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🇧🇼BotswanaIN-BW

India to Botswana visa requirements

Yes, Indian ordinary passport holders need a visa for Botswana. The recommended route is the official Botswana eVisa, applied for online before travel at evisa.gov.bw. There is no general visa-free entry for Indian tourists. A holder of an ordinary Indian passport is a visa-required national for Botswana and cannot enter visa-free for tourism. Since August 2021, Botswana operates an electronic visa (eVisa) system, open to all nationalities that previously needed a pre-arrival visa, including India. Indian travellers should apply online at the official portal evisa.gov.bw before departure, uploading the required documents as a single PDF. The standard government processing time is 7 to 14 working days, and the official single-entry visitor visa fee is around P300 (roughly USD 22), with multiple-entry options costing more. Although a visa-on-arrival facility for Indian nationals was reported around 2019, it is not a reliable channel today and many border posts expect a pre-approved eVisa or visa label; conservative advice is to obtain the eVisa in advance. The passport must be valid for at least six months and travellers should carry proof of onward travel, accommodation and sufficient funds. Botswana is not part of the Schengen area, so Schengen 90/180 and ETIAS rules do not apply.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE 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.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
eVisa (electronic visitor/tourism visa), applied online before travel
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days (single entry); up to 90 days possible on multiple-entry, at immigration officer discretion
per entry
Entries
Single or multiple entry depending on option selected
from issue date
Visa fee
P300 (single entry, approx. USD 22); P500 for multiple entry; service-agent eVisa packages run higher
consular fee only
Processing time
7 to 14 working days (standard government processing)
standard track
Validity
Generally valid for entry within ~3 months of issue; stay granted at port of entry
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need an eVisa
Ordinary Indian passport holders are visa-required for Botswana. Plan to apply for the eVisa online before you travel rather than relying on visa on arrival.
· Visa required· Apply in advance
/02
Gather your documents as one PDF
Scan your passport bio pages (validity at least 6 months), a recent colour photo, covering letter, flight itinerary, accommodation booking and onward/return proof. The online system needs everything combined into a single PDF.
· Single PDF· 6-month passport validity
/03
Create an account on the official eVisa portal
Go to the Government of Botswana eVisa portal at evisa.gov.bw and register, then start a Tourism/Visitor visa application.
· evisa.gov.bw
/04
Complete the application form
Enter your personal, passport and travel details, select single or multiple entry, and upload your combined PDF document.
· Tourism/Visitor visa
/05
Pay the visa fee
Pay the government fee online (around P300 for single entry). Keep the payment confirmation.
· Card payment
/06
Wait for approval and travel
Allow 7 to 14 working days. Once approved, print the eVisa approval letter and carry it with your passport and supporting documents for inspection at the port of entry.
· Print approval· Carry at border
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
India -> Botswana · eVisa (electronic visitor/tourism visa), applied online before travel
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredIndian passport valid at least 6 months beyond travel with blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredApproved Botswana eVisa / approval letter (printed)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRecent colour passport-size photograph
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredCovering letter stating purpose and duration of visit
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed return or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedProof of sufficient funds for the stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedDetailed trip itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
ConditionalYellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
situational
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
Application link included: Government of Botswana - Tourism Visa Application (gov.bw)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Single-entry visitor visa (government fee)P300 (approx. USD 22)Official fee for up to 30 days single entry
Multiple-entry visitor visa (government fee)P500 (approx. USD 37)For longer or multiple visits up to 90 days
Third-party eVisa service packageUSD 85-150Optional agents; includes service fee, not required if using official portal
Total estimateP300 (approx. USD 22)P500 (approx. USD 37)incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Embassy/High Commission application
10-15 working days
Paper application via the Botswana mission accredited to India (handled through the High Commission in New Delhi/Pretoria); useful if online payment fails
Third-party rush service
5-7 working days
Commercial agents offer faster turnaround at a premium service fee
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
India is a visa-required nationality
Botswana's visa policy lists India among countries whose ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa before entry.
High
/02
eVisa system covers India
Since 12 August 2021 Botswana's eVisa is open to all nationalities that previously needed a pre-arrival visa, including India.
High
/03
Visa on arrival is unreliable for tourists
Although a VoA facility was reported around 2019, it is not a dependable channel; obtaining an eVisa in advance avoids being turned back.
Medium
/04
Not a Schengen or visa-waiver destination
No mutual visa-waiver agreement exists between India and Botswana for ordinary passports.
Medium
/05
Diplomatic passports differ
Indian diplomatic passport holders get 30 days visa-free, which does not apply to ordinary passport tourists.
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 · major
India to Botswana route verified
Confirmed via Government of Botswana eVisa portal and visa policy that ordinary Indian passport holders are visa-required and should use the official eVisa (single-entry fee ~P300, 7-14 working days). Botswana is not Schengen.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Indian citizens get a visa on arrival in Botswana?
It is not reliable. While a visa-on-arrival facility for Indians was reported around 2019, current practice favours obtaining an eVisa in advance. To avoid being refused entry, apply online before you travel.
Is there an official Botswana eVisa for Indians?+
How much does the Botswana tourist visa cost?+
How long does processing take?+
How long can I stay in Botswana?+
Is Botswana part of the Schengen area?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the India passport

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