Non-Immigrant Visas

Appointments

In an effort to provide better service for our clients, visa applications are now processed BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Each application must have an individual appointment. Applicants MUST book an interview appointment on the internet at the following website: http://evisaforms.state.gov/schedulingsystem.asp

Applicants MUST also complete the visa application online using links from the appointment website or at the application website:  http://evisaforms.state.gov.  Please print the completed application and bring the printed copy to the visa appointment. For your convenience and attached as an annex, the section maintains a list of internet cafes in most cities and towns in Botswana.

Hours of Operation

In general, visa application hours are Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  When making an appointment on our website, you will be offered only those times and dates which remain available for appointments.  The consular section is closed for Botswana public holidays, U.S. public holidays, and as needed for administrative purposes.

Where to find applications

Visa applications are available online and must be completed and printed before arriving at the embassy for your interview.  Simply visit http://evisaforms.state.gov Note: As of 01 Nov 2006, handwritten applications were no longer accepted. Families traveling together must have an individual interview appointment and a completed application for each visa applicant (including children).

Please be advised that you will not be permitted to interview if your application is incomplete.  You will be asked to leave and reschedule your interview for another time using our internet appointment system.

What to bring

All applicants are required to appear in person for an interview, and will be electronically fingerprinted without ink prior to any visa issuance.

Standard documentation requested along with the printed application form is evidence of ties to Botswana.  Evidence may include professional, family, or property ties to this country.  Student visa applicants need evidence of their ability to finance their first year of study and evidence of firm ties to Botswana.  One recent photograph is required, front view, 5 cm x 5 cm, with a white or very light colored background.  All passports must have unused pages for the visa and must be valid for six months after the date of intended entry to the U.S. 

While not endorsed by the U.S. Embassy, the following businesses provide photos that meet U.S. visa application standards:

1. Photo House
   Ext. 2, Plot 787,
   Independence Ave
   Gaborone
   Tel: 3934545
2. Photo Hollywood
   Shoprite Complex
   Gaborone
   Tel: 3956869

All non-Botswana citizens must present residence and work permits or an exemption certificate valid for six months after completion of their intended stay in the U.S. or a Permanent Resident Certificate. Notice of a Person in Transit will not be accepted.

Fees

One hundred and thirty one dollars (US$131. or the equivalent in pula) is charged for every visa application.  There are no refunds.  If the visa is granted, some third country nationals (i.e. non-Botswana citizens) are required to pay an additional reciprocity fee prior to issuing the visa.  Payment must be in cash, US dollars or pula.  No checks are accepted.

Collecting Visas

Visas are generally ready for collection during normal business hours on the next business day following the interview. Visas may be collected on Mondays thru Thursdays at 2:00pm and on Fridays at 10am. Successful applicants should be present at the Embassy gate by those times.  Anyone arriving after these times will not be admitted. Except in cases of emergency, no one is allowed entry past these times.

Further Information

To contact our office, please send your inquiry by fax (+267-318-0232) or by email (ConsularGaborone@state.gov). Reapplications are permitted with evidence of a significant change in circumstances, but the applicant must again pay the one hundred and thirty one ($131) US dollar application fee.

The U.S. Embassy in Gaborone strongly suggests that you gather general information on Visas to the U.S. on the following public web sites. Visa policies are directed by United States Law and foreign travelers are not entitled to visas simply because they have paid the application fee.

• http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov
• http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
• http://evisaforms.state.gov

Immigrant Visa Operations

A petition (Form I-130 or I-129) for an immigrant visa based on family relationship is accepted at this office for petitioners living in Botswana. However, all immigrant visas are interviewed and adjudicated by the US Consulate General, Johannesburg, South Africa.  They may be contacted by telephone at +27 11 290 3000 or fax number +27 11 646 6913 for additional information.