Botswana entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian passport holders can visit Botswana for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. This policy is in effect for 2026, making short trips straightforward.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Botswana | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Botswana does not require six months of validity beyond your departure date — just enough to cover your stay. Airlines sometimes enforce six 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 confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight reservation ready. Overland exits are less strictly checked, but still carry proof. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host works. Having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. A bank statement showing at least 500 BWP per day or a credit card with available limit usually satisfies them. They rarely ask, but it's smart to carry a printout. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Botswana requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, you will be refused entry. Check your passport now.
No visa, but be prepared
While no visa is needed, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Keep digital copies on your phone or printed copies in your bag.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
At Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (Gaborone) or Kasane Airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. For land borders like Kazungula or Ramokgwebana, proceed to the immigration booth.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation proof). The officer will check your passport validity and blank pages.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor entry permit valid for up to 90 days. No visa fee is charged. The process usually takes 2-5 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim (if flying), then customs. You're free to enter Botswana.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Not needed for standard visits; apply if you need a visa for other reasons.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Not needed for standard visits; apply if you need a visa for other reasons.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work/study)
Max stayVaries by permit
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (e.g., work permit ~$200–500 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply at Botswana embassy.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$200–500 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer from a Botswana employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable
~$100–300 USD (application fee)
For enrolment in a recognised educational institution in Botswana. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$500–1000 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., ~$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 visits within 90-day limit. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension costExtensions are not permitted for visa-free entries. | Unknown (not available for visa-free stays) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties apply; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and bans. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
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
Tanzania passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to enter Botswana (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), 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 (e.g., Tanzania). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Botswana, especially in northern regions (Okavango, Chobe). Prophylaxis recommended.
DengueLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
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 (Okavango Delta, Chobe). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 Services
Plot 54352, New CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Francistown
Francistown Immigration Office
Plot 1234, Independence Avenue, Francistown
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for northern Botswana visitors.
Practical information for TZ 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. You must leave Botswana before the 90 days expire. If you need to stay longer, you would need to apply for a different type of visa or permit from the Department of Immigration in Gaborone before your current stay ends.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Tanzania is not on that list, so you generally do not need it unless you have recently visited an affected country.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only (meetings, conferences). You cannot take up employment or enroll in a course of study. You would need a work permit or student visa for those activities.
Overstaying is a violation of immigration law. You may face fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering Botswana. The exact penalty depends on the duration of overstay and the discretion of immigration officials.
No, there is no online arrival declaration required for Botswana. You simply present your passport at the border.
Yes, you can enter via land borders like Kazungula (from Zambia) or Ramokgwebana (from Zimbabwe). The same visa-free rules apply. Just ensure your passport is valid and you have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
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.