Botswana entry requirements for Greece passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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

Greek passport holders can visit Botswana for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter, and you need a return or onward ticket. This policy applies in 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Botswana
Your passport needs at least 3 blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Botswana immigration officers check the 6-month validity strictly — if your passport expires sooner, 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 a return or onward ticket. Airlines check this before boarding in Athens — have a printed or digital copy ready.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a signed letter from your host with their address and contact number. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays at the desk.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement, cash, or credit card showing sufficient means
Botswana does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but having at least 500 BWP (about €35) per day in cash or a recent bank statement covers you. ATMs are widely available in Gaborone and Maun.Recommended
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 your departure date. Double-check before you fly.
No visa extensions available
The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. Plan your trip to leave before day 90.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents before travel
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Print or save digital copies of your booking confirmations and insurance policy.
2
Arrive at the airport in Botswana
You'll land at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport (MUB). Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly — you're visiting for tourism or business. They'll stamp you in for up to 90 days.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Botswana.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostBWP 1,000 (~$74 USD)

Apply at Botswana embassy in Athens or online. Requires proof of funds and accommodation.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostBWP 2,500 (~$185 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers. Must show strong ties to home country.

Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostBWP 5,000 (~$370 USD)

Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution in Botswana.

work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
BWP 10,000 (~$740 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study, renewable
BWP 5,000 (~$370 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at accredited institutions in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
BWP 20,000 (~$1,480 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least BWP 5 million in Botswana. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of BWP 10,000 (~$740 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure.BWP 500 (~$37 USD) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconvincing travel purpose20%

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

Greece passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours, provided they remain airside.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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

Present in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe). Use prophylaxis and mosquito repellent.

Tick-borne diseasesModerate risk

Risk in rural areas. Wear long sleeves and check for ticks.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common in rural areas. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Ngamiland). Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline).

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, New CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30

Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid queues.

Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun Airport Road, Maun
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30

Handles extensions for tourists in the Okavango Delta region.

Practical information for GR 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 = 13.81 BWP
updated May 19
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
Police999
Medical997
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Botswana before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Greece is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it. But if you've recently traveled to a risk area, bring the certificate.
No, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration will ask for proof that you plan to leave within the 90-day visa-free period.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Greek passport holders. Just show up with your passport and documents.
The local currency is the Botswana pula (BWP). Euros are not widely accepted. Exchange at the airport or use ATMs. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants.
Overstaying is a violation of immigration law. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering Botswana. Always leave on time.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.