United States of America visa requirements for Botswanas

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Botswanas visiting United States of America

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

  • An international passport valid for 6 months from the intended exit date from USA with one blank page for visa stamp.
  • Completed and signed DS-160 visa application form.
  • One recent passport-size photographs taken in a white background.
  • Copy of the appointment letter issued during application.
  • Salary slip, pay-check or proof other financial documents.
  • Return-trip ticket.
  • Invitation letter.
  • Social media handles.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Trip itinerary.
  • Receipt of visa fees.
  • Consular interview

United States Of America Visa for Botswanas

Facts about United States Of America

The United States of America is one of the main tourist destinations in the world. You cannot truly see all the country has to offer in one trip. If you have exhausted the things to see in a particular location, the next location brings up a fresh array of things to see. The country has beautiful scenery, entertainment options, magnificent architecture, great tourist sites and so much more. No matter what you are interested in doing, you are sure to get it in the United States of America. National Parks, casinos, beaches, historical sites, movie theatres, trade fairs, shopping malls, restaurants, nightlife are just some of the things you can do in the country. Make sure you enjoy the rollercoaster of fun during your time here.
 
Tourism in the USA is a large industry that contributes greatly to the American economy. The United States of America is the country that attracts the third-largest number of tourists behind France and Spain and this may be attributed to the fact that tourists stay longer in the United States more than they do in France and Spain. The country plays host to about 78 million tourists yearly. Since Donald Trump got elected, the number of tourist visits in the United States has dropped by 4% and has led to the loss of about 40,000 jobs.
 
Citizens of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caymans, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, South Korea, New Zealand, etc can gain entry to the United States of America visa-free for a certain period of time.

Types of United States Of America Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 2-5 working days 180 days
Business visa 2-5 working days 180 days
Student visa 2-5 working days over 180 days

General Requirements for United States Of America Visa

  • An international passport valid for 6 months from the intended exit date from USA with one blank page for visa stamp.
  • Completed and signed DS-160 visa application form.
  • One recent passport-size photographs taken in a white background.
  • Copy of the appointment letter issued during application.
  • Salary slip, pay-check or proof other financial documents.
  • Return-trip ticket.
  • Invitation letter.
  • Social media handles.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Trip itinerary.
  • Receipt of visa fees.
  • Consular interview
United States Of America Tourist visa United States Of America Business visa United States Of America Student visa

United States Of America Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • United States issue a B2 visa for tourism and visiting purposes.
  • This visa can be used to travel within the US, visit family and friends, partake in a short course(e.g. cooking course).
  • It allows for one entry(single-entry), two entries(double-entry) and numerous entries(multiple-entry).
  • Individuals who want to attend a convention or conference, obtain medical treatment as long as they can afford it, are also eligible for this visa.
  • Holders of this visa are not permitted to be involved in any form of activity that will result in a degree or payments.
  • A visitor visa is a non-immigrant visa valid for 180 days. It is possible however, to extend this visa but the application for extension must be done at least 42 days before your current visa expires.
  • Individuals travelling to visit a friend or relative are required to present an invitation letter carrying details of the planned trip and the relationship between the host and the applicant.
  • All applicants are to submit documents bearing proof of sufficient funds for the stay. The documents should show that the individual has at least $266 to spend on a daily basis.
  • If the consul is not convinced that you will return to Botswana at the expiration of your visa, you will not be issued a visa.
  • In order to convince the consular officer, a letter of employment showing that you have a job to return to, documents of estates and firms in Botswana or marriage certificate is should be submitted.
  • All boxes must be filled in the application forms. If the question does not relate to you, write “none”. No blank spaces should be left.
  • Those visiting for medical purposes require a letter from a certified physician stating the diagnosis and treatment required.
  • A physical interview with the consular officer is usually required and has to be booked in advance.
  • Application fees are non-refundable and should be paid on the day of the interview.

United States Of America Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Individuals who want to participate in business activities such as consulting, negotiating a contract, settling an estate or short-term training are eligible for a B-1 visa.
  • A business visa in the United States is valid for a maximum period of 6 months in 1 year and can be extended for another 6 months.
  • It is a multiple-entry visa which means the applicant can travel to the United States several times for up to 10 years.
  • The social media account that the applicant has been using for the past five years should be provided.
  • An invitation letter from the partnering organization in USA is required.
  • It should state the kind of business to be conducted,duration of the business and details of the host company.
  • Individuals who have been previously convicted might be refused a visa.
  • About 2 days are required to process this visa. It could however take longer if the consul requires additional documents.
  • Getting a visa does not guarantee entrance into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have the authority to permit or deny entrance to the United States.
  • If you are employed, a letter from your employer should be presented. The letter should state that your employer is aware of the trip and that you will return to your job at the end of the trip.
  • Self-employed applicants should submit a copy of their business registration and tax income clearance.
  • To obtain this visa, a consular interview is required for persons older than 13 years of age and younger than 80 years.
  • You cannot manage a business in the United States with this visa neither can you start a business branch or affiliate with a foreign employer.
  • Overstaying a US visa can result in being banned from returning to the US for 3-10 years depending on how long you overstay.

United States Of America Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • An F-1 visa is issued to those travelling to the US with the intention of attending an academic institution of any level.
  • For the first year, holders of this visa can work part-time on-campus during an academic session and can work for up to 40 hours per week during breaks.
  • Minors require an original copy of their birth certificate when applying for the visa.
  • United States student visa is valid for the duration of your course of study as indicated on a student’s I-94 card. The officer at the port of entry will issue this card.
  • At the end of your program, you will be given about 60 days to round-up and leave the US or register for another course.
  • A guarantor or sponsor is required for students who cannot pay their fees. The sponsor should provide a recent bank statement as proof of capability.
  • The academic institution you applied to would give you an I-20 form. It will be required during the consular interview.
  • The institution you are applying to has to be a SEVP-approved school in the United States. After the school has accepted you, you will be registered for SEVIS and pay a fee different from the application fee.
  • Holders of this visa must be full-time students and are required to provide proof of financial means enough to last the duration of the course.
  • Applicants are to provide transcripts or related documents from previous schools.
  • Student visa is usually issued up to 120 days before the start of the course, however, you will not be allowed to enter the US until 30 days before the course starts.
  • Proof that you will return to your home county when you have completed your studies is required.

United States Of America Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

160.00 (USD)

Business visa

160.00 (USD)

Student visa

160.00 (USD)

United States Of America Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Botswana

Location

Address

Gaborone

Embassy Drive, Government Enclave P.O. box 90, Gaborone Botswana.

bw.usembassy.gov

(+267) 395-3982

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be jailed for overstaying my Visa?

No. Overstaying a visa although illegal is not a crime in the USA. It is a misdemeanor to enter the US without proper visa processing. Generally, deportation and visa restrictions are the penalties for overstaying your visa

What are the time zones in the United States?

United States Of America operates in six time zones: Eastern Time Zone (EST UTC-5:00 and EDT UTC-4:00), Central Time Zone (CST UTC-6:00 and CST UTC-5:00), Mountain Time Zone (MST UTC-7:00 and MST UTC-6:00), Pacific Time Zone (PST UTC-8:00 and PDT UTC-7:00), Alaska Time Zone (AKST UTC-9:00 and AKDT UTC-8:00), Hawaii Time Zone (HST UTC-10:00 and HDT UTC-9:00).

Can I rent a car during my visit to the United States?

Yes. Car renting in the US costs between $20-$100 per day depending on the location and type of car. However, you have to be up to 25 years in order to rent a car without restrictions or charges. Rental agencies in some states may rent a vehicle to drivers as young as 21 but with a hefty surcharge. The states of New York and Michigan have laws forcing rental car agencies to rent to drivers as young as 18.

Are foreign currencies accepted in USA?

Most ATMs accept foreign credit cards as long as they bear Visa/Plus or MasterCard/Cirrus logos. many ATMs charge fees of about $3 for use with cards issued by other banks, smaller ATMs found in restaurants often charge up to $5. Some ATMs have no fee. It is difficult though to exchange currencies that are not the euro, UK pound, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, and the Canadian dollar. Visitors with other currencies will find few places willing to accept them, or if at all, at less optimal rates.