China visa requirements for Botswanas

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Botswanas visiting China

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Chinese Visa.

  • A Botswana passport valid for 6 months from the intended arrival date with at least two blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Photocopy of the passport data and photo page.
  • One completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (48 x 33mm) taken in a white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Copy of round-trip ticket.
  • Proof of accommodation reservation.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Visa fees.

China Visa for Botswanas

Facts about China

China, officially the People's Republic of China is a country in East Asia and the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.404 billion in 2017. Covering approximately 9,600,000 square kilometres, it is the third or fourth-largest country by total area.  China’s political system was based on hereditary Monarchies or dynasties beginning with the semi-mythical Xia dynasty in 21st Century BCE.


China as a whole was ravaged by feudal warlordism with Japan during World War II. The Chinese civil war resulted in a division of territory in 1949 when the communist party of China led by Mao Zedong established the people’s republic of China on mainland China. Also the Kuomintang led nationalist government retreated to the Island of Taiwan where it governed until 1996 when Taiwan changed to democracy.


China’s economy has been one of the world’s fastest-growing with its annual growth rates consistently above 6 per cent. According to the World bank China’s GDP grew from $150 billion in 1978 to $12.24 trillion in 2017. In 2018, its GDP increased to $13.5 trillion (90 trillion yuan). Since 2010, China has been the country with the world’s second-largest economy by nominal GDP and the largest economy in the world by purchasing power parity in 2014.


China is also the world’s largest exporter and second-largest importer of goods and also the home to some of the world’s largest tech giants such as Huawei, Baidu, Tencent and Alibaba as it is the world’s most technologically advanced nation. Since 2019, China has the highest number of rich people in the world.

Types of China Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 5 working days 90-180 days
Business visa 5 working days 90-180 days
Work visa 5 working days over 6 months
Student visa 5 working days less than 6 months

General Requirements for China Visa

  • A Botswana passport valid for 6 months from the intended arrival date with at least two blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Photocopy of the passport data and photo page.
  • One completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (48 x 33mm) taken in a white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Copy of round-trip ticket.
  • Proof of accommodation reservation.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Visa fees.
China Tourist visa China Business visa China Work visa China Student visa

China Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Chinese tourist visa (also called L visa) is issued to those who intend to visit China for tourism or leisure.
  • It is categorized into two (2), based on the number of entries allowed:
    • Single Entry — allows one entry (90 days)
    • Multiple Entry — allows multiple entries (6 months)
  • The visa issuance and duration of stay are usually dependent on the decision of the consul and it can decide to also refuse the visa without a reason.
  • Since July 2013, visa applicants are required to provide a copy of their round-trip plane ticket for China and a copy of a Chinese hotel booking for the whole duration of their stay.
  • All required documents must contain the full names of all the people applying for the visa.
  • If you intend to stay at your friend or relative’s house, you won’t need to book a hotel. However, your friend/relative will have to send an invitation letter to you.
  • The invitation letter should contain details of the applicant, the host, and the trip.
  • It takes 5 working days for regular visa processing, 3 working days for express service, and 1 working day for urgent service. Each type of processing requires different fees.
  • The Chinese embassy in Botswana accepts visa applications from 9 am to 12 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
  • Minors are expected to be accompanied by at least one parent for the visa application. The minor’s visa will only be processed when the passport is submitted alongside the parent’s own.
  • Overstaying your visa is an offense.
  • Be ready to leave China before your visa expires or face a penalty or even a ban.

China Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Business visa (M visa) is issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
  • In 2013, the original F visa got divided into two categories: the M and F visa.
  • The M visa is for business and trade, while the F visa now applies to non-business travels.
  • The F visa is issued to those who are want to go on study tours and visits.
  • With the M visa, you can stay in China for 3 months which starts counting from the day you enter into China.
  • The allowed duration of stay for single and multiple entry visas is usually 90 days at a time. This can be longer depending on visa applicants' personal circumstances.
  •  Original and photocopy of business registration certificate and tax clearance for employed applicants is required during the visa application.
  • A letter of invitation issued by the inviting registered Chinese company or organization should be provided.
  • The invitation letter should include the following information:
    • All personal information of the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
    • Everything about the planned trip (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) of visit, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity, financial source for expenditures)
    • All details of the inviting entity (name, contact number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative of the entity, etc)
  • The China business visa can be extended to up to 120 days, but this process can take time. You are advised to start your extension request in time.
  • It is illegal to work in China with a business visa. If you want to legally work in China, you need a work visa.
  • Generally, China's multiple-entry business visa costs more. In countries where there are CVASCs (Chinese Visa Application Service Centers), you need to pay both the visa fee and the service fee to the center.
  • It is possible to extend the M visa, at a Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit and Entry Administration office.
  • Application for a visa extension must be done at least seven days before the original visa expires.
  • Usually, it costs about CNY 160 for a single extension.

China Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • A work visa (Z visa) is the legal way to work in China.
  • China work visa is issued to foreigners for work, internships and other forms of activities in which the individual gets paid.
  • The first step to securing a China work visa (Z visa) is obtaining an employment permit.
  • This permit, otherwise called the employment license, is issued by the Chinese government through any of its diplomatic missions abroad.
  • The Z visa is usually issued for one entry with a duration of stay of 90 days.
  • Once a work permit holder arrives in China, residential formalities in the local public security department should be done within 30 days of arrival.
  • The China residence permit will be issued at the public security department to replace the Z visa.
  • Unlike the Z visa, the residence permit allows multiple entries into China for up to five years.
  • In order to apply for the China Z visa, please take note of the following:
    • Your passport must be original and valid for at least 12 months from the entry date into China with over 2 free pages for visa stamp.
    • If you have a valid China visa in another passport, you will need to submit that passport together with the new passport when applying for a new visa.
    • All fields are mandatory when filling the application form. If a section doesn't apply, please type in "None" or "N/A'. Incomplete forms will be rejected.
    • Check for omission and errors before you print the form. Changes or correction is not allowed on the printed form. You must print a new form in case of any change or correction.
    • Do not use a stapler on your documents.
  • Foreigners that work in China has been divided into 3 classes:
    • Class A (high-level talents)
    • Class B (professional personnel)
    • Class C (foreigners who are nontechnical or service workers hired on a temporary/seasonal basis).
  • Not all jobs can get you a work visa. For instance, posts at small, private English schools often can’t.
  • If you are caught working with the wrong visa, you will be fined between 5,000 and 20,000 Chinese Yuan, and may be jailed from five to fifteen days.

China Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The student visa is issued to those who have been admitted by a Chinese college.
  • The China student visa is of two categories:
    • X1 - more than 6 months
    • X2 - less than 6 months
  • If you want to study in China for less than 180 days, you’ll have to apply for an X2 Visa.
  • However, if you want to stay longer, you’ll need an X1 Visa.
  • X2 visa is issued for single-entry only. X1 visa can be issued for multiple entry with validity up to 5 years.
  • Original and photocopy of your admission letter from your Chinese school are to be presented for both categories of the student visa.
  • For applicants under 18 years applying for a X1, proof of a legal guardian in China should be provided.
  • You are required to provide the JW201 or JW202 form issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education (only necessary for the X1 Visa).
  • Your school should obtain these documents and send them to you.
  • The JW201 / JW202 is the visa application for study in China. It should be taken to the Chinese consulate or embassy to apply for your Chinese student visa (X visa).
  • JW201 is for those studying in China on a full scholarship or partial scholarship while JW202 is for those studying in China by self-support or partial scholarship.
  • The Chinese Ministry of Education decides which one to issue.
  • You may also be required to provide a medical certificate, depending on the duration of your stay.

China Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

Single Entry

64.00 (USD)

Business visa

64.00 (USD)

Work visa

x1

64.00 (USD)

Student visa

x2

64.00 (USD)

China Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Botswana

Location

Address

Gaborone

Plot 3096, North Ring Road,P.O. Box 1031 Gaborone,Botswana

bw.china-embassy.org

chinaemb_bw@mfa.gov.cn

(+267) 395 2209

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to visit China?

Despite the size of the population, China is a safe country with a low crime rate. However, general precautions are to be taken when visiting every new country.

What is the best time of year to visit China?

The months of April and May, September and October are excellent times to visit China. Places like Xinjiang, which are normally blazing hot in the summer and still a bit too cold in spring, are in perfect season. Same goes for Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and all of the other major tourist cities.

What is the weather mostly like in China?
The Chinese climate varies from region to region. In the northeast, the summers are hot and dry and the winters are freezing cold. The north and central regions have frequent rainfalls coupled with hot summers and cold winters.
Can I drink tap water in China?

It is not advisable to drink tap water in China. The water is considered not hygenic enough for drinking but can be used for washing and even to brush the teeth. Visitors can boil the water before drinking or purchase bottled water from stores around.

Is food expensive in China?

No, eating in China is more affordable compared with other counties in the world. Prices are much cheaper than in most western countries, for everything from meals to train and plane tickets. The cost of outdoor dining in China is really affordable.

How much in pula is a Visa to Study in China ? From Botswana?
I have some fear on booking a flight ticket, before I aquire my Chinese L visa. What can be your advice??