Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Botswana?
Official Requirement
Visa-free
for South Africa citizens travelling to Botswana
Citizens of approximately 90 countries, including most EU member states, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Commonwealth nations, may enter Botswana without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 365-day period. A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry is required.
Last checked 5 months ago (18 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
No visa needed for this trip
South Africa passport holders can enter Botswana for short visits without a visa. Check that your passport stays valid for the whole stay, carry proof of onward travel, and confirm the current entry conditions on the official source before you fly.
Official Botswana entry requirements →
Okavango Delta
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Botswana
- Requirement
- Visa-free
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Botswana
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Plan a trip of 90 days or fewer. Beyond that, Botswana needs a different permission and this page does not cover it.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 18 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
Wise
Your bank marks up every ZAR you spend in Botswana. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Saily eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Botswana.
Instant eSIM — from $3.99
Or unlimited data across 121 countries — from $59.99/mo
- eSIM delivered in minutes
- No SIM swapping or roaming fees
- Trusted by Nord Security
4.6 ★ App Store·4.5 ★ Google Play
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Botswana
No. South African citizens can enter Botswana without a visa for a short tourist or business visit. This was last checked on 18 April 2026.
Up to 90 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Botswana uses BWP. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 18 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →