Visa requirements

Botswana

General visa requirements for travelling to Botswana. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Work / Immigration visa (Work Permit (Employment Visa))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
730 days
Processing time
7-14 working days
Fee
Varies
Validity
Work permit validity depends on employment contract and type of permit
Entry
Single entry

All non-citizens engaging in employment must secure work permit. Work permit processing takes 7-14 working days.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    All non-citizens engaging in employment (paid or voluntary) must secure work permit

  • Purpose of visit

    For engaging in employment, internships, research positions, volunteer services in Botswana

    Includes
    • Employment
    • work
  • Employment

    Must have job offer from Botswana employer and work permit approval

    Required status: Job offer from Botswana employer

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 3; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Recent colored passport-size photographs

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: 0; Months required: 3

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: No; Must include salary: Yes

  • Police clearance

    Validity months: 6

  • Medical certificate

    Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Employment visa and work permit application form; Form url: https://www.gov.bw/residency-and-work/work-permit-application

  • Cover letter

    Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.

  • Curriculum vitae

    Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.

  • Academic transcript

    Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

  • Work permit notification

    Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.

  • International vaccination card

    Required vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; Validity months: 120

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Gather employment documents: job offer, qualifications, police clearance, medical certificate. Employer typically initiates work permit application first.

  2. Online application

    Submit employment visa application. Apply at Botswana embassy/consulate or online.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa and permit fees. Pay applicable visa and work permit fees.

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for processing. Work permit processing typically 7-14 working days.

  5. Visa collection

    Collect employment visa and work permit. Collect approved visa and work permit.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.