Visa Services
How To Apply
June 12th, 2007
NIV VIsa Applicants should read these revised instructions.
VISA SERVICES
Tel: +267 395 3982, ext. 5324
Appointments
In an effort to provide better service for our clients, visa applications are now processed BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Applicants MUST book an interview appointment on the internet at the following website: http://gaborone.frontline.net/appointment. 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 Monday/Wednesday afternoons and Tuesday/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 will no longer be accepted. Families traveling together must have 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 2. Photo Hollywood
Ext. 2, Plot 787, Independence Ave Shoprite Complex
Gaborone Gaborone
Tel: 3934545 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 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 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 from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday through Thursday and from 09:00 to 12:30 on Fridays. Normally, there is no one available to assist you during the lunch hour, which is from 12:30 to 13:30.
Further Information
Phone call inquiry hours are from 07:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:00 Monday through Thursday, and 07:30 – 13:30 on Friday. Reapplications are permitted with evidence of a significant change in circumstances, but the applicant must again pay the one hundred 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 11 644 8000 or fax number +27 11 646 6913 for additional information.
This site is managed by the U.S. Department of State.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement
of the views or privacy policies contained therein.
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