Botswana entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders can visit Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy has been in effect since 2024 and covers tourism, business visits, and short-term stays. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the full 90 days you plan to stay in Botswana. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card available to show you have enough money for your trip. There's no fixed minimum, but around 500 BWP per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry confirmed
Malta passport holders can enter Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business, and short visits. No application or fee is needed.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry permit. The process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
2
Departure from Botswana
When leaving, go through passport control again. No exit fee is charged. Make sure your passport has been stamped out — otherwise it may cause issues for future travel.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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~$50 USD (BWP 650)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; apply at Botswana embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (BWP 1,300)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$200 USD (BWP 2,600) application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (BWP 1,300)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of admission and financial support.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (BWP 6,500)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$30 USD per day (BWP 400) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear 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
Malta passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours if remaining airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) · Maun Airport (MUB)
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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in northern regions (Okavango, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park). 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.
Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun Airport Road, Maun
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the Okavango Delta region.
Practical information for MT 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. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit from the Department of Immigration in Gaborone before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
No. Transit passengers staying airside and not passing through immigration do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need to meet the same visa-free entry requirements.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Botswana immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Any paid work, volunteering, or study requires a proper work or study permit obtained in advance.
It's not a formal requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is usually enough.
No. There is no arrival declaration or pre-registration required for Malta passport holders. Just show up with your passport and onward ticket.
The local currency is the Botswana pula (BWP). Euros and US dollars are not widely accepted outside of major hotels and safari lodges. Exchange at the airport or use ATMs.
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.