Botswana entry requirements for Mozambique passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Mozambican passport holders can enter Botswana without a visa for tourism or business visits up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, so just bring the required documents and you're set.
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 Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone showing your flight out of Botswana within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address and phone number covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration can request evidence of sufficient funds — roughly 500 BWP per day or a credit card statement. A bank statement from the last month or a few hundred dollars in cash works. | Recommended |
Visa-free but not automatic
Entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer. Always carry proof of onward travel and accommodation. If you look like you might overstay or work illegally, you can be refused entry.
No extension available
The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. If you need more time, you must leave and re-enter after a gap. Plan your trip accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or enter by road from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, or Zambia, go to the immigration counter for foreign passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months), your return/onward ticket (printed or on your phone), and optionally your accommodation booking. The officer will check your details and may ask about your plans.
3
Get stamped in
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor entry permit valid for up to 90 days. Confirm the allowed stay — it's usually written on the stamp. Keep the stamp visible in case you're asked later.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim (if flying), then customs. No arrival declaration form is needed for Mozambique passport holders.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Mozambique Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostBWP 500 (~$38 USD)
For those who need a visa or want a formal record; apply at Botswana embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 1,000 (~$75 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostBWP 2,000 (~$150 USD)
For work, study, or investment; requires sponsorship and approval.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
BWP 2,000 (~$150 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 annually
BWP 1,500 (~$112 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least BWP 500,000 in a local business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable
BWP 2,500 (~$188 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (BWP 5,000/month). Allows residence but not work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not required for short stays; listed for reference. | Free (visa-free entry available) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for short stays; listed for reference. | Free (visa-free entry available) |
| Overstay fine per dayExact amount may vary; avoid overstay to prevent fines and bans. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum penalty may apply; check with immigration for exact cap. | ~$500 USD (estimated) |
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
Mozambique passport holders transiting through Botswana airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter Botswana (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), you must meet visa-free entry requirements.
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, including Mozambique.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Botswana, especially in northern regions like Okavango Delta and Chobe.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season (November–April).
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high in all regions, especially northern Botswana. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring all original 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 MZ 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
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Botswana before the 90 days are up and re-enter after a period outside the country. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at all Botswana ports of entry.
If you are traveling from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or Africa), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Mozambique is not a yellow fever endemic country, but if you've recently been in a risk area, carry the certificate.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only (meetings, conferences, short-term business). For work or study, you need a proper visa or permit from the Botswana Department of Immigration.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering Botswana for a period. Always leave before your stamped date expires.
No. Botswana does not require an arrival declaration for Mozambican passport holders. Just your passport and supporting documents.
Yes. Common land borders include Groblersbrug, Martins Drift, and Ramatlabama. The same visa-free rules apply — just present your passport at the border post.
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.