Facilitation of Visa Applications for Public Officers on Official Travel
Overview
The Department of Protocol and Consular Services in the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation provides assistance to Public Officers travelling abroad on official duties.
Who is eligible?
All Public Officers travelling on official duties.
How do I get this service?
Submit request in the form of Savingram for Visa facilitation to the Department of Protocol and Consular Services. Officers from parastatals are required to route their requests through parent Ministries for issuance of Savingram addressed to the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation.
What supporting documents are required?
Savingram from the sending Ministry specifying:
• Full names of officer/s
• Designation
• Invitation letter
• Purpose of travel
• Destination
• Itinerary/ dates of travel
• Travel/Medical insurance
How long will this service take?
2 days.
How much does it cost?
No charges.
Where can I get more information on this Service
Department of Protocol and Consular Services
Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation
Private Bag 00368
Gaborone
Botswana
Government Enclave
Tel. (+267) 3600700 / (+267) 3600744
Fax. (+267) 3973067 / (+267) 3974516
Email. miacprotocol@gov.bw
Visa Application – Business Visa
Overview
The business visa is issued for prospective investors, entrepreneurs or traders to visit and explore business opportunities in Botswana. Business activities may include consulting with business associates; attending scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions or conferences; settling estates; and negotiating contracts. It shall be issued for up to one year and cannot be extended.
Who is eligible?
All prospective investors, entrepreneurs or traders to visit and explore business opportunities in Botswana who require visas to enter Botswana are eligible for this service.
How do I get this service?
1. Go to any immigration office (contact information listed below), Botswana embassy or consulate to fill and submit Form 1 (Application for Visa in person).
2. Submit the required documents (listed below) with the application form.
3. Check the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven working days.
4. An approval/rejection letter is sent to the office where the application was made.
5. If the Visa application is approved, it will be printed at that office where the application was made or if not printed the applicant can travel with the approval letter as proof of a Visa to Botswana and the Visa will printed at the Airport/Immigration Ports of Entry.
What supporting documents are required?
The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form, where applicable:
1. Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of passport showing validity period not less than six months.
2. Two recent coloured passport size photos.
3. Covering letter indicating the reasons for applying.
4. Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
5. A re-entry permit to the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident if such a permit is required by that country.
6. Certificate of incorporation in Botswana if applicable.
7. Business plan.
8. Trading license.
9. Schedule of meetings or business activities.
10. Business (in other countries) and personal bank statements.
How long will this service take?
It takes seven working days.
How much does it cost?
The cost associated with this service is as follows:
1. Single entry- for a period up to 3 months BWP500.00(US $50)
2. Multiple entry- for a period up to 3 months BWP 1, 000.00(US$100)
3. Multiple entry – for a period of up to six months BWP 2,500.00(US$250)
Where can I obtain this service?
All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs
Tel. (+267) 361 1300
Toll Free: 0800 600 777
Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
Visa Application – Employment Visa
Overview
The employment visa is issued to individuals who wish to travel to Botswana for purposes of employment, internship, research, work, or voluntary services. This visa is issued with a validity period of six months and is extendable with justification.
Who is eligible?
All foreigners who require visas to enter Botswana are eligible for this service.
How do I get this service?
1. Go to any immigration office (contact information listed below), Botswana embassy or consulate to fill and submit Form 1 (Application for Visa in person.
2. Submit the required documents (listed below) with the application form.
3. Check the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven (7) working days.
4. An approval/rejection letter is sent to the office where the application was made.
5. If the Visa application is approved, it will be printed at that office where the application was made or if not printed the applicant can travels with the approval letter as proof of a Visa to Botswana and the Visa will printed at the Airport/Immigration Ports of Entry.
What supporting documents are required?
The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form, where applicable:
1. Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of passport showing validity period not less than six (6) months.
2. Two (2) recent coloured passport size photos.
3. Covering letter indicating reasons for visit.
4. Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
5. A re-entry permit to the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident if such a permit is required by that country.
6. Waiver from Department of Labour.
7. Employment contract or confirmation letter of employment if applicable.
8. Offer letter of volunteer position if applicable.
9. Proof of financial means of support for volunteers if applicable.
10. For extension of a valid visa - a letter of justification and a copy of previously issued visa.
How long will this service take?
It takes 7-14 working days.
How much does it cost?
The cost associated with this service is as follows:
1. Single entry- for a period up to 3 months BWP500.00(US $50)
2. Multiple entry- for a period up to 3 months BWP 1, 000.00(US$100)
3. Multiple entry – for a period of up to six months BWP 1,500.00(US$150)
Where can I obtain this service?
All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs
Tel. (+267) 361 1300
Toll Free. 0800 600 777
Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
Visa Application – Investment Visa
Overview
This visa is issued to business people who regularly visit Botswana as directors of companies based in the country. It is also issued to individuals who have investment projects in Botswana. The visa authorizes the holder to enter Botswana for investment purposes for a period of up to five (5) years.
Who is eligible?
All foreigners who require visas to enter Botswana are eligible for this service.
How do I get this service?
• Any immigration office (contact information listed below), Botswana embassy or consulate to fill and submit Form 1 (Application for Visa) in person.
• Submit the required documents (listed below) with the application form.
• Check the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven (7) working days.
• An approval/rejection letter is sent to the office where the application was made.
• If the Visa application is approved, it will be printed at that office where the application was made or if not printed the applicant can travel with the approval letter as proof of a Visa to Botswana and the Visa will be printed at the Airport/Immigration Ports of Entry.
What supporting documents are required?
The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form:
• Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of passport showing validity period not less than six months.
• Two recent coloured passport size photos.
• Covering letter indicating reasons for visit.
• Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
• A re-entry permit to the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident if such a permit is required by that country.
• Certificate of incorporation.
• Share Certificate.
• Trading license.
• Schedule of meetings or activities to be undertaken during visit.
• Business (in other countries) and personal bank statements.
How long will this service take?
It takes seven (7) to fourteen (14) days.
How much does it cost?
The costs associated with this service are as follows:
• Multiple entry – for a period of up to six (6) months BWP1,000.00 (US$100);
• Multiple entry – for a period up to six (6) months to five (5) years BWP 2,500.00 (US$(250.00)
Where can I obtain this service?
All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs
Tel. (+267) 361 1300
Toll Free. 0800 600 777
Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
Visa Application – Study Visa
Overview
A study visa is issued to students who have been accepted by educational institutions in Botswana. The visa is issued for up to three months and is extendable with justification.
Who is eligible?
All foreigners who require visas to enter Botswana to study are eligible for this service.
How do I get this service?
• Go to any immigration office (contact information listed below), Botswana embassy or consulate to complete and submit Form 1 (Application for Visa) in person.
• Submit the required documents (listed below) with the application form.
• Check the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven working days.
• An approval/rejection letter is sent to the office where the application was made.
• If the visa application is approved, it will be printed at that office where the application was made. If the visa has not yet been printed, the applicant can travel with the approval letter as proof of a visa to Botswana, and the Visa will printed at the Airport/Immigration Ports of Entry.
What supporting documents are required?
The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form:
• Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of passport showing validity period of not less than six months.
• Two recent coloured passport size photos.
• Covering letter indicating reasons for visit.
• Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
• A re-entry permit to the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident if such a permit is required by that country.
• Letter of acceptance by the educational institution.
• Study/Research permit.
• Proof of sponsorship.
How long will this service take?
It takes seven to fourteen days.
How much does it cost?
The service is free.
Where can I obtain this service?
All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions abroad .
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs
Tel. (+267) 361 1300
Toll Free. 0800 600 777
Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
Visa Application – Tourism Visa
Overview
This is issued to people who intend to visit Botswana for recreational purposes, or for other short-term non work related purposes. This visa allows entry into Botswana for up to one (1) month and is extendable on justification. The applicant must not engage in any employment while on a tourism visa, or else the visa will be rendered invalid.
Who is eligible?
All foreigners who require visas to enter Botswana as tourists are eligible for this service.
How do I get this service?
1. Any immigration office (contact information listed below), Botswana embassy or consulate to fill and submit Form 1 (Application for Visa in person.
2. Submit the required documents (listed below) with the application form.
3. Check the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven (7) working days.
4. An approval/rejection letter is sent to the office where the application was made.
5. If the Visa application is approved, it will be printed at that office where the application was made or if not printed the applicant can travel with the approval letter as proof of a Visa to Botswana and the Visa will be printed at the Airport/Immigration Ports of Entry.
What supporting documents are required?
The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form:
1. Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of passport showing validity period not less than six (6) months.
2. Two recent coloured passport size photos.
3. Covering letter indicating reasons for visit.
4. Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
5. A re-entry permit to the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident if such a permit is required by that country.
6. Trip itinerary.
7. Intent to depart Botswana after your trip.
How long will this service take?
It takes seven (7) to fourteen (14) days after the date of application for the service to be completed and or one (1) day if it is Visa on arrival.
How much does it cost?
The costs associated with this service are as follows:
• Single entry for a period up to one (1) months is BWP 300.00(US$30.00)
• Multiple entry for a period up to five (5) years is BWP 500.00 (US$50.00)
Where can I obtain this service?
All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs
Tel. (+267) 361 1300
Toll Free. 0800 600 777
Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
Visa Application – Transit Visa
Overview
This visa is for those want to leave the airport for a maximum of seven days while in transit. A transit visa is not required if you fly out on the same aircraft and from the same airport at which you arrived. Transporters and tour operators may be allowed a maximum of 7 days stay in the country at any given time. This visa does not allow you to work or undertake formal studies or training in Botswana. It cannot be extended for any reason.
Who is eligible?
All foreigners who require visas to transit through Botswana are eligible for this service.
How do I get this service?
1. Go to any immigration office (contact information listed below), Botswana embassy or consulate to fill and submit Form 1 (Application for Visa) in person.
2. Submit the required documents (listed below) with the application form.
3. Check the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven working days.
4. An approval/rejection letter is sent to the office where the application was made.
5. If the Visa application is approved, it will be printed at that office where the application was made or if not printed the applicant can travel with the approval letter as proof of a Visa to Botswana and the Visa will printed at the Airport/Immigration Ports of Entry.
What supporting documents are required?
The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form:
1. Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of valid passport showing validity period not less than six months.
2. Two recent coloured passport size photos.
3. Covering letter.
4. Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
5. A re-entry permit to the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident if such a permit is required by that country.
6. Confirmed onward booking or a proof to continue your journey (ie. Visa to enter destination country) from Botswana within 3 days of arrival. This excludes transporters who may be given up to 14 days.
7. Transporters and tour operators/guide to produce proof of cross-border tour operating licence.
How long will this service take?
It takes seven to fourteen days.
How much does it cost?
The costs associated with this service are as follows:
1. Single entry up to one-week BWP300.00(US$30) for up to 1 week
2. Multiple entry for a period up to 3 months BWP500.00 (US$50); three months, BWP1000.00 (US$100)for validity period beyond three months, up to three years.
3. Multiple entry for a period of up to 3 years BWP1,500.00 (US$150) for Tour Operators and Transporters.
Where can I obtain this service?
All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs
Tel. (+267) 361 1300
Toll Free. 0800 600 777
Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
Visa Application – Visitor’s Visa
Overview
The visitor’s visa is issued to people visiting Botswana for social reasons such as:
1. Visiting friends or relatives.
2. Obtaining medical treatment.
3. Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organisations.
4. Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating.
5. Enrolment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation).
6. For the visa to remain valid, the applicant must not work for, provide services or sell goods to businesses or the public in Botswana. The visa is valid up to 2 years for dependents of resident.
Who is eligible?
All foreigners who require visas to enter Botswana as visitors are eligible for this service.
How do I get this service?
1. Go to any immigration office (contact information listed below), Botswana embassy or consulate to fill and submit Form 1 (Application for Visa) in person.
2. Submit the required documents (listed below) with the application form.
3. Check the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven working days.
4. An approval/rejection letter is sent to the office where the application was made.
5. If the Visa application is approved, it will be printed at that office where the application was made.If the visa is not yet printed, the applicant can travel with the approval letter as proof of a visa to Botswana, and the visa will printed at the Airport/Immigration Ports of Entry.

What supporting documents are required?
The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form:
1. Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of passport showing validity period not less than six months.
2. Two recent coloured passport size photos.
3. Covering letter.
4. Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
5. A re-entry permit to the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident if such a permit is required by that country.
6. Sworn statement by the host signed at the immigration’s office.
7. A certified copy of the host’s national identity, residence permit, work permit, exemption certificate, or naturalization certificate.
8. Letter of Intent to depart Botswana after your trip.
9. Financial proof of support.
How long will this service take?
It takes seven to fourteen days after the date of application for the service to be completed.
How much does it cost?
1. Single entry for a period up to 3 months BWP 300.00 (US$30)
2. Multiple entry for period of up to 3 months BWP 500.00 (US$50)
3. Multiple entry for up to over three months up to 2 years for dependents of residents BWP 1 500.00 (US$150)
Where can I obtain this service?
All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs
Tel. (+267) 361 1300
Toll Free: 0800 600 777
Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Information Source: https://www.gov.bw/
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