BotswanaFrance: Visa required

BotswanaFrance

Do Botswana passport holders need a visa for France?

Visa required

Yes. Botswana passport holders need to obtain a visa in advance before travelling to France.

A visa must be obtained in advance, typically from an embassy or consulate, before travel.

Source: eur-lex.europa.eu (checked September 3, 2026).

RequirementVisa required

Maximum stayLength of stay varies

ScopeTourism, ordinary passport

Action before travelYes, arrange in advance

Data as of2026-10-21

Distance8,503 km, straight line (~10h 30m nonstop)

Visa-free access to France126 of 230 nationalities tracked

Travelling the other way? France passport holders visiting Botswana: Visa-free.

France drives on the right, the opposite side to Botswana. If you're renting a car, budget extra care at first, especially at junctions and roundabouts.

Visa-free alternatives near France

Botswana passport holders can visit these nearby destinations without a visa in advance:

Other visa-free destinations for Botswana passport holders

See all Botswana destinations →

Frequently asked questions

Do Botswana passport holders need a visa for France?

Yes. Botswana passport holders need to obtain a visa in advance before travelling to France.

How far is France from Botswana?

About 8,503 km in a straight line, roughly ~10h 30m nonstop by air.

What currency is used in France?

Euro (EUR).

What is the emergency number in France?

112 / 114 / 15 / 17 / 18.

Does France drive on the same side of the road as Botswana?

France drives on the right, the opposite side to Botswana. If you're renting a car, budget extra care at first, especially at junctions and roundabouts.

What time zone is France in?

Paris (UTC+2).

What is the nearest airport to Paris?

Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), about 14 km away.

How many countries can enter France without a visa?

126 of the 230 nationalities this site tracks can enter France visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or with an eTA.

What nearby countries can Botswana passport holders visit without a visa instead of France?

Andorra, San Marino.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About Botswana

Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Botswana is topographically flat, with approximately 70% of its territory being a part of the Kalahari Desert. It is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, Zambia to the north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. Its total area is 581,730 square kilometres (224,610 sq mi). Gaborone, in the South-East District, is the country's capital and largest city.

CapitalGaborone

RegionSouthern Africa

Population2.6M

Area582,000 km²

CurrencyBotswana pula (1 USD ≈ 13.99 BWP)

LanguagesEnglish, Tswana

Calling code+267

Drives on theleft

TimezoneGaborone (UTC+2)

Nearest airportSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), 11 km

Emergency number911 / 997 / 998 / 999

UNESCO sites2

Income levelUpper middle income

GDP per capita$7,778 (2025)

Tourist arrivals1.8M (2018)

Climate in Gaborone

Warmest January, coolest July, driest May, sunniest January. Best time to visit: March, April, September.

Monthly climate normals for Gaborone, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	30.8°C	19.9°C	56mm	356h
February	30.7°C	19.7°C	47mm	328h
March	30°C	18°C	12mm	332h
April	27.9°C	15.4°C	27mm	296h
May	24.1°C	9°C	0mm	328h
June	20.7°C	5.6°C	1mm	312h
July	21.1°C	5°C	0mm	327h
August	25.1°C	8.3°C	0mm	330h
September	29°C	14.1°C	2mm	321h
October	31°C	17.9°C	90mm	330h
November	30.6°C	18.2°C	64mm	332h
December	30°C	19.7°C	44mm	352h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, completely surrounded by four countries: Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Botswana is a true gem among African nations, boasting a remarkable level of wealth and tranquility that few other countries on the continent can match. With its high standard of living and extremely low crime rates, Botswana has established itself as an oasis of stability amidst the many challenges faced by its neighbours. But Botswana is much more than just a peaceful haven. This captivating country is also home to a wealth of attractions that are sure to delight any traveller. From the stunning Tsodilo Hills and Chobe National Park to the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, there is no shortage of natural wonders to explore.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Okavango Delta
Tsodilo

Upcoming public holidays

December 25, 2026Christmas Day

December 26, 2026Boxing Day

January 1, 2027New Year's Day

Full source list on About.

About France

France, officially the French Republic, is a country primarily located in Western Europe. Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the North Atlantic, the French West Indies, and many islands in Oceania and the Indian Ocean. Metropolitan France shares borders with Belgium and Luxembourg to the north; Germany to the northeast; Switzerland to the east; Italy and Monaco to the southeast; Andorra and Spain to the south; and a maritime border with the United Kingdom to the northwest. Its metropolitan area extends from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean and from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea. Its 18 integral regions, five of which are overseas, span a combined area of 632,702 km2 (244,288 sq mi), with a total population estimated at over 69.1 million in 2026. Its capital, largest city and main cultural and economic centre is Paris, with a metropolitan population of over 13 million.

CapitalParis

RegionWestern Europe

Population68.7M

Area551,695 km²

CurrencyEuro (1 USD ≈ 0.89 EUR)

LanguagesFrench

Calling code+33

Drives on theright

TimezoneParis (UTC+2)

Nearest airportParis-Orly Airport (ORY), 14 km

Emergency number112 / 114 / 15 / 17 / 18

UNESCO sites71

Income levelHigh income

GDP per capita$48,986 (2025)

Tourist arrivals117.1M (2020)

Climate in Paris

Warmest August, coolest January, driest July, sunniest July. Best time to visit: July, August, September.

Monthly climate normals for Paris, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	8.9°C	2.9°C	32mm	138h
February	11.4°C	5.3°C	112mm	148h
March	12°C	3.8°C	70mm	236h
April	19.7°C	7.7°C	27mm	352h
May	20.6°C	9.3°C	30mm	357h
June	22.7°C	13.2°C	48mm	348h
July	25.4°C	14.2°C	12mm	362h
August	27°C	16.7°C	34mm	346h
September	23.3°C	13.3°C	33mm	293h
October	15.1°C	9.2°C	96mm	171h
November	12.9°C	5.8°C	20mm	175h
December	8.6°C	3.8°C	136mm	114h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

France is a country with which almost every traveller has a relationship. Many dream of its joie de vivre shown by the countless cafés, picturesque villages, and world-famous gastronomy. Some come to follow the trail of France's great philosophers, writers and artists, or to immerse in the beautiful language it gave to the world. Others still are drawn to the country's geographical diversity, with its long coastlines, massive mountain ranges and breathtaking farmland vistas. France is famously home to Paris, the enchanting City of Love, where romance dances in the air and every corner whispers sweet nothings.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe
Abbey of Fontenay
Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
Beaches of the D-Day Landings, Normandy, 1944
Belfries of Belgium and France
Bertrimoutier Franco-German war cemetery
Canal du Midi
Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Rémi and Palace of Tau, Reims
Champagne hillsides, houses and cellars

Upcoming public holidays

November 1, 2026Toussaint

November 11, 2026Armistice 1918

December 25, 2026Noël

Full source list on About.