’s duration. An extension is possible, provided the immigration authorities deem it justifiable.

Let our Immigration Experts contact you

Botswana Residence Permit

Botswana Residence Permit

If you’re over 18 years old, you must apply for a residence permit if you intend to stay in Botswana for longer than the standard visitation period of one month.

Validity

The residence permit will remain valid for the duration of the visa used to apply for the permit, for example, a long-term work authorisation visa. This is around two years in most cases. An extension is possible, provided the immigration authorities deem it justifiable.

Let our Immigration Experts contact you

Botswana Dependent/Accompanying Spouse Visa

Botswana Dependent/Accompanying Spouse Visa

You can apply for your spouse and dependents to accompany you on your work visa.

Note: Dependants must apply for residence permits separately. Spouses and dependents will not be allowed to perform work-related activities on this visa. They must apply for work authorisation in their own right.

Note: Botswana Immigration doesn’t recognise life partnerships or same-sex marriages. You must be in a heterosexual marriage to qualify for this visa.

Validity

  • This visa is valid for as long as the work permit holder’s visa is valid.
Let our Immigration Experts contact you

Botswana Investor Visa

Botswana Investor Visa

This visa applies to business people who want to invest in or start a business in Botswana. For example, directors of companies based in the country and people with investment projects there.

Botswana Investor Visa Requirements, Forms & Documentation

Your specialist in Botswanan immigration will help you acquire and complete all the documents relevant to the investor visa.

The following documents are required for all applications:

  • A certified copy of the first two pages of your passport, with at least six more months of validity left.
  • Two current colour passport-size photos.
  • A cover letter detailing the reasons for the visa application.
  • Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address for your stay in Botswana.
  • A re-entry permit to your home country or country of residence, if required.
  • A certificate of incorporation in Botswana, if applicable.
  • A business plan.
  • A trading license.
  • Schedule meetings or business activities.
  • Business (in other countries) and personal bank statements.

Investor Visa Costs

Costs differ according to the type of visa.

  • A multiple entry visa for up to six months costs 1800R.
  • A multiple entry visa for up to five years costs 4600R.

Your consultant specialising in Botswana visas and permits will provide a detailed estimate of direct and indirect fees and expenses so you aren’t caught unawares by hidden costs.

How to Apply for an Investor Visa

Contact your immigration consultant to guide you through the application process.

  • Go to any immigration office, Botswanan embassy, or consulate to complete and submit applications in person.
  • Submit the required documents with the application form.
  • Wait seven working days and check up on your visa application progress.
  • You’ll be informed when an approval or rejection letter is sent to the office where you applied.

If the application is approved, it will be printed at the office where you applied. You can travel with the approval letter as proof of your approved visa if it’s not printed. The visa will then be printed at your port of entry.

Validity

This visa is valid for five years. You can renew it if necessary.

Let our Immigration Experts contact you

Botswana Business Visa

Botswana Business Visa

The business visa allows prospective investors, entrepreneurs, or traders to visit and explore business opportunities in Botswana. Business activities include consulting with business associates; attending scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions or conferences; settling estates; and negotiating contracts.

Botswana Business Visa Requirements, Forms & Documentation

Your Botswana immigration specialist will give you detailed information regarding the documents and forms necessary to complete the application process.

The following documents are required:

  • A certified copy of pages one and two of your passport. Your passport must still be valid for not less than six months.
  • Two recent colour passport-size photos.
  • A cover letter indicating the reasons behind the application.
  • Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
  • A re-entry permit to your home country or country of residence, if required.
  • Certificate of incorporation in Botswana, if applicable.
  • Business plan.
  • Trading license.
  • Business schedule of meetings or business activities.
  • Business (in other countries) and personal bank statements.

Business Visa Costs

Your specialist in Botswana immigration visas will explain the exact costs and fees applicable to the business visa.

Briefly:

  • A single-entry visa valid for up to 3 months costs 900R.
  • A multiple-entry visa for up to 3 months costs 1800R.
  • A multiple-entry visa for up to six months costs 2700R.

How to Apply for the Business Visa

Your immigration consultant will walk you through the application process step-by-step.

  • Go to your closest Botswanan immigration office, embassy, or consulate to complete and submit the application in person.
  • Submit the documents mentioned above with the application form.
  • After seven working days, you can follow up on the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven

working days.

  • You’ll get an approval or rejection letter.

    • Approved visas will be printed at the office where you submitted the application.

    If the visa isn’t printed, you can travel with the approval letter and present it to immigration officers at your point of entry to Botswana. They will print the visa for you.

    Validity

    The visa is valid for up to one year and cannot be extended.

    Let our Immigration Experts contact you

    Botswana Permanent Residence Permit

    Botswana Permanent Residence Permit

    This permit allows eligible foreign nationals to take up permanent residence in Botswana. However, they must meet the following conditions:

    • You must have lived in Botswana for five straight years before you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
    • You must be of good character (proven with relevant forms).
    • You must have made significant contributions to Botswana.
    • You must have the financial means to support yourself and any accompanying dependents.
    Let our Immigration Experts contact you

    Frequently Asked Questions

    If you are from a country that is not visa exempt, you must apply for a business visa before arrival.

    Note: A business visa doesn’t allow you to perform work activities. You can only attend conferences, seminars, training, and meetings. You can choose between a single and multiple entry visa, which is valid for up to 90 days and can be extended.

    No. But if you have a contractual agreement with a company registered in Botswana, your contractor must “sponsor” the work permit application.

    A short-term work permit is applicable if you want to work in Botswana for a short period. This visa is valid for three months and is renewable for up six months per year. No residency permit is required for fewer than three months.

    Botswana’s immigration system is very strict, even for short-term work permits. It’s essential to motivate strongly why no Botswanan national was fit to perform the work. The relevant ministry may also get involved (for example, the Ministry of Mines).

    Place of submission: Relevant authorities in Gaborone.

    Long-term work permits allow the applicant to work in Botswana consecutively for up to two years. They are often issued to applicants with a local employer. Long-term work permits are extendable up to 10 years.

    A points system is used to grade the application. It focuses on the applicant’s skills and qualifications and the employer’s motivation to employ a foreign national instead of a local Botswana citizen. The application could be deemed successful if the applicant scores more than 60%.

    Note: It is crucial to ensure that the work permit application is started as early as possible, as requirements and procedures are likely to change at times and can affect the applicant’s work start date.

  • Certified copy of a data page of a valid passport
  • Copy of birth certificate certified by issuing office
  • Copies of relevant educational certificates certified by issuing office (all certificates should be translated into English and authorised by the issuing authority)
  • Copies of supporting documents from relevant professional and regulatory bodies certified by issuing office
  • CV/Résumé
  • Three recent passport-size photographs
  • Proof of advertisement. Qualifications, experience, employer’s address, telephone number, and closing date must be indicated. The advertisement should have circulated for 14 days.
  • Appointment letter/contract letter inclusive of an employer’s physical address and contact numbers. For farm workers and herders: Proof of ownership of livestock, branding certificate, and copy of Omang of the employer.
  • Letter of application for work
  • Physical address/location of the company

    • Yes, work permits can be extended in the country. For short-term work permits, the applicant is advised to apply at least two weeks before expiry. For long-term permits, you are advised to apply at least three months before the expiry of the permit.

    Botswana differentiates between work and residence for foreigners. Residence permits allow the applicants to reside legally in Botswana while working. If you are in the country for long-term work exceeding three months, you are legally required to obtain a residence permit.

    Residence permits are obtained at the Ministry of Home Affairs once the applicant is in Botswana. They are valid for the validity of the principal applicant’s work permit. Upon the expiry of the work permit, the residence permit also expires.

    Dependents to a work permit holder are allowed to accompany their spouse or parent while working in Botswana. Dependents must apply for a residence permit. This permit does not authorise the spouse to conduct any work. If the spouse or dependent must work, they must apply for a work permit in their own right. Life partners and same-sex marriages are not recognised in Botswana.

    Residence permits will be issued for the same validity as the principal applicant’s work permit. The dependent’s residence permit will also expire upon the expiry of the main applicant’s work permit.

    Dependents attending school, including Kindergarten, will be allowed to do so on a residence permit.

    Once students reach tertiary level education, they must apply for a study permit.

    We provide a full range of immigration services for Botswana. With our professional and trusted network of partners, we are always up to date on policy issues and the practical realities affecting immigration rules and regulations.

    We will first consult to determine which visa or permit is right for you. We advise on the required documentation and compile the complete application on your behalf. We will help you save time gathering the required documents to finalise your application.

    There is a great advantage in having a reliable local representative who will submit the application in Botswana on your behalf and also collect the resulting documents for you.

    Related posts

    Immigration News from Africa: January/February 2024

    Immigration News from Africa: January/February 2024

    This month, IBN Immigration Solutions brings you the latest immigration news from South Africa, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique.

    Read More
    Immigration News from Africa: December 2023

    Immigration News from Africa: December 2023

    This month, IBN Immigration Solutions brings you the latest immigration news from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.

    Read More
    Immigration News from Africa: October/November 2023

    Immigration News from Africa: October/November 2023

    This month, IBN Immigration Solutions brings you the latest immigration news from South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Kenya.

    Read More
    See More