From the ancient pyramids of Giza to the wild heart of the Okavango Delta, the journey for Egyptian citizens has never been easier. Since 2021, Botswana has opened its doors to the world through a streamlined digital portal, allowing Egyptians to skip the embassy queues in Cairo and apply for their entry permits online.

This guide provides everything you need to know about securing your Botswana eVisa from Egypt.

Do Egyptians Need a Visa for Botswana?

Yes, Egyptian passport holders are required to have a valid visa to enter Botswana. Fortunately, Egypt is an eligible country for the eVisa (Electronic Visa) system. This means you can complete your entire application, pay the fees, and receive your travel authorization digitally before you ever leave home.

What are the Botswana eVisa Types for Egyptians?

Whether you are traveling for a safari or a high-level business meeting, there is a specific visa category for you:

• Tourist eVisa: The best option is safaris, holidays and sightseeing.
• Business eVisa: To attend meetings, conferences or trade fairs.
• Visitor eVisa: To visit friends or relatives who are citizens.
• Study eVisa: To students that have been accepted in the Botswana academic institutions.
• Employment eVisa: Every individual, who has a real position offered or a contract.
• Transit e Visa: Short term visit in case of a third country.
• Investor eVisa: This is the best to use in case an individual is interested in starting or running a business in Botswana.
• Diplomatic eVisa: State officials on state business.

How Long Does it Take to Process a Botswana eVisa?

Processing times can vary based on the service level you choose. Through botswana-evisa.com, you have three flexible options to match your travel timeline:

• Standard Processing: 25 – 30 Working Days
• Rush Processing: 20 – 25 Working Days
• Super Rush Processing: 18 – 22 Working Days

Can I Work on a Botswana Tourist eVisa?

No.Any type of paid or voluntary work including volunteering is strictly forbidden during a Tourist or Visitor eVisa. In case you want to work, then you have to apply for a Botswana Employment eVisa or a certain work permit. Working in the country without a proper visa may result in fines, deportation or even the future prohibition of entry.

What are the Document Requirements for Egyptian Citizens?

To ensure a smooth approval, you will need to upload digital copies of the following Botswana Visa Requirements:

1. Valid Egyptian Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your arrival date.
2. Recent Passport Photo: A color photo taken against a white background (see requirements below).
3. Flight Itinerary: Round trip confirmed flight tickets.
4. Confirmation of Accommodation: Hotel booking or invitation letter by your host.
5. Monetary Assistance: Bank statements indicating that you have sufficient amounts of money to spend on your stay.
6. Cover Letter: This is a short letter stating the reason why you have come there.

How Many Times Can I Enter Botswana Per Year?

The number of entries depends on your specific visa approval:

• Single Entry: Allows you to enter once for up to 30 or 90 days.
• Multiple Entry: These are often granted for 3 months, 6 months, or even up to 2 years for specific categories like frequent business travelers.
• Annual Limits: There is no fixed “cap” on how many different visas you can apply for in a year, provided you do not exceed the total allowable stay (usually 90 days in a 12-month period for tourists).

What are the Mandatory Hotel Stay Rules for Tourists?

When you arrive in Botswana, the government requires transparency regarding your stay:

• Guest Registers: Every licensed hotel, lodge, or guesthouse is required by law to maintain a Guest Register. You must provide your passport number and nationality upon check-in.
• Tourism Levy: A small tourism levy (often around BWP 10 per day) is typically included in your bill to support local conservation and industry training.

How Do I Navigate Taxis and Transport in Botswana?

Getting around Gaborone or Maun is straightforward:

• Taxis: Taxes with blue license plates. These are subscribing to public transport. Most people do not use meters and it is better to agree on the fare before starting the trip.
• Combis: These are mini buses, which have a routine route. They are not expensive and may be congested.
• Ride-Hailing: Apps like inDrive are becoming increasingly popular in Gaborone for a more predictable experience.

Emergency Protocol: What if I Lose My Passport or eVisa?

Losing documents is stressful, but there is a clear path to follow:

1. Police Report: Immediately visit the nearest police station to file a report. You will need this for your insurance and for the embassy.
2. Contact Your Embassy: Egyptian citizens should contact the Egyptian Embassy in Gaborone (or the nearest consulate) for an Emergency Travel Document.
3. Digital Backup: Since the eVisa is digital, you can simply re-download it from your email or the botswana-evisa.com portal. In case of a lost physical permit, the Department of Immigration may charge a reproduction fee (approx. BWP 1,500).

Why Choose botswana-evisa.com for Your Application?

The opportunity to apply through botswana-evisa.com is a safety net to Egyptian travelers:

• Confirmation of document: Specialists make sure that your scan and pictures on the Egyptian passport are of high standards according to Botswana standards.
• 24/7 Global Support: 24/7 help is available with the help of WhatsApp or Live Chat in Cairo or Gaborone.
• One-Time Entry: There is no need to deal with the technical malfunctions of the government portal; fill out your information and leave the professionals to do the rest.

Can I Convert My Visa on Arrival to Another Type?

No. Assuming you come to Botswana on a particular type of visa (e.g. Tourist), then you cannot transfer it to another type (e.g., Study or Employment) within the country. The normal procedure would be to leave Botswana and re-apply in the new visa type outside the country.