Botswana entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ivory Coast passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. It covers tourism and short business trips. Apply online before you travel — the process takes a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the official government portal before departure. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so submit at least two weeks ahead. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Botswana. Carry at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines at check-in in Abidjan will also verify this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana ready. Officers may ask for it at the border, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry a recent bank statement or enough cash (around 500 BWP per day) to cover your stay. Immigration can ask for proof of financial means upon arrival. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're arriving from Ivory Coast or any country with yellow fever risk, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
eVisa is not extendable
The eVisa is valid for a single entry and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Botswana and apply for a new visa from abroad.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Botswana eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $30–$50 USD depending on nationality) with a credit card. Submit and wait for approval — typically 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval as a PDF. Download it, save it to your phone, and print a paper copy as backup. The eVisa is linked to your passport number — make sure the details match exactly.
3
Prepare your travel documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, and first-night accommodation confirmation. Keep them in a folder or digital album on your phone for quick access.
4
Arrive at Sir Seretse Khama Airport (Gaborone) or Maun Airport
Most flights from Ivory Coast connect via Addis Ababa, Nairobi, or Johannesburg. On arrival, head to immigration. Present your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. The process is usually quick — 10–15 minutes if you have everything ready.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs desk — declare any expensive electronics or large sums of cash. Then you're free to exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 18,000 XOF)
Apply at Botswana embassy or online eVisa portal.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 36,000 XOF)
For frequent travellers; must show travel history.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) application fee
For enrolment in a recognised educational institution in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for tourist eVisa, payable online. | ~$30 USD (approx. 18,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity, assessed at immigration exit. | ~$10 USD (approx. 6,000 XOF) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through Botswana do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to pass through immigration (e.g., to change airports), you must obtain an eVisa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 yellow fever risk, including Ivory Coast.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Botswana, especially in northern regions like Okavango Delta.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks, mainly in urban areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural and northern areas. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
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 54352, CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 1234, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for northern Botswana visitors.
Practical information for CI 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
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take up to 10 days during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Botswana and apply for a new visa from your home country or a neighboring country.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no formal appeal process.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Ivory Coast is on the list). You'll need to show a valid yellow fever certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all official border posts, including Kazungula (Zambia), Martin's Drift (South Africa), and Ramokgwebana (Zimbabwe). Just show the PDF on your phone or a printout.
The fee is around $30–$50 USD, depending on your nationality and the type of visa. Payment is made online by credit card during the application. There are no additional fees at the airport.
You will be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Ivory Coast passport holders. You must have an approved eVisa before travel.
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.