Botswana entry requirements for Rwanda passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Rwandan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Botswana. The process is entirely online, and you must have your approval before you travel. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival option for Rwandans.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Botswana eVisa at the Botswana eServices portal. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Botswana. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Botswana immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Botswana. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry proof of at least 500 BWP per day (about $40 USD) in cash, bank statement, or credit card. Officers rarely check but can ask. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Rwandan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Botswana. You must apply and receive your eVisa before you travel. Without it, you will be denied boarding or entry.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Botswana, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the Botswana eVisa portal (no official URL provided — search 'Botswana eVisa' on the government site). Fill in your personal and travel details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (amount not specified — expect around $30–50 USD). Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print two copies — one to present on arrival, one as backup. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Botswana
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone or Maun Airport (MUB), go to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostBWP 600 (~$45 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostBWP 1,200 (~$90 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. BWP 2,000–5,000)
Requires sponsorship from employer or institution.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
BWP 2,000 (~$150 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Botswana employer. Requires sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
BWP 1,500 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized institutions in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of BWP 500,000 in a Botswana business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist eVisa. | BWP 600 (~$45 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | BWP 1,200 (~$90 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | BWP 200 (~$15 USD) per day, max BWP 5,000 (~$375 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Rwanda passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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 (Rwanda is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Botswana, especially in northern regions like Okavango Delta.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in northern areas. Use mosquito repellent and 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 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 123, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions for northern Botswana.
Practical information for RW 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. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Rwandans. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. Processing times can vary, so don't leave it to the last minute.
The exact fee isn't listed in the official database, but similar eVisas for Botswana cost around $30–50 USD. You'll pay online during the application.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply from outside the country.
You cannot enter. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Botswana. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Rwanda is not on that list, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected country.
Immigration may deny you entry. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket — a screenshot on your phone is fine, but a printed copy is safer.
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.