Botswana, at the heart of Southern Africa, is a land of wild wilderness, wildlife, and landscapes. It is an adventure waiting to be experienced. Whether you are an Indian traveler wanting to see a safari in an authentic African context, the course of the Okavango Delta’s winding waterways, the herds of elephants in Chobe National Park, or just wanting to enjoy some of the world’s purest beauty, Botswana is the place to go. However, your journey starts here. Before you embark on your Botswana adventure, you will need to have the correct travel documentation. Understanding how to apply for a Botswana visa for Indian citizens is the first step. This informative guide outlines how all Indian passport holders can obtain a Botswana visa and provides specific information about the application process, necessary documents, and costs involved.
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Understanding the Need for a Visa
All citizens of India are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Botswana for tourism, business, or transit. There is currently no visa-on-arrival option for Indian nationals; therefore, a prior application is integral to making travel arrangements to Botswana. Fortunately, Botswana has recently implemented an eVisa, which has made the application process easier for several travelers, including those from India. This online portal allows applicants to submit their visa applications online, thus eliminating the need to go to an embassy or consulate in person because the eVisa application can be applied for online.
Choosing the Right Visa Type
Tourist Visa:
● Best for Indian travelers who would like to visit Botswana for leisure.
● Generally allows for a stay of up to 90 days.
● Can be issued as a single entry or multiple entries.
Business Visa:
● A business visa is required by any traveler attending meetings, conferences or business engagements.
Transit Visa:
● A visa is required for travelers passing through Botswana while traveling to another destination.
● Typically valid for seven days or a short period.
Important Note:
● Choosing to apply for the correct type of visa at the outset is vital to ensure you do not delay, complicate, or be denied entry into the country.
The eVisa Application Process
Indian travelers applying for a Botswana visa for tourism, business, or transit purposes can apply for their visa on the official Botswana eVisa website, https://evisa.gov.bw. First, they will need to register and create an account on the official Botswana eVisa portal. Once registered and logged into the eVisa account, they will be able to select the type of visa they are applying for and fill in the visa application form for a Botswana eVisa.
Always Make Sure:
Your details must all match your passport and supporting documents. Slight variances to your details on your application, passport, or supporting documents can lead to processing delays or your application being refused.
Documents needed for the Botswana eVisa Application
● After finishing your application form, you will be requested to upload clear copies of the following supporting documents:
● An Indian passport (make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Botswana)
● A recent passport-size photograph.
● A flight itinerary or ticket confirmation.
● Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation/host invitation).
● Recent bank statements (to prove that you have the financial ability for the duration of your stay).
● An itinerary for your travel plans.
● Also, it is important to note that there are additional requirements depending on the type of visa.
Business visa:
Will require an invitation letter from a business/organization or registered in Botswana.
Transit Visa:
You must provide proof of onward travel and any visa if applicable.
Visa Fees and Processing Time
From 2025, the visa fee for Indian Nationals for a single-entry tourist visa is around USD 30, and for a multiple-entry tourist visa about USD 50. Transit visas are a little cheaper (approximately USD 20). Business visas vary from about USD 50 to USD 100. Depending on the purpose and length of your visit, you must pay the fee listed. The fees are non-refundable regardless of the basis for the rejection. So it is important to ensure your application is written and prepared properly.
Processing times are typically from 7 to 10 working days, although peak holiday periods can contribute to an extended processing time. Once you receive confirmation of the approval of your eVisa application, an email will be sent to the registered email address. You should print that approval email and take it with you during your travels – border officials may request to see both hard and digital copies of your eVisa.
Important Considerations Before You Go
Traveling to Botswana requires that the traveler have at least 2 blank pages in the passport where the entry and exit stamps will be placed. It is recommended that the traveler can also purchase a travel insurance policy that will cover medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations. Any traveler who comes from or is transiting through a country that is on the yellow fever risk list will also have to carry and produce an internationally recognized yellow fever vaccination certificate because entry into Botswana is not allowed without this certificate.
While debit and credit cards, particularly international ones, are accepted in villages and large urban areas, cash is still necessary in rural and remote spaces. The currency in Botswana is called the Botswana Pula (BWP). The currency is widely used and easily exchanged at local banks or exchanges.
Botswana is best visited between May and October, the dry season, when wildlife viewing is supreme and roads are better to travel on. Travelers should refrain from the rainy season (November to April), especially if planning to visit the Okavango Delta, as it can mean getting to much to many places because many routes can become flooded and impassable.
Final Thoughts
Botswana is a stunning and thrilling travel destination for Indian travelers who are after wildlife, nature, and adventure. You will not be disappointed, whether you are floating through the Okavango Delta, spotting elephants in Chobe, or learning about the local culture, you will be spoiled for things to do.
Indian travelers need a visa to visit Botswana, but the good news is that the eVisa makes obtaining your visa easier. You just need to choose the right visa, tourist, business, or transit visa, and upload the correct documents: your passport, a photo, a flight ticket, and bank statements. You can apply via the internet without difficulty with a little preparation. You do have to make sure that all the information you provide matches the information in your documents so that you do not face delays or rejection.
If you are unsure about how to manage the visa process, or if you are going to visit any other countries nearby, including Namibia, Zambia, or South Africa, then you may wish to get support from a visa expert. There are several Indian visa specialists, including OneVasco, which provides Indian travelers with end-to-end visa assistance, including supporting paperwork to service multiple applications. This will save you time and stress, especially if your trip is going to require you to cross several border posts.
