Botswana entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
South Korean passport holders can visit Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect as of 2026, making travel straightforward for tourism or short business trips. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Botswana | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Botswana does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date — just enough to cover your stay. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Immigration may ask for proof of departure | Botswana immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. Without one, you risk being denied entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation, lodge booking, or a letter from your host ready. A simple printout or email on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers may ask for evidence of sufficient funds. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have at least 500 BWP per day (roughly $40 USD). A recent statement on your phone is usually accepted. | 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 stay cannot be extended. If you overstay, you may face fines or a ban. Plan your exit carefully.
No visa needed — straightforward entry
South Korean passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Botswana for up to 90 days. No application, no fee, no waiting. Just show up with the right documents.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before you fly
Check your passport has 6+ months validity and at least one blank page. Book your return or onward ticket, and save the confirmation. Arrange first-night accommodation and download a booking confirmation. Consider travel insurance and a local eSIM.
2
Arrive at the airport in Botswana
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport (MUB), follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. You'll get a 90-day entry stamp. No visa fee is charged.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're free to enter Botswana.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within 90 days.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (e.g., work permit fee ~$200 USD)
Requires employer or institution sponsorship; apply at Botswana embassy.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable
~$100 USD application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $500,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no separate visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within the 90-day period. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extensionExtensions are not permitted for visa-free stays. | Unknown (not available) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (not available) |
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
South Korea passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Botswana airports, as long as 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) recommended for those 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 54352, CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa and permit inquiries; bring all supporting documents.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for northern Botswana.
Practical information for KR 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
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 before 90 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a visa or permit from outside Botswana.
Not if you're arriving directly from South Korea. But if you've recently traveled to a country with yellow fever (like parts of Africa or South America), you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the latest health requirements before you go.
You'll be denied entry. Immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a passport valid for 6+ months and a return ticket. Border crossings can be slower than airports, so allow extra time.
No, you don't need a visa at all — it's visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa on arrival is required.
Botswana uses the pula (BWP). ATMs are available in cities and towns, but carry some cash for rural areas. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger shops, but not everywhere.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Botswana. Just your passport and any requested documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.