RwandaBotswana: Visa required

RwandaBotswana

Do Rwanda passport holders need a visa for Botswana?

Visa required

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

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

Source: evisa.gov.bw (checked July 20, 2026).

RequirementVisa required

Maximum stayLength of stay varies

ScopeTourism, ordinary passport

Action before travelYes, arrange in advance

Data as of2026-10-21

Distance2,563 km, straight line (~3h 31m nonstop)

Visa-free access to Botswana146 of 242 nationalities tracked

Travelling the other way? Botswana passport holders visiting Rwanda: Visa on arrival.

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

Visa-free alternatives near Botswana

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

Other visa-free destinations for Rwanda passport holders

See all Rwanda destinations →

Frequently asked questions

Do Rwanda passport holders need a visa for Botswana?

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

How far is Botswana from Rwanda?

About 2,563 km in a straight line, roughly ~3h 31m nonstop by air.

What currency is used in Botswana?

Botswana pula (BWP).

What is the emergency number in Botswana?

911 / 997 / 998 / 999.

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

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

What time zone is Botswana in?

Gaborone (UTC+2).

What is the nearest airport to Gaborone?

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), about 11 km away.

How many countries can enter Botswana without a visa?

146 of the 242 nationalities this site tracks can enter Botswana visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or with an eTA.

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

Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar.

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 Rwanda

Rwanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Its geography is dominated by mountains in the west and savanna in the southeast. The largest and most notable lakes are mainly in the western and northern regions of the country, and several volcanoes that form part of the Virunga volcanic chain are primarily in the northwest. The climate is considered tropical highland, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons each year. Its capital and largest city is Kigali, located at the centre of the country, at 1,567 metres above sea level. Rwanda lies a few degrees south of the Equator in the Great Rift Valley of East Africa. Rwanda is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. With a population of about 14 million people living within a total area of 26,338 square kilometres (10,169 sq mi), of which land accounts for about 93.7%, Rwanda is the 21st most densely populated country in the world, with an average of about 578 people per square kilometre.

CapitalKigali

RegionEastern Africa

Population14.6M

Area26,338 km²

CurrencyRwandan franc (1 USD ≈ 1477.84 RWF)

LanguagesEnglish, French, Kinyarwanda

Calling code+250

Drives on theright

TimezoneKigali (UTC+2)

Nearest airportKigali International Airport (KGL), 9 km

Emergency number112 / 912

UNESCO sites2

Income levelLow income

GDP per capita$1,124 (2025)

Tourist arrivals1.6M (2019)

Climate in Kigali

Warmest August, coolest November, driest July, sunniest May. Best time to visit: March, May, June, July, August, September, December.

Monthly climate normals for Kigali, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	25.5°C	15.4°C	133mm	286h
February	26.5°C	15.5°C	106mm	301h
March	25.9°C	15.7°C	99mm	303h
April	24.7°C	15.7°C	165mm	277h
May	24.6°C	15.3°C	58mm	350h
June	25.1°C	15.3°C	19mm	323h
July	26.1°C	15.3°C	11mm	325h
August	27.9°C	16°C	19mm	337h
September	27.9°C	15.5°C	59mm	321h
October	26.1°C	15.2°C	169mm	317h
November	25.3°C	14.8°C	126mm	290h
December	25.8°C	14.6°C	101mm	331h

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

Rwanda is an East African country known as the land of a thousand hills. It is easily accessible from Kenya and Uganda, and is one of the safest and most organised countries on the continent. The rolling green highlands, volcanic mountains, and ancient rainforests make it a striking destination. Rwanda is best known for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, but also offers savannah wildlife in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks in Nyungwe National Park, and a vibrant capital in Kigali. The country is compact, well connected, and easy to travel around.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero
Nyungwe Forest

Upcoming public holidays

December 25, 2026Christmas Day

December 26, 2026Boxing Day

January 1, 2027New Year's Day

Full source list on About.

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.