How long can foreigners stay in Botswana? - 2023 (2024)

Home » Africa and Middle East » How long can foreigners stay in Botswana?

by Shelia Campbell

90 days.
Foreign nationals are allowed to stay in Botswana for a period of 90 days without applying for a residence or work permit. If visitors want to stay in Botswana for longer than 90 days, they will have to apply for an extension to stay beyond the validity period.

Contents

  • 1 How can I get residence in Botswana?
  • 2 What is the penalty for overstaying in Botswana?
  • 3 Can foreigners work in Botswana?
  • 4 How much is Botswana visa fee?
  • 5 Can a foreigner buy a house in Botswana?
  • 6 How long does it take to get citizenship in Botswana?
  • 7 How long can a South African stay in Botswana?
  • 8 How much is a passport in Botswana?
  • 9 How can I get visa for Botswana?
  • 10 What jobs are in demand in Botswana?
  • 11 How much is a work permit in Botswana?
  • 12 What is the cost of living in Botswana?
  • 13 How long can you stay in Botswana?
  • 14 How can I get work permit in Botswana?
  • 15 Which countries need a visa for Botswana?
  • 16 How much does it cost to buy a house in Botswana?
  • 17 What is freehold land in Botswana?
  • 18 Can foreigners buy property in Namibia?
  • 19 Does Botswana allow dual citizenship?
  • 20 How can I become a citizen of Botswana?

How can I get residence in Botswana?

Residence Permit Application

  1. Complete an application form for residence permit.
  2. Submit the application form to any Immigration office and pay the applicable fees.
  3. Check outcome from the office where you applied.
  4. If application is successful, a residence permit sticker will be stamped in the passport.

What is the penalty for overstaying in Botswana?

What is the penalty for overstaying in Botswana, i.e. for more than 90 days? The charge of overstay in terms of the Immigration Act is P100 for each day of overstay. The Police determine the charge.

See also How long are traditional African weddings?

Can foreigners work in Botswana?

All expatriate workers who wish to take up employment in Botswana need to apply for a work permit. No non citizens of Botswana may engage in any occupation unless they have been granted a work permit for Botswana under the Employment of the Non Citizens Act or are the holder of a certificate of exemption.

How much is Botswana visa fee?

Fees for Consular and Immigration Services

Service US $
8 Tourist Visa $ 30 single entry up to 1 month
9 Single entry Visitor Visa up to 3 months $ 30
10 Visitor Visa more than 3months $ 150
11 Business Visa $ 50 single entry

Can a foreigner buy a house in Botswana?

Foreigners can buy property in Gaborone, Phakalane, Lobatse, F/town and some other areas outside Tribal Territories. Foreigners can also buy any freehold land or property. In Botswana it is illegal to buy unimproved land or plot unless it is freehold property.

How long does it take to get citizenship in Botswana?

Approximately one year
Approximately one year. The cost is BWP1000. 00 for each applicant. All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.

How long can a South African stay in Botswana?

90 days
No visitor to Botswana is allowed to stay for longer than 90 days a year, unless special permission is given in the form of a waiver pending the outcome of a residence permit application.

How much is a passport in Botswana?

Botswana Passport and omang application fees

Application Type Cost
Passport (renewal, change of name) P260.00 / SEK230
Passport (lost, damaged) P1260.00 / SEK1100
Emergency Travel Document P12.00 / SEK12
Omang (Renewal, change of name) P5.00 / SEK5
See also Is Namibia in a malaria zone?

How can I get visa for Botswana?

Here are the steps to apply for an Botswana Visa through Akbar Travels: Step 1: Contact our Visa Expert with your travel plans and gather all the visa information and requirements. Step 2: Pay your Botswana visa fee online and get your documents picked by us from your home or office. Step 5:Receive your Botswana Visa.

What jobs are in demand in Botswana?

Information and Communication Technology

  • Information and Communication Technology.
  • 2521. Database Designers and Administrators. 2511. Systems Analysts. 2434. ICT Sales Professionals. 2512. Software Developers. 2153. Telecommunications Engineers. 2513. Web and Multimedia Developers. 2656.
  • Creative Industries.

How much is a work permit in Botswana?

It’s P 1,500 for: The initial work permit application. Renewal of a work permit.

What is the cost of living in Botswana?

Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,777$ (21,008P) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 498$ (5,886P) without rent. Cost of living in Botswana is, on average, 44.13% lower than in United States. Rent in Botswana is, on average, 75.96% lower than in United States.

How long can you stay in Botswana?

90 days
Foreign nationals are allowed to stay in Botswana for a period of 90 days without applying for a residence or work permit. If visitors want to stay in Botswana for longer than 90 days, they will have to apply for an extension to stay beyond the validity period.

How can I get work permit in Botswana?

Work Permit Application

  1. Download, complete the Work permit application form and submit with supporting documents to the nearest Labour Office.
  2. Collection of Work permit after notification if approved.
  3. Applicant can check after service collection period.
See also What is the third largest hospital in Africa?

Which countries need a visa for Botswana?

Countries Requiring Visas

Afghanistan Cote d’Ivoire Kuwait
Angola Dominican Republic Lebanon
Armenia Ecuador Liberia
Azerbaijan Egypt Libya
Bahrain El Salvador Lithuania

How much does it cost to buy a house in Botswana?

In the first quarter of 2019, the average price of residential property rose by 11.4% to BWP 852,529 (US$78,430) from the same period last year, according to Bank of Botswana’s Monetary Policy Report October 2019. Quarter-on-quarter, residential property prices rose 11.1% in Q1 2019.

What is freehold land in Botswana?

Freehold land is held under perpetuity and the owner is free to sell, lease and mortgage the property to both citizens and non-citizens subject to the Land Control Act.The holders are free to sell, lease or mortgage their properties to citizens or non-citizens; there is no time limit to this kind of title.

Can foreigners buy property in Namibia?

Except for agricultural land, there are no restrictions on nonresident foreigners and legal aliens owning property in Namibia. Most property ownerships are freehold. Real estate transactions are negotiated and concluded in Namibian dollar (NA$).

Does Botswana allow dual citizenship?

Botswana does not allow dual nationality except in the case of a minor who must declare a choice upon reaching majority, or in the case that foreign nationality is automatically acquired by marriage.

How can I become a citizen of Botswana?

Citizenship of Botswana can be acquired by foreigners in a number of situations, including; citizenship by settlement, naturalisation or naturalisation of a foreign spouse, registration of a minor child of a citizen, registration of an adopted child, registration of citizenship by the President on the basis of special

How long can foreigners stay in Botswana? - 2023 (1)

About Shelia Campbell

Sheila Campbell has been traveling the world for as long as she can remember. Her parents were avid travelers, and they passed their love of exploration onto their daughter. Sheila has visited every continent on Earth, and she's always looking for new and interesting places to explore.

How long can foreigners stay in Botswana? - 2023 (2024)

FAQs

How long can foreigners stay in Botswana? ›

Foreign nationals are allowed to stay in Botswana for a period of 90 days without applying for a residence or work permit. If visitors want to stay in Botswana for longer than 90 days, they will have to apply for an extension to stay beyond the validity period.

How long can a U.S. citizen stay in Botswana? ›

U.S. citizens are permitted stays up to 90 days total within a 12-month period without a visa. The total stay permitted for each visit is recorded on the entry stamp by Botswana immigration officials and may be less than 90 days.

Can visitors stay more than 6 months? ›

When you enter the U.S., a customs officer will give you authorization to stay in the U.S. for up to six months. If you'd like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year.

What happens if you overstay in Botswana? ›

What is the penalty for overstaying in Botswana, i.e. for more than 90 days? The charge of overstay in terms of the Immigration Act is P100 for each day of overstay.

Can foreigners live in Botswana? ›

Expats planning to work in Botswana, or live in the country for more than 3 months will need a Residence Permit. To apply for a Residence Permit, you'll need to show that you can financially support yourself while living in Botswana.

Is Botswana good for foreigners? ›

Botswana can be an incredibly affordable place to live, especially if expats manage their finances well. Gaborone ranks low on Mercer's Cost of Living Survey, and is more affordable than most of the 200 other listed cities. Its favourable exchange rate also attracts people from the US, the UK and Europe.

Where can US citizens stay the longest? ›

Colombia – 90 days, but you can extend for an extra 90 days. New Zealand – 90 days but can extend up to 9 months total in 18 months. Australia – You can purchase a tourist visa for up to 12 months. Peru – 90 days, but possible to extend for another 90 days.

Whats the longest a non U.S. citizen can stay in the US? ›

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

How long can you leave US as a U.S. citizen? ›

Absences of more than 365 consecutive days

You must apply for a re-entry permit (Form I-131) before you leave the United States, or your permanent residence status will be considered abandoned.

When can I return to the US after 6 months stay? ›

If their presence was 90 days or less, they will be able to return to the country again after leaving the US up to a maximum of 180 continuous days per year. If their presence was more than 180 days but less than a year, they will have to wait 3 years to re-enter the country on a tourist visa.

How long can a retired U.S. citizen stay out of the country? ›

How long can a retired U.S. citizen stay out of the country? SSI benefits will stop if a recipient is outside the United States for more than 30 days, and benefits won't start up again until the recipient is back in the country for at least 30 days.

How many times can a visitor visa be extended? ›

There is no statutory limit on the number of times a person can extend visitor status. Instead, the officer will consider the history of the applicant, the purpose of the visit, and whether there is a valid reason to continue visiting.

Can you buy residency in Botswana? ›

Botswana offers several residency by investment schemes for foreign investors. The eligibility of the applicants depends on a point-based system, developed by the government.

How much is American visa in Botswana? ›

How much does it cost? The costs associated with this service are as follows: Single entry for a period up to one (1) months is BWP 300.00(US$30.00) Multiple entry for a period up to five (5) years is BWP 500.00 (US$50.00)

Can I pay my overstay at the airport? ›

You can settle your overstaying fines at any of the entry ports (airport, land border, sea ports), immigration offices, Amer offices and typing centres.

Can foreigners buy property in Botswana? ›

Foreigners can buy property in Gaborone, Phakalane, Lobatse, F/town and some other areas outside Tribal Territories. Foreigners can also buy any freehold land or property. In Botswana it is illegal to buy unimproved land or plot unless it is freehold property.

How much is residence permit in Botswana? ›

How much does it cost? The cost to apply for the residence permit is BWP 1500.00.

How much money do you need to live in Botswana? ›

Summary: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,676.3$ (21,610.8P) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 468.6$ (6,041.8P) without rent. Cost of living in Botswana is, on average, 52.8% lower than in United States.

What are the main problems in Botswana? ›

Inequality in Botswana remains among the highest in the world, job creation lags, and unemployment is structurally high at 26% at the end of 2021. Economic growth rebounded to an estimated 12.1% in 2021.

Does Botswana allow dual citizenship? ›

You can also be on dual citizenship if you were born by foreign citizens who later acquired Botswana citizenship and registered you as a citizen of Botswana before attaining the age of twenty one (21).

What percent of Botswana is white? ›

White Africans make up about 3% of the population. The majority of people speak the languages of their respective ethnic groups which include: Kalanga, Kgalagadi, Shona, Mbukushu, and Ndebele. Setswana is the national language and English is the official language of Botswana.

Where can US citizens easily move? ›

Easiest Countries to Move to From USA
  • Svalbard.
  • Mexico.
  • Portugal.
  • Ecuador.
  • Malta.
  • Spain.
  • South Korea.
  • Australia.

What countries can Americans stay in long term? ›

7 Countries Granting the Longest Visas to Americans
  • Marshall Islands (Indefinite) Stefan Lins/Flickr. ...
  • Micronesia (Indefinite) Matt Kieffer/Flickr. ...
  • Svalbard, Norway (Indefinite) Rob Oo/Flickr. ...
  • Albania (One Year) Artur Malinowski/Flickr. ...
  • Georgia (One Year) Maria Savenko/Flickr. ...
  • Palau (One Year) ...
  • The Bahamas (240 days)
Oct 22, 2018

Where can Americans stay without a visa? ›

As of December 2022, US passport holders can travel visa free to 143 countries and territories:
  • Albania.
  • American Samoa.
  • Andorra.
  • Anguilla.
  • Antigua and Barbuda.
  • Argentina.
  • Armenia.
  • Aruba.

What happens if you stay out of the US for more than 6 months? ›

If you intend to stay outside the United States for 1 year or more, you must apply for a re-entry permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) prior to leaving the United States.

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a friend for a tourist visa? ›

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a non-family member for immigration? Unfortunately, no, you can't petition for a foreign national's visa or green card if they aren't a family member.

Can I come back to the US if I overstayed? ›

If you have more than 180 days of unlawful presence, meaning you overstayed your visa by 181 days or more, you will be barred from returning to the United States for a certain amount of time. If you were unlawfully present for between 180 and 365 days, you will be barred from entering the United States for three years.

Can I lose my U.S. citizenship if I live abroad? ›

No Longer Can One Lose U.S. Citizenship By Living in Another Country. At this time, no penalties exist if a naturalized U.S. citizen simply goes to live in another country. This is a distinct benefit of U.S. citizenship, since green card holders can have their status taken away for "abandoning" their U.S. residence.

Will I lose my U.S. citizenship if I become a citizen of another country? ›

A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to his or her U.S. citizenship. However, persons who acquire a foreign nationality after age 18 by applying for it may relinquish their U.S. nationality if they wish to do so.

Can a U.S. citizen be denied entry back into the USA? ›

The same is true for lawful permanent residents: you generally cannot be denied entry to the United States, but declining to answer questions may result in delay or further inspection.

What is the 30 60 days rule in immigration? ›

The 30/60 day rule (which was used before September 2017) assumed that if an adjustment of status application was filed within 30 days of entering the U.S. then the applicant misrepresent their original intent and they would subsequently be denied and those filed 30-60 days after coming to the U.S. were flagged as ...

How long after leaving the U.S. can you return? ›

Waiting Time for Application for Reentry

Once you have been deported, the United States government will bar you from returning for five, ten, or 20 years, or even permanently. Generally speaking, most deportees carry a 10-year ban.

How many months do you have to be in the U.S. out of the 5 years before your application? ›

Show you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately before the date you file Form N-400; Show you have lived for at least three months in a state or USCIS district having jurisdiction over your place of residence.

What happens to my Social Security if I live in another country? ›

If you are a resident of a country that has a U.S. social security agreement, (other than Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, or Switzerland), we will continue your U.S. Social Security payments.

How long can you live outside the US and still collect Social Security? ›

Generally, we cannot pay Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits to noncitizens after their sixth calendar month outside the United States. However, you might qualify for an exception, which could allow you to receive benefits without visiting the United States.

What is the best country for an American to retire to? ›

In order of top to bottom, the following top 10 countries to retire abroad include: Portugal, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Malaysia, Spain, France, and Vietnam.

How do I extend my 6 months visa? ›

If you want to extend your stay in the United States, you must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before your authorized stay expires.

What is the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record? ›

It is important to remember that a visitor record is not a visa. A visitor record allows you to stay longer, but it does not guarantee that you can leave and re-enter Canada. If you decide to travel outside Canada, you must meet the requirements to re-enter.

How long can a US citizen stay in Botswana? ›

U.S. citizens are permitted stays up to 90 days total within a 12-month period without a visa. The total stay permitted for each visit is recorded on the entry stamp by Botswana immigration officials and may be less than 90 days.

How can I move to Botswana from the US? ›

How to move to Botswana as an expat? Citizens from Commonwealth countries, with a few exceptions, do not need a visa to enter to Botswana. However, if you're planning on working or living in Botswana for more than 3 months, you will need to apply for a Residence Permit through the government website.

What happens when you overstay in Botswana? ›

14. What is the penalty for overstaying in Botswana, i.e. for more than 90 days? The charge of overstay in terms of the Immigration Act is P100 for each day of overstay.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Botswana? ›

Visa-Category: Visa is required and obtained on arrival or prior to arrival on the Botswana e-visa portal. Length of stay - All nationalities can stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 12 month period for holiday purposes, without a permit. For important updates, be sure to check our NEWSFLASH page.

How much is a 3 month tourist visa? ›

Dubai 3-Month Visit Visa Price

The fee for a standard processing, single-entry visa valid for three months in Dubai is AED 800. The prices for a visa to stay in Dubai for three months include all applicable taxes and service charges. The cost of a multiple-entry visa valid for three months in Dubai is AED 2,250.

How does the government know you overstayed your visa? ›

If your departure date is missing or does not match up with your I-94 form, the US government will know that you have overstayed your visa. Another way that the United States can find out if you have overstayed your visa is through random checks.

How can overstay be forgiven? ›

If you're a visa holder and you remain in the United States past the “admit until date” listed on your Form I-94 (also called the “Arrival/Departure Record”), you are overstaying your visa. If this happens, you can get visa overstay forgiveness by applying for a waiver.

How do you clear overstay? ›

Personal Sponsorship (Family)
  1. Petition letter from Sponsor.
  2. Passport and visa copy of the Sponsor.
  3. Sponsor Salary certificate/ Labor contract/ Memorandum.
  4. Any documents that support the cause of overstaying must also be submitted.
Sep 12, 2021

How can I get permanent residency in Botswana? ›

Permanent Residence Application
  1. Resided lawfully in Botswana continuously for at least 5 years.
  2. Be of good character.
  3. Have made significant contributions to Botswana.
  4. Be of good standing in the society.
  5. Have enough means to support oneself and dependents.

How much is Botswana residence permit? ›

How much does it cost? The cost to apply for the residence permit is BWP 1500.00.

Can non residents buy property in Botswana? ›

Q. What area(s) can international buyer/investor purchase a property in Botswana? Foreigners can buy property in Gaborone, Phakalane, Lobatse, F/town and some other areas outside Tribal Territories. Foreigners can also buy any freehold land or property.

How much money do you need for permanent resident? ›

It costs $50 per person to apply for a permanent resident (PR) card. You will need to pay the fee each time you renew or replace your PR card.

Which country gives easy permanent residency? ›

New Zealand: The Easiest Country to get Permanent Residency

If your one-year period is up, you can apply for a new visa or leave the country.

How much is permanent resident fee? ›

You are approved to immigrate to the United States. Your next step is to pay the $220 USCIS Immigrant Fee. This fee covers the cost of processing your immigrant visa packet and producing your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

Can a foreigner open a bank account in Botswana? ›

Banking in Botswana

Foreigners can open a personal account at any of the local banks with ease.

What is a blue card in Botswana? ›

The Botswana Blue Card will allow persons who have renounced Botswana citizenship to retain the right to unlimited stay in Botswana. Botswana Blue Card holders will have the right to visit, live and work in Botswana. However, they will not be entitled to Omang and Botswana Passport.

How long is a Botswana residence permit valid? ›

You must have a residence permit to stay in Botswana for the required period. This visa is valid for up to five years, depending on the employment contract's duration. An extension is possible, provided the immigration authorities deem it justifiable.

How much does US visa cost in Botswana? ›

Fees for Consular and Immigration Services
ServiceUS $
8Tourist Visa$ 30 single entry up to 1 month
9Single entry Visitor Visa up to 3 months$ 30
10Visitor Visa more than 3months$ 150
11Business Visa$ 50 single entry
22 more rows

Can foreigners own businesses in Botswana? ›

Foreigners who wish to operate a business in the country are required to register and obtain the relevant licenses and permits as prescribed by the Trade Act of 2008.

How can a foreigner start a business in Botswana? ›

  1. Reserve a unique company name. ...
  2. Declaration of compliance for Incorporation. ...
  3. Registration of the company. ...
  4. Receive inspection of company premises. ...
  5. Obtain an industrial license or trade license. ...
  6. Open a bank account. ...
  7. Obtain a tax identification number (TIN) from the Tax authority. ...
  8. Register for Value Added Tax (VAT)

Can you buy a house in a country you don't have citizenship in? ›

Individual countries have the right to place restrictions on non-citizens who want to own properties. Even if the country you're interested in allows foreigners to buy homes, you may be required to obtain special residence permits or register with a government agency before you can complete a home purchase.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 5913

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.