Do Germany passport holders need a visa to visit BW?
German ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa for tourism in Botswana. They may stay up to 90 days within any 12-month (365-day) period, visa-free, with the entry stamp issued on arrival. Germany is on Botswana's visa-exemption list. Holders of ordinary German passports can enter Botswana for tourism or business without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a rolling 365-day period. No advance application, eVisa, or visa-on-arrival is required for these short visits — an immigration officer issues a free entry/visitor stamp at the port of entry. Travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, with at least three blank pages, and should be ready to show proof of onward/return travel, accommodation, and sufficient funds (roughly USD 300 per person per week). Botswana is in Southern Africa and is NOT part of the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. The 90 days is counted cumulatively across the year, not reset on each entry. Botswana's eVisa portal (evisa.gov.bw) exists only for nationals of countries that require a visa; Germans do not use it for ordinary short tourist stays. The conservative path remains valid: if traveling on a temporary/emergency German passport, or for stays beyond 90 days or for work/study, a visa is required and must be applied for in advance.
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.
Germany (PR)Living in Germany as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→