If you're based in Aruba and itching to explore the wild, sweeping landscapes of Botswana, this guide is made just for you. Travelling from the island paradise of Aruba to the heart of southern Africa might feel like a leap, but with the right preparation it’s more than doable. One essential step for many travellers heading to Botswana is the Botswana e-Visa, and understanding how to make your application from Aruba is crucial. In this blog post I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from eligibility and timing to types of eVisa, requirements, tips and common pitfalls—so you can confidently plan your adventure in Botswana.
Do Aruba citizens need an e-visa for Botswana?
Good news: travellers from Aruba should check whether they are required to hold a Botswana eVisa before entry, as rules vary depending on passport, travel history and purpose. The Bureau states that visitors from countries that are not visa-exempt must apply for a visitor permit ahead of time. That means if your Aruban passport (or your nationality) falls under a category that requires one, you’ll need to submit a Botswana eVisa application. If you happen to be from Aruba but hold another nationality, you’ll need to check under that passport too. Better safe than sorry!
How far in advance should I apply for a Botswana e-visa?
Planning ahead is key. Since the Botswana eVisa system allows online submission of your documents, aim to apply at least two to three weeks before your travel date. According to guidance, applications should ideally be submitted 14 days before your travel date. If you apply much later, you might run into delays or risk your approval not coming through in time—especially if additional checks are needed. So list your flight and safari plans first, then get the application underway.
Can I apply for a Botswana eVisa online?
Yes — the Botswana eVisa process is web-based and meant to simplify applying. The electronic system launched in August 2021 and allows travellers to upload documents and receive authorization online. Make sure you’ll have access to a good internet connection and digital copies of your passport and photo. From Aruba, this means setting aside time for the upload and comparing your documents carefully.
How to apply for a Botswana evisa from Aruba
Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough to apply for Botswana e-Visa from Aruba:
Step 1: Confirm that your passport and nationality require you to apply. If yes, proceed.
Step 2: Gather your documents — make sure your passport is valid (see below for details).
Step 3: Fill in the online eVisa application form (from your computer or a reliable device).
Step 4: Upload the required documents (passport bio-page, photo, travel plan, accommodation details, etc).
Step 5: Pay the required Botswana Visa Fees through the online system.
Step 6: Monitor your application status and wait for the approval notification.
Step 7: Once approved, print or save the e-Visa authorization/documentation, and carry it with you when you travel.
Step 8: On arrival in Botswana, present this paperwork along with your passport and be ready to show your onward travel plan or exit intention.
Every traveller needs an e-Visa guide about all types of eVisa, step-by-step and in-depth, with all the details travellers need related to Apply Botswana e-Visa from Aruba — so you’re in the right place!
What documents are required to enter Botswana?
When you apply your Botswana eVisa (or any visitor permit) from Aruba, make sure you have the following:
A passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
A recent passport-style photograph.
Travel itinerary: flights in and out, or onward journey evidence.
Proof of accommodation in Botswana (hotel reservation, lodge booking, or host address).
A letter of intent or covering letter indicating you plan to depart Botswana after your visit.
For certain applications: a return permit for your home country or resident country, if applicable (depends on your status).
Additional travel and personal data may be required (depending on your nationality).
Because you’ll be applying from Aruba, you’ll also benefit from uploading clear digital scans, double-checking photo quality, and ensuring your contact email works for correspondence.
How much does a Botswana e-visa cost?
The term “costs” we’ll avoid, but here’s a general guide: for a single-entry visitor permit up to one or a few months. Be aware: the amount could vary depending on whether you choose single or multiple entry, how long you stay, and the category of visit. Always check the latest fee when applying.
What is the validity of a Botswana eVisa?
The Botswana eVisa validity depends on the type of visitor permit granted. For example, the tourism-category permit often allows a stay of up to around one month under single entry. If you obtain a multiple-entry permit, it might be granted for up to three months or more (again depending on category) based on the published launch details.
It’s essential to confirm exactly how long you are allowed once your application is approved—and plan your itinerary accordingly.
What are the new e-visa rules in Botswana for Aruba citizens?
While there are no rules that specifically target Aruba citizens alone, the key “new” rule is that Botswana now uses the online e-visa system — meaning travellers (including from Aruba) must apply electronically in advance rather than via purely paper systems. Also note: delays or system downtimes have occurred — for example, the digital application system was temporarily suspended in April 2025, so always check for notices and apply with buffer time.
Another point: your passport must have at least six months validity and your stay must match the purpose you provided. So when you “Apply Botswana e-Visa from Aruba,” make sure all your documentation reflects your travel plan precisely.
How many days will it take to get a Botswana e-visa?
Processing times vary but here’s a realistic estimation: many traveller reports indicate around 7 to 14 days after application submission for approval. However, some users have reported longer waits, especially if additional document requests occur or system glitches arise.
Can I visit Botswana without an e-visa?
Only if you are a citizen of a country that enjoys visa-exemption for short stays. According to policy, some nationalities are exempt from needing a visa for up to 90 days. But for travellers from Aruba (or for Aruban passport holders) who are not on the exemption list, you will not be able to simply arrive without prior authorisation. So again: check your nationality, plan ahead, and if required, get the Botswana eVisa.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Botswana?
For most travellers from non-exempt countries, getting a visa on arrival is either restricted or not guaranteed. The move to an electronic system means you should not rely on getting something at the border. Some older documents indicate visa on arrival is possible for certain nationals, but as a practical matter from Aruba it is much safer to apply ahead via the Botswana eVisa route.
Which is better, a Botswana eVisa or visa on arrival?
From a travel-blogger’s perspective: the Botswana eVisa is far better (if you’re eligible) because:
It offers clarity and certainty before you leave home.
You avoid last-minute stress at border crossings wondering if you will be accepted.
You have electronic documentation ready and can focus on your itinerary rather than bureaucracy.
You reduce the risk of being turned away or delayed upon arrival.
Getting something on arrival may sound convenient, but the risk of being refused or having to wait long makes it less reliable—especially if you’re planning safari lodges or connecting onward travel. So when you “Apply Botswana e-Visa from Aruba,” you’ll set yourself up for a smoother trip.
How long does it take to get a Botswana e-Visa?
While I touched on this above, let’s look at practical timing:
Ideally 7 to 14 days once you submit and all documents are in order.
But allow for up to 3 weeks or more in some cases, especially if your nationality is less common or if there’s follow-up required.
So when you apply from Aruba, factor in the time difference, potential weekends, and ensure your travel booking has flexibility if implementation takes slightly longer.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Botswana?
Health and vaccination requirements are particularly important for southern-Africa trips. According to traveller reports and regional guidance, a yellow fever vaccination is not always required unless you are coming from or have transited through a yellow-fever-endemic country.
That said, if you have visited an area where yellow fever is endemic (even if just in transit) it’s wiser to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICV). And of course, check up-to-date travel health advice before you depart from Aruba.
What happens if I don’t have the yellow fever vaccine?
If you are transiting via or coming from a yellow-fever-endemic region and do not have the vaccination certificate, possible scenarios include:
You may be allowed entry but directed immediately to a health screening or asked to receive the vaccine on arrival (if available).
You might face refusal of entry or be placed in quarantine depending on local rules.
It could delay your entry and disrupt your plans, especially safari bookings or transfer schedules.
From a travel-blog perspective: always check your itinerary, ensure no transit through high-risk zones, or get the vaccination proactively if there is any doubt. When in Africa, simpler is cleaner.
How long can a visitor stay in Botswana?
For a typical tourism permit under the Botswana eVisa scheme:
The single-entry permit often allows up to one month stay.
For multiple-entry permits, you may be permitted to stay longer or re-enter, depending on the category.
If you’re planning a Botswana stay longer than one month (say a long safari-road-trip or combining with Namibia or Zambia), consider applying for a permit category that allows a longer stay or multiple entries. Always check the specific terms on your approval.
Is the Botswana e-visa fee refundable if my e-visa is rejected?
A key caution: in many cases the fee is non-refundable if your application is declined. For example, reports indicate that the Botswana single-entry permit fee is not returned upon refusal. From Aruba, this means: double-check all your details, upload strong documents, and avoid last-minute rush because rejection means you lose both time and your payment. Preparation matters.
Can I extend my stay in Botswana with an online e-visa?
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. The standard visitor permit may be extended by contact with Botswana authorities (depending on your purpose and situation). According to the tourism category guidance: it is “extendable on justification”. If you foresee needing extra days (e.g., after safari, moving to another region), you should apply for a Botswana eVisa Extension before your current permit expires. Delaying could mean exit, re-entry, or paying fines. When you’re planning from Aruba, build in an extra day or two cushion just in case.
What are the benefits of a Botswana eVisa?
From a travel-blog angle, here are the clear benefits when you choose this route:
Pre-approval gives mental peace: you’re sorted before you depart.
You can plan safari lodgings, excursions and internal logistics without border-uncertainty.
You reduce time at the border – most checks are done in advance.
You increase your credibility as a traveller: you’ve gone through the process, you have proper documentation.
It’s ideal for packing light: you carry digital copies and luggage is less stressed.
Because Botswana is known for incredible nature (think of the Okavango Delta, wildlife, desert safaris and peaceful wilderness), using the eVisa frees you to relish the experience rather than worry about entry.
What is the best time to visit Botswana?
Timing your trip well enhances your whole experience. For Botswana:
The dry season (May to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing: animals congregate around waterholes, vegetation is sparse, making game easier to spot.
The rainy season (November to March) offers lush landscapes, bird migrations and lower tourist numbers—but you may face muddy roads or limited access in some remote areas.
December can be hot and humid; June, July and August are cooler nights (ideal after Aruba where you’re used to warmth).
If you’re travelling from Aruba, consider weather connection: you may depart cooler island weather and arrive in prime safari conditions.
What are the 10 best places to visit in Botswana?
Here’s a curated list of top sites to add to your Botswana itinerary:
Okavango Delta – a unique inland delta, perfect for mokoro (dugout canoe) rides and rich wildlife.
Chobe National Park – famed for large elephant herds and river-based game drives.
Moremi Game Reserve – in the Okavango Delta region, offering excellent birdlife and safari experience.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – for a surreal salty desert landscape and potential night-sky stargazing.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve – rugged and remote, ideal for experienced travellers seeking solitude and wildlife.
Nxai Pan National Park – offers open plains, acacia trees and springtime zebra migrations.
Tsodilo Hills – spiritual rock art site, cultural heritage and elevated views.
Gaborone – the capital city: modern amenities, cultural museums and a good base for first-arrival orientation.
Savute – within Chobe region, known for predator-prey interaction around the marsh and lagoon.
Tuli Block – on the eastern border, offers unique lodges, private concessions and game drives in less-visited territory.
When planning from Aruba, include internal travel logistics, charters (some remote lodges require flights), and align your permit (Botswana eVisa) validity with your wild itinerary.
What are common mistakes when applying for a Botswana e-visa?
From my travel-blogger research, here are mistakes to avoid:
Uploading a low-quality passport photo or scanned passport page that is unreadable.
Using a passport that expires within six months of your entry date — remember the six-month rule.
Applying too late and not allowing enough buffer for processing delays.
Planning your safari or flights before you have your travel authorisation — you risk paying non-refundable booking and then getting delayed or rejected.
Not checking whether your nationality requires the electronic permit or is exempt — assuming you’re exempt when you’re not.
Transiting via or visiting yellow-fever zones without the vaccination certificate and assuming you’ll face no checks.
Overstaying your permitted stay, or entering with intentions different from what you submitted in your application — both can lead to complications.
By applying from Aruba, you’ll benefit from starting early, double-checking all details and aligning your travel dates with the permit’s validity and processing time.
Tips for online Botswana eVisa application
Here are practical tips to make the application smoother from Aruba:
Use a desktop computer rather than mobile if possible when filling the form and uploading documents (browser compatibility may vary). Some users report glitches on mobile.
Prepare digital files ahead of time: scan or photograph your passport bio-page, ensure the photo meets size/background criteria, have your itinerary and accommodation booking ready.
Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned arrival date in Botswana.
Ensure you have at least three blank pages in your passport (some references mention this for clearance).
Apply at least 14 days or more before departure; ideally 2–3 weeks or more if you can.
After submission, monitor your email and spam folder for any follow-up requests.
Once approved, save a printed and digital copy of your authorization and travel with both.
When you “Apply Botswana e-Visa from Aruba,” factor in worst-case delays and book your flights/accommodations with flexible change-options if possible.
Pack your travel health information: if you visited endemic zones for yellow fever, carry your vaccination certificate—even if you don’t expect a check.
On arrival, carry your e-visa documentation, passport, and keep lodges’ contact details and itinerary accessible.
Conclusion: Smooth Travel Experience Awaits You
You’re about to take off on a fantastic journey from Aruba to one of Africa’s most magical countries. By understanding how to Apply Botswana e-Visa from Aruba, you’re already ahead of the game. From preparing documents to choosing the right time to travel, this blog has covered all the bases: eligibility, timing, steps, benefits, common mistakes and travel tips.
With your permit in hand and your safari gear ready, you’ll be free to embrace the wild open spaces of Botswana—the delta, the desert, the wildlife and the night skies—without entry worries hanging over you. The key is to plan ahead, follow the guidelines and allow yourself time to savor the adventure.
Have fun planning your trip, get those bookings sorted, and once your Botswana eVisa is approved, book that flight and let the excitement begin. Africa is waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Traveling to Botswana on an eVisa
Q1: What happens if my Botswana eVisa is rejected?
A: If the authorization is denied, you typically will not get a refund of your payment. It’s best to apply early and ensure your documents are correct to reduce risk.
Q2: Can I enter Botswana more than once under a single-entry permit?
A: No — a single-entry permit allows one entry and stay length as defined. If you plan re-entry, you need a multiple-entry permit category.
Q3: If I overstay in Botswana, what’s the consequence?
A: Overstaying may lead to fines, difficulty re-entering or having to apply for special permission. It’s best to depart within the allowed timeframe or apply in advance for extension.
Q4: Can minors or children apply for the Botswana eVisa?
A: Yes — children must have their own passport and application, and parental consent or parent details may be required. Always check the specific requirements for dependents.
Q5: I’m doing a combined safari trip through Namibia and Botswana—how should I time my permit?
A: Align your Botswana eVisa stay with your entry into Botswana and make sure you have exit plans (or extensions) if you remain beyond the permit length. Plan internal transfers, flights or lodge bookings accordingly.
Q6: What if the online system is down or unresponsive from Aruba?
A: Try changing your browser, clearing cache, or using a different device. Some travellers suggest using desktop rather than mobile and avoiding ad-blockers. Also, factor in delay and apply early.
Q7: Do I need medical travel insurance for Botswana when applying the permit?
A: While not always explicitly mandated in the application, it’s strongly advisable to carry travel insurance covering medical evacuation, accidents or safari-related mishaps—especially in remote regions.
Q8: What language is the document and application in?
A: The application is typically in English. As you apply from Aruba, ensure your responses and uploaded documents correspond to the language and term requirements.
