To Ethiopian citizens, Botswana is a place of unbelievable opportunities: wildlife breathtaking in Chobe National Park, and Gaborone, the business centre. Ethiopia is not listed among the countries on the visa-exempt list of Botswana, so the traveler will need an electronic visa (eVisa) prior to traveling.

This guide provides a specialized look at the Botswana eVisa for Ethiopian citizens, detailing the requirements and timelines for a successful application.

Is the Botswana eVisa Available for Ethiopian Citizens?

Yes. Ethiopian nationals with passports are entitled to obtaining Botswana eVisa. With this computer network, you do not have to wait in queues in Addis Ababa embassies but can transact all your applications online. After it has been approved, the visa is forwarded to your email account that you should print and show on arrival.

What are the Main Botswana eVisa Types for Ethiopians?

The type of your visa has to correspond to the main purpose of your visit. The most frequently used types are:

• Tourist eVisa: Sightseeing, safari and holidays.
• Business eVisa: To visit a meeting, conference or trade.
• Visitor eVisa: Visitors visiting their family members or friends who are living in Botswana.
• Study eVisa: students that are accepted to the Botswana educational institutions.
• Transit eVisa: It applies to passengers who are not spending more than 72 hours in transit to a different country.
• Employment & investor eVisas: Including people who relocate due to employment or administering business.

What are the Passport Type Restrictions?

You must apply for Botswana Visa using an Ordinary Passport.

• The passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining.
• It must have at least 3 blank pages.
• If you hold a Diplomatic or Service passport, you should check with the Botswana Embassy, as different rules or exemptions may apply.

Does Botswana Offer Multiple-Entry eVisas?

Yes. If your travel involves leaving Botswana to visit Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and returning to Botswana, you should select the Multiple Entry option.

• Single Entry: Valid for one-time entry (up to 1 month).
• Multiple Entry: Valid for up to 3 months or more, allowing you to cross the border several times.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Ethiopian Citizens?

While not always strictly enforced for every visa type, the Botswana Government highly recommends Comprehensive Travel Insurance. For many travelers, proof of insurance covering medical emergencies and COVID-19 is requested at the border. Having insurance ensures that if you fall ill in remote areas like the Okavango Delta, you are financially protected for medical evacuation.

How long does a Botswana E visa take?

Processing times depend on your departure date and how quickly you need your documents. We offer three tiers of service:

Service Level	Processing Time (Working Days)
Standard	25 – 30 Working Days
Rush	20 – 25 Working Days
Super Rush	18 – 22 Working Days

What documents are required for Botswana Evisa?

To ensure your application is processed without delays, prepare high-quality digital scans of the following Botswana Visa Requirements:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months with 3+ blank pages.
• Passport Photo: Color, white background, JPG format (under 30KB).
• Cover Letter: A signed letter stating your reason for travel and dates.
• Flight & Hotel Proof: Confirmed flight itinerary and hotel/lodge bookings.
• Financial Proof: Stamped bank statements showing sufficient funds.
• Yellow Fever Certificate: Mandatory for Ethiopian citizens as Ethiopia is a yellow fever endemic zone.

What are the Specific Photo Requirements for the eVisa?

A “selfie” or a low-quality scan will lead to an immediate rejection. Your digital photo must meet these standards:

• Size: Must be under 30KB in size.
• Format: JPG only.
• Dimensions: 3×4 cm (30mm x 40mm).
• Composition: White background, neutral expression, and eyes clearly visible.
• Quality: The skin tone must look natural—no filters or excessive shadows.

When is a Botswana Transit Visa Required?

If you are passing through Botswana to reach countries like Namibia or South Africa, you may need a Transit Visa.

• Air Transit: If you stay inside the airport and fly out on the same aircraft, you generally don’t need one.
• Land Transit: If you are leaving the airport or driving across the border, a Transit Visa is mandatory. It is valid for up to 7 days and cannot be extended.

Can You Work or Volunteer on a Tourist eVisa?

Strictly No. The most common cause for deportation or legal trouble in Botswana is engaging in “non-recreational” activities on a Tourist or Visitor visa.

• You cannot sell goods, provide services, or receive any form of payment.
• If you intend to work, intern, or volunteer, you must apply for the Employment eVisa category, which requires a waiver from the Department of Labour.

What are the Travel Rules for Children and Minors?

Botswana has some of the strictest rules in the world regarding travel with minors (under 18) to prevent child trafficking.

• Unabridged Birth Certificate: You must carry a certified copy of the child’s full birth certificate (in English) showing both parents’ names.
• Consent Letter: If the child is traveling with only one parent, a notarized affidavit of consent from the non-traveling parent is required.
• Unaccompanied Minors: Additional documents, including the host’s ID and a letter of invitation, are mandatory.

What Activities are Allowed on a Tourist vs. Visitor Visa?

It is a common mistake to confuse these two.

• Tourist eVisa: Strictly for sightseeing, safaris, and holidays. You must provide hotel or lodge bookings.
• Visitor eVisa: For visiting family or friends. This requires a Sworn Statement (Affidavit) from your host in Botswana and a copy of their Omang (ID) or Residence Permit.

Agent vs. Government Portal: Which is Better for You?

While you can apply directly through the government site, many Ethiopian travelers prefer using an agent like botswana-evisa.com for several reasons:

Feature	Government Portal	botswana-evisa.com (Agent)
Document Review	None (Immediate rejection for errors)	Manual check by experts before submission
Payment Success	Frequent card rejections	Secure global gateway (Visa/MC/Amex)
Customer Support	No live help desk	24/7 Live Chat & WhatsApp
User Experience	Can be clunky/slow	Simplified, mobile-friendly forms

How Do I Pay for My Botswana eVisa from Ethiopia?

Payment is the final step of the application. Through botswana-evisa.com, you can pay using any international Credit or Debit card. Once the payment is confirmed, your application enters the “Processing” stage. Remember, the fee is for processing and is generally non-refundable regardless of the outcome.