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Botswana Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Afghanistan citizens require an e-Visa for Botswana, applicable online via evisa.gov.bw; a single entry visitor visa costs Pula 500 (approx. USD 36.50) and typically processes within 7-14 working days.

Guide last updated June 20, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • To apply for an e-Visa to Botswana, Afghanistan citizens must provide the following:
  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your intended entry into Botswana and must have a minimum of three (3) blank pages for stamps.
  • Specific forms: The application is entirely online via the official Botswana e-Visa portal. There are no separate downloadable forms like DS-160 or VAF1A.
  • Financial proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Botswana. This can include recent bank statements showing a minimum of USD 100 per day for the duration of your trip. (e.g., USD 1,000 for a 10-day trip).
  • Accommodation and return ticket requirements: A confirmed return or onward flight ticket is mandatory. You must also provide proof of accommodation, such as a confirmed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host in Botswana, including their full address and contact details.
  • Photo spec: A recent, passport-sized digital photograph (taken within the last six months). The photo must have a white background, show a full frontal view of your face without head covering (unless for religious reasons), and be in JPEG format (maximum size 2MB).
  • Biometrics: Biometrics are generally not required for the online e-Visa application submission. However, immigration officers at the port of entry may capture your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) upon arrival in Botswana.
  • Travel health insurance: While not strictly mandatory for e-Visa application, travel health insurance is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, accidents, and unforeseen circumstances during your stay in Botswana.

Visa types

  • Afghanistan citizens can apply for several e-Visa types for Botswana. The most common include:
  • Visitor Visa (Single Entry)
  • Official name: Single Entry Visitor Visa
  • Validity: Typically granted for up to 3 months from the date of issue.
  • Max stay: Up to 30 days. Extensions may be possible within Botswana.
  • Entry type: Single entry.
  • Approximate fee: Pula 500 (approx. USD 36.50).
  • Visitor Visa (Multiple Entry)
  • Official name: Multiple Entry Visitor Visa
  • Validity: Typically granted for up to 6 months from the date of issue.
  • Max stay: Up to 30 days per entry. Extensions may be possible within Botswana.
  • Entry type: Multiple entry.
  • Approximate fee: Pula 750 (approx. USD 54.75).
  • Business Visa (Single Entry)
  • Official name: Single Entry Business Visa
  • Validity: Typically granted for up to 3 months from the date of issue.
  • Max stay: Up to 30 days. For short business meetings, conferences, or consultations.
  • Entry type: Single entry.
  • Approximate fee: Pula 500 (approx. USD 36.50).
  • Additional documents: Letter of invitation from the host company in Botswana, company registration details, and a letter from your employer in Afghanistan stating the purpose of your visit.
  • Business Visa (Multiple Entry)
  • Official name: Multiple Entry Business Visa
  • Validity: Typically granted for up to 6 months from the date of issue.
  • Max stay: Up to 30 days per entry. For frequent short business trips.
  • Entry type: Multiple entry.
  • Approximate fee: Pula 750 (approx. USD 54.75).
  • Transit Visa (Single Entry)
  • Official name: Single Entry Transit Visa
  • Validity: Valid for a specific transit period, usually 7 days.
  • Max stay: Up to 7 days.
  • Entry type: Single entry.
  • Approximate fee: Pula 200 (approx. USD 14.60).
  • Additional documents: Confirmed onward ticket from Botswana.

How to apply online

  • The application for a Botswana e-Visa is processed entirely online. Follow these steps:
  • 1. Portal URL: Access the official Botswana e-Visa portal at https://evisa.gov.bw/
  • 2. Steps:
  • Create an account: Register on the e-Visa portal with a valid email address and create a secure password.
  • Start application: Log in to your account and select 'New Application'. Choose the appropriate visa category (e.g., Visitor Visa, Business Visa).
  • Fill application form: Complete all sections of the online application form accurately. Provide personal details, passport information, travel itinerary, and other required information.
  • Upload documents: Upload all required supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format. This includes scanned passport bio-data page, digital photo, return ticket, accommodation proof, financial proof, and invitation letters (if applicable). Ensure documents meet specified size and format requirements.
  • Review and submit: Carefully review all information and uploaded documents before submitting your application.
  • Pay fee: Proceed to the payment section. The visa fee must be paid online using a credit or debit card. Accepted currencies are usually major international currencies, which will be converted to Botswana Pula (BWP) at the current exchange rate.
  • 3. Fee: The fee for a Single Entry Visitor Visa is Pula 500. For a Multiple Entry Visitor Visa, it is Pula 750. (Approximate USD conversions are mentioned in 'Fees & processing time' section).
  • 4. Processing time: Standard processing time for Botswana e-Visas for Afghanistan citizens is typically between 7 to 14 working days. However, it can occasionally extend up to 20 working days depending on the volume of applications and specific case complexities.
  • 5. How approval arrives: Once your e-Visa application is approved, you will receive an email notification containing your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or e-Visa document. You must print this e-Visa document and carry it with your passport when traveling to Botswana. You will present both to immigration officers upon arrival.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (Single Entry Visitor Visa): Pula 500
  • Approximate USD equivalent: USD 36.50 (exchange rate may vary)
  • Visa fee (Multiple Entry Visitor Visa): Pula 750
  • Approximate USD equivalent: USD 54.75 (exchange rate may vary)
  • Visa fee (Single Entry Business Visa): Pula 500
  • Approximate USD equivalent: USD 36.50 (exchange rate may vary)
  • Visa fee (Multiple Entry Business Visa): Pula 750
  • Approximate USD equivalent: USD 54.75 (exchange rate may vary)
  • Visa fee (Single Entry Transit Visa): Pula 200
  • Approximate USD equivalent: USD 14.60 (exchange rate may vary)
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable as the application is directly through the government e-Visa portal.
  • Total cost estimate: The total cost will be the applicable visa fee. There are no additional service fees for online applications.
  • Standard processing time: 7 to 14 working days. It is advisable to allow more time, up to 20 working days, for Afghanistan applicants.
  • Express/priority option: Botswana e-Visa system does not currently offer an express or priority processing option.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: It is strongly recommended that Afghanistan citizens apply for their Botswana e-Visa at least 3 to 4 weeks before their intended travel date to account for potential processing delays and administrative reviews.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghanistan applicants specifically: While specific data for Afghanistan applicants is not publicly available, common reasons for e-Visa rejection across nationalities include:
  • Incomplete or inconsistent application forms.
  • Insufficient proof of funds to cover the intended stay.
  • Lack of a confirmed return or onward ticket.
  • Unclear purpose of visit or insufficient supporting documents for the declared purpose.
  • Previous immigration violations or criminal records.
  • Submitting blurry or unreadable copies of required documents.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: This is not applicable for Botswana e-Visas as the application is processed entirely online through the official government portal, not through third-party service providers or embassies for initial submission.
  • Any current travel advisories or bilateral notes: Always check the latest travel advisories issued by your home country's foreign ministry (if applicable) and the Botswana Ministry of Health for any health-related entry requirements or restrictions. There are no specific bilateral visa notes that significantly alter the e-Visa process for Afghanistan citizens beyond the standard requirements.
  • Extension options inside Botswana: If you wish to extend your stay beyond the period granted by your e-Visa, you must apply for an extension at the nearest Department of Immigration and Citizenry office in Botswana. This application must be made before your current visa expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities and typically require valid reasons and proof of continued financial means and accommodation.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.