Before you enter a foreign country, there are a few things that you must have, such as a valid visa as well as a valid passport. The same goes for Indian citizens traveling to Botswana!
Indian passport holders don’t enjoy the Botswana visa exemption. So, they must obtain a valid travel document to enter the country. When it comes to travel documents, Indians have multiple options. In this article, we have discussed whether or not Indians are eligible for a Botswana visa on arrival and how to get a Botswana visa prior to entering the country.
So, without further ado, let's get into it!
Can Indians Get a Botswana Visa on Arrival?
A visa-on-arrival system is designed to make the visa application process convenient. If a citizen is eligible for a visa on arrival, they can travel to Botswana without applying for a travel document beforehand!
Unfortunately, Indians are not eligible for a Botswana visa on arrival. This means Indians must obtain a valid visa before traveling to the country.
Botswana Visa Options for Indian Citizens
Although Indian nationality holders are not eligible for a Botswana visa on arrival, they'll be relieved to know that they can apply online for different types of Botswana visas, depending on the purpose of their visit.
The Botswana government has made the entire visa application process online, making it both faster and more convenient. Now, instead of visiting the Botswana embassy or consulate office, Indians can apply for the following types of visas via VisaHQ:
Tourist Visa
For tourism and leisure purposes, Indian travelers are required to obtain a Botswana tourist visa prior to entering the country. This travel document permits holders to:
Visit relatives
Explore the country
Spend holidays
Botswana offers two types of tourist visas, including:
Single-Entry Visa - This travel document allows a holder to stay in the country for 90 consecutive days within a 90-day period.
Multiple-Entry Visa - Unlike a single-entry visa, this travel document is valid for multiple entries within a 90-day period.
Business Visa
Alternatively, if Indians want to participate in commercial or professional activities in Botswana, they must apply for a business visa. This travel document allows you to:
Enroll in a training program
Meet with business associates
Attend seminars or conferences
Just like a tourist visa, Botswana offers different variations of business visas, such as single-entry business visas and multiple-entry business visas.
Missionary Visa
If you want to perform missionary work approved by the Government of Botswana, you can apply for a Botswana missionary visa. This one also allows you to stay in the country for 90 days within a 90-day period.
Botswana Visa Requirements
To get a Botswana visa, Indian citizens must provide some required documents, also known as Botswana visa requirements. 3 of the most basic documents that you need for a Botswana visa are:
Valid Passport - A copy of your passport with at least 2 blank pages for stamps. Your passport must stay valid for at least 6 months from the date of issue!
E-mail Address - A valid and active email address. Your email will be linked to your passport. Moreover, you'll receive your approved visa via email.
Means of Payment - As you can apply for a Botswana visa online, you can use online payment methods to pay the embassy fee and the visa service fee. To do so, you'll need to use a debit card, credit card, or PayPal account.
These are the most basic documents required to apply for a Botswana visa. Besides these, you'll need a few additional documents depending on your purpose of visit:
Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements
Itinerary
Proof of accommodation
Bank statement
Personal invitation
Personal letter
Botswana Business Visa Requirements
Passport-type photograph
Itinerary
Business support letter
Business invitation letter
Botswana Missionary Visa Requirements
Itinerary
Bank statement
Personal invitation
Personal letter
Missionary letter
How to Apply for a Botswana Visa Online?
Applying for a Botswana online visa is a straightforward process. All you need to do is follow the following simple steps:
Visit VisaHQ
Select your citizenship
Fill out the Botswana online visa application form
Pay the visa fees
Submit your application with supporting documents
Afterward, the Botswana embassy will review your application. If everything is in order, you'll receive your travel documents via email.
Processing Time
The actual visa processing time for a Botswana visa varies from applicant to applicant. On average, Indian passport holders can get their approved visa within 25 business days.
That being said, if there are errors or mistakes in your application, your Botswana visa will most likely be delayed! So, make sure to double-check the provided information before you submit your Botswana visa application form!