There are a few different matters you will need to look into while starting to plan a trip to Botswana. Visa requirements should be one of the first to enquire about as, depending on the agreements between your country of origin and Botswana, the visa application process may require some time. Botswana has however signed agreements with a certain number of countries whose nationals are therefore not required to obtain a visa to enter the country (see end of the article for the current lists).
For those requiring a visa, the application process and fees may differ from one country to another so I would advise to contact your country’s Embassy or Consulate in Botswana and Botswana’s Consulate or Embassy in your country. These institutions will have the most updated information so it is definitely worth dropping them an email or giving them a call to make sure you know exactly what you are expected to do. If none of these exist for your specific nationality, you can address directly Botswana Tourism Organisation and the immigration services in Botswana (see end of the article for a few useful links)
But checking entry requirements in Botswana only might not be enough. If you have a look at all the Bush Ways safari itineraries, almost all of them would lead you to Zambia. We could also assist you in booking an extension of your stay in Zimbabwe. Besides, you might want to combine your exploration of Botswana with a visit to other countries in Southern Africa. Make sure you check the visa procedures for each of the countries you would like to visit as each of them would have its own set of rules and agreements with your country of origin. For instance, even when you do not need a visa for Botswana, you might need one for Zambia or Zimbabwe. Some visas are available directly at border posts, some need to be applied for prior to arrival. Once again, Embassies and Consulates would be able to assist you.
Countries whose nationals do not require a visa to enter Botswana:
Antigua & Barbuda; Argentina; Australia; Austria; Bahamas; Barbados; Belgium; Belize; Brazil; Brunei Darussalam; Bulgaria; Canada; Chile; Costa Rica; Croatia; Cyprus; Denmark; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Estonia; Fiji; Finland; France; Gambia; Germany; Greece; Grenada; Guyana; Holy See; Hong Kong; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Jamaica; Japan; Kenya; Kiribati; Latvia; Lesotho; Liechtenstien; Lithuania; Luzembourg; Malawi; Malaysia; Maldives; Malta; Mauritius; Mexico; Monaco; Mozambique; Namibia; Nauru; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway & Colonies*; Papua New Guinea; Paraguay; Peru; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Russia; Samoa; San Marico; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Singapore; Slovak Republic; Solomon Islands; South Africa; South Korea (Republic Of); Spain; St. Kitts And Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent & The Grenadines; Swaziland; Sweden; Switzerland; Tanzania; Tonga; Trinidad & Tobago; Tuvalu; Uganda; United Kingdom; United States Of America; Uruguay; Vanuatu; Venezuela; Zambia; Zimbabwe
Countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Botswana:
Afghanistan; Albania; Algeria; Andorra; Angola; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Belarus; Benin; Bhutan; Bolivia; Bosnia & Herzegovina; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cambodia; Cameroon; Cape Verde; Central African Republic; Chad; China; Columbia; Comoros; Congo (Democratic Republic Of); Congo (Republic Of); Cote D’ivoire (Ivory Coast); Cuba; Czech Republic; Djibouti; Ecuador; Egypt; El Salvador; Equitorial Guinea; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Gabon; Georgia; Ghana; Guatemala; Guinea; Guinea Bissau; Haiti; Honduras; India; Indonesia; Iran; Iraq; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Korea (Dem. Peoples Rep); Kuwait; Kyrgyzstan (Kirghizia); Laos (Peoples Dem. Rep); Lebanon; Liberia; Libya; Macedonia; Madagascar; Mali; Mauritania; Micronesia; Moldova; Mongolia; Montenegro; Morroco; Myanmar (Burma); Nepal; Nicaragua; Niger; Nigeria; Oman; Pakistan; Palau; Panama; Phillippines; Qatar; Rwanda; Sao Tome & Principe; Saudi Arabia; Senegal; Serbia; Somalia; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Sumatra; Suriname; Syria; Taiwan; Tajikistan; Thailand; Togo; Tunisia; Turkey; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; United Arab Emirates; Uzbekistan; Vatican City; Vietnam; Yemen
Useful links
You can check the following links to get all necessary contact details:
– For Embassies/Consulate/Foreign Missions in Botswana: http://www.mofaic.gov.bw/index.phpoption=com_content&view=article&id=74&Itemid=275
– For Botswana presence abroad: http://www.mofaic.gov.bw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=73&Itemid=276
– For Botswana Tourism Organisation: http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/
– For Botswana Immigration Department: http://www.gov.bw/en/Visitors/
Coming next: Health precautions (or how to avoid your safari to turn into an unpleasant experience)
