Botswana entry requirements for Qatar 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
Qatari passport holders can travel to Botswana visa-free for stays up to 90 days. This policy applies in 2026, making it straightforward for tourism or business visits.
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 6 months from your date of entry into Botswana. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they will check the date matches your visa-free stay limit. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their address is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | You should have access to at least 500 BWP per day (about $40 USD) in cash, card, or bank statement. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but having a recent bank statement or credit card helps. | 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. If your passport expires within that window, renew it before you go.
No visa, no fees, no forms
Qatari passport holders get 90 days visa-free with no application, no fee, and no arrival declaration. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Botswana immigration
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or other entry points, proceed to the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will verify your visa-free eligibility, stamp your passport, and note the 90-day stay limit. This usually takes 2-5 minutes.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your checked bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no arrival forms or declarations required for Qatari passport holders.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (BWP 400)
For those who need a visa or want a formal record; apply at Botswana embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$60 USD (BWP 800)
Allows multiple visits within validity; useful for regional travel.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$200 USD (BWP 2,500) application fee
For those with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500 USD (BWP 6,000) application fee
For individuals investing at least $500,000 USD in Botswana. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Offers residency.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (BWP 1,200) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 90 days incurs a daily fine; maximum cap may apply. Check with immigration. | ~$10 USD per day (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
Qatar passport holders transiting through Botswana airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating habits.
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 54352, New CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
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 QA 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 stay is not extendable. You must leave Botswana before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
No, if you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need to meet the visa-free entry requirements.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Botswana immigration.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for Qatari passport holders. However, having a credit card or some cash (Botswana pula or USD) is practical for expenses.
No, the visa-free stay is for tourism and business visits only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa or permit before traveling.
No vaccines are mandatory for entry from Qatar. However, routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus) are recommended. Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online pre-registration required for Qatari passport holders. Just show up with your documents.
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.