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Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Visa Application – Employment Visa

Overview

The employment visa is issued to individuals who wish to travel to Botswana for purposes of employment, internship, research, work, or voluntary services. This visa is issued with a validity period of six months and is extendable with justification.

Who is eligible?

All foreigners who require visas to enter Botswana are eligible for this service.

How do I get this service?
  1. Go to any immigration office (contact information listed below), Botswana embassy or consulate to fill and submit Form 1 (Application for Visa in person.
  2. Submit the required documents (listed below) with the application form.
  3. Check the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven (7) working days.
  4. An approval/rejection letter is sent to the office where the application was made.
  5. If the Visa application is approved, it will be printed at that office where the application was made or if not printed the applicant can travels with the approval letter as proof of a Visa to Botswana and the Visa will printed at the Airport/Immigration Ports of Entry.
What supporting documents are required?

The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form, where applicable:

  1. Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of passport showing validity period not less than six (6) months.
  2. Two (2) recent coloured passport size photos.
  3. Covering letter indicating reasons for visit.
  4. Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
  5. A re-entry permit to the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident if such a permit is required by that country.
  6. Waiver from Department of Labour.
  7. Employment contract or confirmation letter of employment if applicable.
  8. Offer letter of volunteer position if applicable.
  9. Proof of financial means of support for volunteers if applicable.
  10. For extension of a valid visa - a letter of justification and a copy of previously issued visa.
How long will this service take?

It takes 7-14 working days.

Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Tel. (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free. 0800 600 777

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

The cost associated with this service is as follows:

  1. Single entry- for a period up to 3 months BWP500.00(US $50)
  2. Multiple entry- for a period up to 3 months BWP 1, 000.00(US$100)
  3. Multiple entry – for a period of up to six months BWP 1,500.00(US$150)
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana.

Keywords

Visa application, visa, visas, employment visa, foreign volunteer, research, internship, visa for research, visa for internship, visa for employees, visa for employment, visa for volunteer work.

Synonyms

Entry requirement for employees, entry requirement for volunteers, foreigners working in Botswana, foreigners volunteering in Botswana.

Visa Application – Transit Visa

Overview

This visa is for those want to leave the airport for a maximum of seven days while in transit. A transit visa is not required if you fly out on the same aircraft and from the same airport at which you arrived. Transporters and tour operators may be allowed a maximum of 7 days stay in the country at any given time. This visa does not allow you to work or undertake formal studies or training in Botswana. It cannot be extended for any reason.

Who is eligible?

All foreigners who require visas to transit through Botswana are eligible for this service.

How do I get this service?
  1. Go to any immigration office (contact information listed below), Botswana embassy or consulate to fill and submit Form 1 (Application for Visa) in person.
  2. Submit the required documents (listed below) with the application form.
  3. Check the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven working days.
  4. An approval/rejection letter is sent to the office where the application was made.
  5. If the Visa application is approved, it will be printed at that office where the application was made or if not printed the applicant can travel with the approval letter as proof of a Visa to Botswana and the Visa will printed at the Airport/Immigration Ports of Entry.
What supporting documents are required?

The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form:

  1. Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of valid passport showing validity period not less than six months.
  2. Two recent coloured passport size photos.
  3. Covering letter.
  4. Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
  5. A re-entry permit to the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident if such a permit is required by that country.
  6. Confirmed onward booking or a proof to continue your journey (ie. Visa to enter destination country) from Botswana within 3 days of arrival. This excludes transporters who may be given up to 14 days.
  7. Transporters and tour operators/guide to produce proof of cross-border tour operating licence.
How long will this service take?

It takes seven to fourteen days.

Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Tel. (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free. 0800 600 777

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

The costs associated with this service are as follows:

  1. Single entry up to one-week BWP300.00(US$30) for up to 1 week
  2. Multiple entry for a period up to 3 months BWP500.00 (US$50); three months, BWP1000.00 (US$100)for validity period beyond three months, up to three years.
  3. Multiple entry for a period of up to 3 years BWP1,500.00 (US$150) for Tour Operators and Transporters.
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana.

Keywords

Visa application, visa, visas, tourism visa, visa for tourists, travel itinerary, non work related travel.

Synonyms

Entry requirement for tourists, visa for travelers, travel visa, visa requirements for travelers, visa requirements for tourists.

Visa Application – Business Visa

Overview

The business visa is issued for prospective investors, entrepreneurs or traders to visit and explore business opportunities in Botswana. Business activities may include consulting with business associates; attending scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions or conferences; settling estates; and negotiating contracts. It shall be issued for up to one year and cannot be extended.

Who is eligible?

All prospective investors, entrepreneurs or traders to visit and explore business opportunities in Botswana who require visas to enter Botswana are eligible for this service.

How do I get this service?
  1. Go to any immigration office (contact information listed below), Botswana embassy or consulate to fill and submit Form 1 (Application for Visa in person).
  2. Submit the required documents (listed below) with the application form.
  3. Check the outcome of your application from the office where the application was submitted after seven working days.
  4. An approval/rejection letter is sent to the office where the application was made.
  5. If the Visa application is approved, it will be printed at that office where the application was made or if not printed the applicant can travel with the approval letter as proof of a Visa to Botswana and the Visa will printed at the Airport/Immigration Ports of Entry.
What supporting documents are required?

The following documents are required to be submitted with the application form, where applicable:

  1. Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of passport showing validity period not less than six months.
  2. Two recent coloured passport size photos.
  3. Covering letter indicating the reasons for applying.
  4. Flight itinerary and accommodation bookings or residential address in Botswana.
  5. A re-entry permit to the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident if such a permit is required by that country.
  6. Certificate of incorporation in Botswana if applicable.
  7. Business plan.
  8. Trading license.
  9. Schedule of meetings or business activities.
  10. Business (in other countries) and personal bank statements.
How long will this service take?

It takes seven working days.

Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions.

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Tel. (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free: 0800 600 777

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

The cost associated with this service is as follows:

  1. Single entry- for a period up to 3 months BWP500.00(US $50)
  2. Multiple entry- for a period up to 3 months BWP 1, 000.00(US$100)
  3. Multiple entry – for a period of up to six months BWP 2,500.00(US$250)
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana.

Keywords

Visa application, visa, visas, tourism visa, visa for tourists, travel itinerary, non work related travel.

Synonyms

Entry requirement for tourists, visa for travelers, travel visa, visa requirements for travelers, visa requirements for tourists.

Societies Registration

Overview

This service registers non-profit making societies and non–governmental organisations. These include:

  • Religious Organisations
  • Professional Associations
  • Burial Societies
  • Recreational and Sporting Clubs
  • Political Parties
  • Charitable Organisations
  • Others
Who is eligible?

All citizens, residents, or visitors who form a society with at least twenty members are eligible for this service.

How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps:

  • Submit a letter of intent and relevant documents (listed below) to the local Civil and National Registration offices (contact information listed below)
  • Upon receipt of the letter of intent, the Registrar will send the following to the applicant(s) for completion:
  1. Form A to be completed in triplicate
  2. Membership list
  3. Guidelines for forming the Society’s constitution (3 copies to be submitted)
  4. Complete and submit the above three items to the local Civil and National Registration offices
  5. After successful screening of the submitted documents, the Registrar will issue a certificate, Form A and the constitution as approved by the society
What supporting documents are required?
  • Letter of intent to form a society
  • Minutes of the formation of the society with three or more objectives
  • List of signatures and national identity numbers of attendees at the formation of society meeting
  • Ten suggested names for the society in order of preference. The names should be reflective of the nature of the society whether it is an association, club, church or society
  • In case of non-citizens serving on the executive committee, provide the following:
  1. Certified copies of resident permit
  2. Certified work permit
  3. Certified copy of page 1 and 2 of passport, showing their picture and personal details should also be submitted
How long will this service take?

Fourteen (14) days to complete.

Where can I obtain this service?

All Civil and National Registration Offices accross the country

 

Department of Civil and National Registration

Head Office, Block 8, Government Enclave,

Khama Crescent, Private Bag 00240, Gaborone, Botswana

Tel. (+267)361 1400

Fax. (+267) 395 9998

Toll Free Number. 0800 600 777

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

The service costs BWP 500.00 for associations and churches, and BWP250.00 for all other societies. These costs are non-refundable.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana.

 

Keywords

Societies registration, non-profit making organisations, non-governmental organisations, charities, churches, societies, Religious Organisations, Professional Associations, Burial Societies, Recreational and Sporting Clubs, Political Parties, Charitable Organisations.

Synonyms

Forming a society, forming a non-profit organisation, NPO, NGO.

Residence Permit Application

Overview

All non-citizens who wish to stay in Botswana should apply for a residence permit to allow them to live in the country. Persons who are above 18 are required to apply separately if they wish to stay in Botswana and their applications should be supported by the person(s) upon whom they will depend on while in Botswana.

Who is eligible?

Any non-citizen who wishes to stay in Botswana beyond the visitation period is eligible for this service.

How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

  • Complete an application form for residence permit
  • Submit the application form to any Immigration office and pay the applicable fees
  • Check outcome from the office where you applied
  • If application is successful, a residence permit sticker will be stamped in the passport
  • If unsuccessful, an applicant can appeal the outcome and or leave the country
What supporting documents are required?

Applicable to all

  1. Two recent coloured passport size photos
  2. Certified copy of birth certificate. If the applicant is unable to provide such proof of birth, a statement setting out the reasons must be attached
  3. Certified copy of marriage certificate for each applicant if applicable
  4. A medical report of full physical examination

Dependents

  1. Supporter’s particulars- Copy of Omang or Residence Permit, Work Permit and letter of support
  2. Letter of consent from the parent if supporter is not a biological parent
  3. If legally separated, provide a copy of the court order certified as being correct by an official of the court which made it
  4. Certified copy of adoption certificate where applicable

Students

  1. Proof of admission letter

Employees

  1. Certified copies of educational certificates and references
  2. Job posting of position secured
  3. Localization plan
  4. Stock Card and Brand Certificate (Herd Boy)
  5. Field certificate or lease agreement (Farm Labourer)
  6. Accreditation from Botswana Football association (Footballers and coaches)
  7. Ordination certificate and Church registration certificate (Pastors)
  8. Clearance Certificate from Education (Teachers)
  9. Clearance from Ministry of Health (Doctors)
  10. Clearance from Botswana Accountancy Association (Accountants)

Investors

  1. Name of business
  2. Location of business
  3. Service provided or goods sold
  4. Number of employees hired
  5. Shares held
  6. Value of property owned or copy of lease agreement
  7. Type of trading license held
  8. Tax returns
  9. Company bank statement for the most recent 3 months
How long will this service take?

Thirty (30) working days to complete.

Where can I obtain this service?

Departmental HQ, Regional Immigration Offices and District Immigration Offices.

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Migration and Visa Division

Head Office, Block 8, Government Enclave

Khama Crescent

Gaborone, Botswana

Private Bag 002

Tel. (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free. 0800 600 777

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions.

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

The cost to apply for the residence permit is BWP 1500.00.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana.

Keywords

Societies registration, non-profit making organizations, non-governmental organizations, charities, churches, societies, Religious Organizations, Professional Associations, Burial Societies, Recreational and Sporting Clubs, Political Parties, Charitable Organizations.

Synonyms

Forming a society, forming a non-profit organization, NPO, NGO

Research Permit Application

Overview

The research permit is a permission granted in the form of a written document to any individual or group of people who wish to conduct research in the area related to the mandate of the Ministry.

Who is eligible?

All citizens and non-citizens with a valid visa are eligible for this service.

How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

  • Apply for a research permit indicating the duration required
  • Submit to the Ministry for assessment
  • Outcome will be sent by mail

Note: Do not start the research before the research permit is issued.

What supporting documents are required?
  • Letter of endorsement from the applicant's sponsoring institution and/or funding agency
  • Detailed curriculum vitae of applicant
  • Non-citizens are required under the Immigration Act to obtain a temporary residence permit prior to arrival in Botswana
How long will this service take?

Approximately one (1) month to complete.

Where can I obtain this service?

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Corporate Services

Public Relations Unit

Head Office, Block 8, Government Enclave

Khama Crescent

Gaborone, Botswana

Private Bag 002

Tel. (+267) 3611110 / 361 1115 /3611234

Toll free Number: 0800 600 777

 

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

There are no costs.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana.

Keywords

Research permit application, Research Permit, letter of endorsement.

Synonyms

Scientific research, permission to conduct research.

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