Botswana visa requirements for Zimbabweans

Travel and visa requirements

Botswana Visa is not required for Zimbabweans

Stay Duration: 90 days

Entry Requirements

  • Zimbabwe passport holders can visit Botswana visa-free for a duration of 90 days.
  • Nationals of Zimbabwe who wish to stay for a period beyond 90 days will need to apply for an extension. Applications for visa extension should be submitted 14 days before the 90-day validity elapses.
  • Prospective visitors are required to provide a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into Botswana. The passport should have two blank pages for visa stamping.
  • Minors hoping to travel to Botswana must show travel authorization from their parents or guardians.
  • A detailed printed itinerary of your time in Botswana and a confirmation of accommodation during the stay, which can be a hotel reservation is needed.
  • Tourists are required to have a return or onward ticket and evidence of sufficient funds to spend during their stay.
  • Intending visitors can get to Botswana from any international airport in Zimbabwe. There are international airports in Harare and Bulawayo.
  • Air Botswana, Ethiopian Airways and British Airways are some of the carriers that fly from Zimbabwe to Botswana.
  • The estimated flight duration from Harare to Gaborone, Botswana is 3 hours, 40 minutes and from Bulawayo, it is 3 hours, 35 minutes.
  • Tourists travelling to Botswana are advised to budget about $70 on expenses.
  • Although Christianity is the most practised religion in Botswana, other religions like Badimo, Islam and Hinduism are also common.
  • The official languages of Botswana are English and Tswana. English, gotten from colonial masters, is used for business and official purposes. Majority of the population speak Tswana, and over 20 other smaller indigenous languages.
  • The official currency in Botswana is Pula. Visitors can exchange their foreign currency at various bank and exchange outlets in the country.
  • The climate in Botswana is semi-arid, although, it is hot and dry for much of the year. There is a rainy season, which runs through the summer months, and it tends to be highly unpredictable and depends on the region.
  • Botswana uses the Central African Time (GMT +2). Both countries are in the same timezone.
  • Common dishes include Seswaa, pap, morogo, goat meat stew, braai meat, etc.
  • Transportation in Botswana can be made possible with motorbikes, buses and taxis.
  • The power and socket plug used in Botswana are of Type M. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
  • Botswana is home to well-known landmarks such as the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert and the Chobe National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tap water in the Botswana safe to drink?

The water in Botswana is not safe to drink. Tourists are advised to avoid drinking tap water in Botswana. In urban areas, the water is chlorinated and local people may drink it, however, the best option is to drink bottled water at all times.

How large is Botswana?

Botswana is the 47th largest country in the world by area (581,730 total sq. km). The top 10 largest countries and dependencies in the world by area are Russia, Canada, China, United States, Brazil, Australia, India, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Algeria.

What is Botswana best known for?

Botswana has the largest elephant population on the continent of Africa. The Okavango Delta is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is best described as a vast inland river delta in northern Botswana and known for its sprawling grassy plains.

Do I need malaria prophylaxis when visiting Botswana?

Yes, malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travellers visiting Botswana, especially those coming to the northern part of the country.