Botswana entry requirements for Egypt 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
Egyptian passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Botswana. This online system lets you apply in advance, and you'll receive a digital approval to present at immigration. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism or business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Botswana eVisa | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the official eServices portal before you travel. The eVisa is mandatory for Egyptian passport holders — no visa on arrival available. Processing usually takes 5–10 working days, so apply at least two weeks before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Botswana. Airlines at Cairo International Airport will check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone routinely asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they check this before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana ready. Officers at the border may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration officers in Botswana occasionally ask for proof of funds — 500 BWP per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory
You cannot get a visa on arrival in Botswana as an Egyptian passport holder. Apply online before you travel.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Botswana, not from when you leave. Double-check before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Botswana eVisa portal (usually the government immigration site). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a passport photo. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF or email confirmation. Print a copy and save it on your phone. You'll show this at immigration when you arrive.
3
Arrive at the airport in Botswana
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (Gaborone) or Maun Airport, go to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket if asked. They'll stamp you in.
4
Show accommodation and onward ticket
Immigration officers may ask for proof of where you're staying and your exit ticket. Have your hotel booking and flight confirmation ready on your phone or printed.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Egypt 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostBWP 600 (~$45 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, total 90 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 900 (~$68 USD)
For frequent visitors.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostBWP 1,200 (~$90 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Botswana company.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
BWP 2,000 (~$150 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Botswana employer. Requires labour market test and company sponsorship.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of course, renewable
BWP 1,500 (~$113 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Botswana. Proof of admission and funds required.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of BWP 500,000 in a Botswana business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Egypt passport holders. | BWP 1,000 (~$75 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | BWP 200 (~$15 USD) 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
Egypt passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, an eVisa is required if leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without eVisa for up to 48 hours airside.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern regions (Okavango, Chobe, Maun). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended for all travellers.
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 54364, CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun Airport Road, Maun
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Serves tourists in the Okavango Delta region.
Practical information for EG 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
Processing usually takes 3 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eVisa fee is around $30 USD (about 400 BWP), but check the official portal for the exact amount. Payment is by credit card only.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa from outside Botswana.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You can reapply with corrected info. There's no appeal process.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Egypt is not a risk country, so you likely don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected area.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all official entry points, including land borders like Kazungula and Ramokgwebana. Just show the approval on your phone or paper.
Your passport, the eVisa approval, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Have them ready in a folder or on your phone.
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.