Visitors to the United States from most countries, including holders of Botswana passports, need a visa placed in their passport prior to departure for the U.S. To obtain a tourist, business, or student visa, applicants must establish that they have a residence outside the U.S. which they do not intend to abandon. To determine whether this requirement is met, the consular officer reviews the applicant's family, economic, cultural and other ties to his country of origin or permanent residence.
The proper category of visa is determined by the purpose of the journey. Of the fifteen (or so) types, the most common is B-1/B-2, which permits temporary travel to the U.S. for business purposes or for tourism. A business/pleasure visitor may not accept employment of any type in the U.S., but may engage in ordinary commercial activities.
Length of visa validity and the number of entries allowed vary according to the nationality of the visa applicant. For Botswana passport holders, visitor visas are generally valid for multiple entries over a period of ten (10) years. Each applicant must pay a processing fee of 100 U.S. Dollars (local currency is accepted). The processing fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is denied. Some nationalities are required to pay an additional fee for certain categories of visa, such as student or temporary worker. There are no additional visa fees for citizens of Botswana, beyond the initial processing charge.
You may apply for a visa in person at the American Embassy in Gaborone. Submit your application well in advance of travel, together with a passport valid for at least six months after your proposed arrival, and a photograph with a light colored background (2" X 2") (5cm X 5cm). Be sure that all questions are answered, that answers are explained when necessary, and that the form is signed. In most cases, a decision can be made with a minimum of documentation. We reserve the right to request any additional information as necessary.
The Consular Section is open for non-immigrant visa applications at the following times:
Mondays: 9:00a.m.-12:00 Noon, Wednesdays: 1:30p.m.-4:00p.m., Fridays: 9:00a.m.-12:00 Noon
The Consular section is CLOSED on all U.S. and Botswana Holidays.
For specific application procedures and general information about non-immigrant visas (eg. students, workers, visa waiver) you may call the embassy at (267) 395-3982 and ask for the Consular Section, or visit the United States Visa website. http://www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov. | 
