Visa guide · updated October 2026Do Indians need a visa for Botswana?
Indian passport holders need a visa for Botswana. You can apply online through the government e-Visa portal, or at a Botswana embassy or immigration office.
Botswana visa options for Indians
| Option | Who it is for | Stay and validity | Official fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourism visa, single entry | Tourism and short non-work visits | Up to 1 month | BWP 300 (US$30) |
| Tourism visa, multiple entry | Repeat visits | Multiple entry | BWP 500 (US$50) |
Botswana visa fees
| Option | Official fee |
|---|---|
| Tourism visa, single entry | BWP 300 (US$30) |
| Tourism visa, multiple entry | BWP 500 (US$50) |
Fees are in Botswana pula, with the US dollar amounts as published by the government. Confirm the amount on the e-Visa portal when you apply.
Documents required
The official source lists these documents:
- Certified copy of passport pages 1 and 2, showing at least 6 months validity
- Two recent colour passport-size photos
- Covering letter giving the reasons for your visit
- Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings
- Trip itinerary
- Evidence that you will leave Botswana after the trip
How to apply
Apply online at evisa.gov.bw, saving all required documents as a single PDF.
Or submit Form 1 with your documents at an immigration office, embassy or consulate of Botswana.
Pay the visa fee.
Wait 7 to 14 days for the decision.
Processing time
7 to 14 days from the date of application.
Best Time to Visit Botswana
Botswana is a premier safari destination, and timing your visit is critical for wildlife viewing:
- Dry Season (May to October): The best time for wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. Cooler temperatures of 15-30C. Clear skies and excellent photographic conditions.
- Green Season (November to April): The rainy season transforms the landscape into lush greenery. Bird watching is exceptional with migratory species present. Higher chance of seeing newborn animals. Lower rates at lodges. Hot and humid with temperatures of 25-35C.
- Okavango Delta Flood: The floodwaters from the Angolan highlands reach the Okavango Delta between June and August, creating the unique watery landscape the delta is famous for. This is the prime time for mokoro (canoe) safaris.
- Special Events: The zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi Pans (December-March) is one of Africa's great wildlife spectacles, following the rains and fresh grazing.
Travel Tips for Botswana
Experience Botswana's wilderness with these practical tips:
- Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP) is the local currency. ATMs are available in Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane. Credit cards are accepted at lodges and hotels but less so in local markets and rural areas.
- Transportation: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone and Maun Airport (MUB) — the gateway to the Okavango Delta — are primary entry points. Chartered flights are common for reaching remote safari camps. The road network is good but driving between major towns takes time.
- Language: English is the official language. Setswana is the national language widely spoken. English is sufficient for travel and business.
- Safari Etiquette: Always follow your guide's instructions during game drives. Stay in your vehicle unless your guide says otherwise. Never approach wild animals on foot. Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Health Precautions: Malaria is present in northern Botswana (Okavango, Chobe). Take prophylactic medication, use DEET repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets. The sun is intense — bring high SPF sunscreen and a hat.
- Photography: The Okavango Delta offers world-class wildlife photography. Bring a zoom lens (200-400mm minimum). A dry bag is essential for mokoro trips to protect your camera from water splashes.
Visa application centres in India
You apply online on evisa.gov.bw, so there is no visa application centre to visit in India.
Checked against official sources on 26 October 2026.
Popular places to visit in Botswana
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Gaborone by Njengabenngugi, CC BY-SA 4.0; Maun by Pavel Špindler, CC BY 3.0; Kasane by Christine Scholer & Hp.Baumeler, CC BY-SA 4.0; Francistown by Pavel Špindler, CC BY 3.0.
Frequently asked questions
Indian passport holders need a visa for Botswana. You can apply online through the government e-Visa portal, or at a Botswana embassy or immigration office.
Tourism visa, single entry: BWP 300 (US$30). Tourism visa, multiple entry: BWP 500 (US$50). Fees are in Botswana pula, with the US dollar amounts as published by the government. Confirm the amount on the e-Visa portal when you apply.
7 to 14 days from the date of application.
Apply online at evisa.gov.bw, saving all required documents as a single PDF. Or submit Form 1 with your documents at an immigration office, embassy or consulate of Botswana. Pay the visa fee. Wait 7 to 14 days for the decision.
From the official sources listed at the end of this page, checked on 1 October 2026. Visa rules and fees change, so confirm them on the official site before you apply.
Official sources
The visa facts on this page come from these official pages, checked on 1 October 2026. Rules and fees can change, so confirm them before you apply.