Botswana entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
United Arab Emirates passport holders can visit Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026 and makes travel straightforward — just show up with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Botswana. Airlines at Dubai and Abu Dhabi check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave Botswana, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least 500 BWP (about $40 USD) per day of your stay, either in cash, a debit card, or a credit card. Officers may ask to see proof of funds if you look like you might work or overstay. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Botswana enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. Check your passport's expiry date well before your trip.
No visa needed — just show up
UAE passport holders get 90 days visa-free. No application, no fee, no embassy visit. Just ensure your documents are in order.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport (MUB). Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation booking). The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. Confirm the date is correct before walking away.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Botswana.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (estimated)
For those who need a visa or want a formal record; apply at Botswana embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$60 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Botswana. Requires proof of admission and financial support.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$500,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or border exit. | Pula 200 (~$15 USD) per day, max Pula 5,000 (~$375 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Botswana
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Botswana airports, provided they remain airside.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) · Maun Airport (MUB) · Kasane Airport (BBK)
Health & vaccines for Botswana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Tick-borne diseasesModerate risk
Risk in rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Avoid tap water and undercooked food; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun). Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers to these areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Gaborone
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Plot 54351, CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun, Botswana
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Handles extensions for tourists in the Okavango Delta region.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalGaborone
LanguageEnglish, Setswana
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBotswana pula (BWP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 14.32 BWP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D (3-pin round) and Type G (3-pin rectangular) plugs.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally chlorinated and safe in major cities, but avoid in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave Botswana before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
You will likely be denied entry. Botswana requires at least 6 months of passport validity from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. UAE is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected area.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit before traveling.
Overstaying is a violation of immigration law. You may face fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Botswana. Always track your entry date and leave on time.
No, there is no visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. The visa-free entry is the only option for short stays. For longer stays, you must apply for a visa at a Botswana embassy before travel.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for UAE passport holders entering Botswana. Just show up with your passport and documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.