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🇨🇦CANADA
🏳BWCA-BW

Do Canada passport holders need a visa to visit BW?

No. Canadian ordinary passport holders do not need a visa to visit Botswana for tourism and can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within any 365-day period. Canada is on Botswana's visa-exempt list, so Canadian ordinary passport holders can travel to Botswana for tourism or business without obtaining a visa in advance or applying through Botswana's eVisa portal. On arrival, immigration officers issue an entry stamp permitting a stay of up to 90 days within a rolling 365-day period. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure and should have at least one (ideally three) blank pages. Travelers should be ready to show an onward or return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds. Stays beyond 90 days require an extension from Botswana immigration authorities or a residence/work permit. Botswana's eVisa system (evisa.gov.bw) exists only for nationalities that are not visa-exempt and does not apply to Canadians. The Government of Canada travel advisory explicitly states "Tourist visa: not required" for stays up to 90 days. Note that travelers with minors face additional documentation rules (certified birth certificate and parental consent letters where applicable).
VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Canada (PR)Living in Canada as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Visa-free entry (no visa required)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within a 365-day period
per entry
Entries
Multiple (subject to the 90-day cap per 365 days)
from issue date
Visa fee
0 (no visa fee)
consular fee only
Processing time
None - entry stamp issued on arrival
standard track
Validity
Stay authorized at port of entry; passport valid 6+ months beyond departure
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm your passport validity
Ensure your Canadian passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Botswana and has at least one blank page (three unused pages recommended).
· Before travel· 6-month rule
/02
Prepare supporting documents
Carry proof of a return or onward ticket and evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay. Officers may request these at the border.
· Onward ticket· Proof of funds
/03
Handle minor travel documents if applicable
If traveling with anyone under 18, carry a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate, plus a consent letter from any absent parent.
· Minors only
/04
Travel to a Botswana port of entry
Arrive by air (e.g., Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone) or at a land border. No advance visa or eVisa application is needed.
· Air or land
/05
Receive your entry stamp
Present your passport to immigration; the officer stamps a visa-free entry permitting up to 90 days. Confirm the stamped duration before leaving the counter.
· On arrival· Check the stamp
/06
Extend if staying longer
If you need more than 90 days, apply for an extension at a Botswana immigration office before your authorized stay expires.
· Optional· Local immigration
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

9 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 9 complete
Canadian passport valid 6+ months beyond departure date
required
At least one blank passport page (three recommended)
required
Return or onward air ticket
required
Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay
required
Proof of accommodation or itinerary
recommended
Certified unabridged birth certificate for any accompanying minor
conditional
Parental consent letter if a minor travels with one or no parent
conditional
Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic country
conditional
Travel/medical insurance
recommended
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist visa fee0No visa required for Canadian passport holders
eVisa fee0Not applicable - eVisa is only for non-exempt nationalities
Entry/arrival stamp0Issued free at the port of entry
Total estimate00incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Extension of stay (if needed)
Varies (apply before 90 days expire)
Application at a Botswana immigration office for stays beyond 90 days.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Insufficient passport validity
Passport not valid for at least six months beyond departure, or lacking a blank page, can lead to denied boarding or entry.
Medium
/02
No onward or return ticket
Inability to show an onward/return ticket may cause an officer to question or refuse entry.
Medium
/03
Insufficient proof of funds
Failure to demonstrate funds to support the visit can result in refused entry.
Low
/04
Missing minor documentation
Traveling with a child without the required certified birth certificate or parental consent letter is a common cause of problems at Botswana borders.
Medium
/05
Overstaying 90 days
Remaining beyond the authorized 90-day period without an extension can result in fines and future entry issues.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30
Canada to Botswana route verified
Confirmed visa-free entry for Canadian ordinary passport holders (up to 90 days per 365-day period) against the Government of Canada travel advisory and Botswana visa policy sources.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Canadians need a visa to visit Botswana?
No. Canadian ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt and can enter Botswana for tourism or business for up to 90 days within a 365-day period without a visa.
Do I need to apply for a Botswana eVisa?+
How long can I stay in Botswana visa-free?+
What are the passport requirements?+
What might I be asked for at the border?+
Is there an entry or visa fee?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Canada passport

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