Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require a work permit depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Botswana. If you are not sure whether your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

As business visitors, travelers to Botswana may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attending business meetings
• Buying goods for sale outside the country
• Touring a company facility
• Attending a trade show, a seminar or a convention
• Attending corporate stockholder meetings

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Botswana?

Many nationalities do not require a visa to enter Botswana to conduct business activities unless they are traveling on a temporary or emergency passport. If your nationality is not found on the list of visa waivered nationals, you must obtain an Ordinary Visa from a Botswanan embassy or consulate prior to travel.

Working in Botswana

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Batswana law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Botswana, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning and implementation
• Installation and testing of software
• Management consultancy

If I am traveling to Botswana for work, what type of work permit do I need?

Whether you can obtain a work permit depends on whether your employer has an entity in Botswana and the nature and the duration of your work. The most common Botswana work permits are:

• Temporary Work Permit (short-term work permit)
• Work Permit (long-term work permit)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work permit requirement in Botswana.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or visa waiver eligibility entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2019 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

Updated Jan. 3, 2019.