Frequently Asked Questions

All travelers from India to Botswana require a valid visa. You can get your

Following is the list of documents required (till recent notice) to avail a visa for Botswana:

• 1. Invitation letter from the host.
• 2. Two (2) passport sized photos
• 3. Certified copies of permits (work and residence) or the National Identity Card (Omang) of the host.
• 4. Application form filled by the applicant.
• 5. Flight schedule
• 6. Tourist plan
• 7. Copies of host's business documents (certificate of incorporation).
• 8. Copies of marriage certificate, birth certificate, and ordination certificate (pastors)
• 9. Two months bank statements and hotel bookings.
• 10. A personal interview may be required.

Above information is as per the latest notification from Embassy of Botswana but Visa and Passport requirements may change without any intimation. It is prudent to contact the local Embassy of Botswana or ‘The High Commission of the Republic of Botswana – New Delhi’ website for the latest information on Visa and Passport requirements.

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Botswana is in Central Africa time Zone and Standard time is 2 Hours ahead of the Greenwich Median Time (GMT).

Botswana is a semi-arid country, dues to a short rain season. But the country has a subtropical climate because of a relatively high altitude. The dry season lasts from April to October in the south and to November in the north. The whole country is windy and dusty during the dry season. Dry winter months of May to October are considered the best for wildlife viewing.

Wildlife never wanders too far from water sources, so sightings are more predictable than in the wetter summer season (May to September). In summer (October to April), wildlife is harder to spot and rains can render sandy roads impassable. This is also the time of the highest humidity and the most stifling heat.

Pula (P) is the local currency, which is further divided into 100 thebe. One Indian Rupee equals about 7 P, though the exchange rates keep changing.

In major towns banking hours are from 9am to 2:30 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and on Wednesdays from 8:15 am to noon.
ATMs are sprouting up all over the country. Most credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants and cash advances are available at major banks (but not through ATMs).

Tipping is not compulsory, but should be undertaken only by choice and dependent on service received. Whatever you believe to be appropriate will be appreciated by the staff you have met. Setting aside a small amount for the porters, guides and drivers is wise. Restaurants and cafes in urban areas may expect a tip of around 10% of the bill.

The greatest dangers in Botswana are posed by natural elements, combined with a lack of preparedness. While police and veterinary roadblocks, bureaucracy and bored officials may become tiresome, they’re mostly just a harmless inconvenience. Although theft occurs, Botswana enjoys a very low crime rate compared to other African (and many Western) countries

Botswana’s Country Dialing Code is +267. Country Exit Code is +00 For International calls from Botswana: Country Exit Code of Botswana (00) followed by Country Dialing Code (91 for India) and ten digit Mobile number respectively.

Mobile phone coverage is good in Botswana’s larger cities and towns but less so in rural areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile phone. One can also buy a local prepaid card to save on high roaming tariff rates.

Travelers will have access to internet cafes in Botswana’s larger cities, but limited to no access should be expected in rural areas and national parks.

Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Distance Measuring Unit – Kilometers | Weight Measuring Unit- Kilogram