Indian eVisa for Botswana Citizens: The Easy Guide
Botswana travelers before 2014 had to go through complicated paperwork and physical visits to embassies to obtain a visa for India. However, the government of India in 2014, just like some other countries, made the process of India visa application digital. In 2014, the Indian eVisa system was started to promote tourism in India and make the process easier for travelers.
As of 2024, more than 170 countries are eligible for online Indian visas, and if you are a citizen of Botswana, the good news is that your country is among the eligible countries. If you plan to travel to India, you can save yourself time and utilize the service of fast and convenient Indian eVisa.
Do Botswana Citizens Need an eVisa to Visit India?
To visit India, Botswana citizens must have a valid visa. Fortunately, the Indian eVisa option has made it quicker and more convenient to get a visa for various travel needs. If you’re traveling to India for any of the following reasons, you can apply for an Indian eVisa from the comfort of your home:
- Tourism and sightseeing (Know that it also includes a visit to friends or family staying in India)
- Business purposes, such as meetings and conferences
- Medical treatment
- Accompanying someone receiving medical care in India
Depending on the Botswana citizens reasons or purposes, five Indian eVisa types are available. Here’s a breakdown:
Types of Indian eVisas for Botswana Citizens
Tourist eVisa
If you’re visiting for leisure, sightseeing, or to see friends or family, the Indian tourist eVisa is the option for you. You can choose from a 30-day, one-year, or five-year validity. The stay duration will depend on the visa you select.
Business eVisa
Planning to attend a business conference, participate in training, or handle work-related matters in India? The business eVisa is designed for such business-related visits. Botswana citizens get 12 months of validity (it is from the date of issuance). Botswana citizens can enter India more than two times as it is a multiple entry visa.
Note: Know that a Botswana citizen can stay in India with a business eVisa for India only 180 days continuously for each visit
Medical eVisa
Botswana citizens, in case they come to India for medical treatment, the option of medical eVisa is available. Validity of Indian medical eVisa is 60 days. You can enter 3 times to India with a medical eVisa.
Medical Attendant eVisa
A Botswana citizen who wants to accompany a patient for medical treatment in India can apply for the medical attendant eVisa. Up to two individuals can travel as attendants with a patient seeking medical care in India. The medical attendant eVisa has the same 60-day validity as the medical eVisa with three permitted entries within that period.
Transit eVisa
If your stopover is in India and you wish to go out of the airport to sight-see some places in India, a transit eVisa is required only if you plan to leave the airport or port. This visa allows entry twice for the purpose of direct transit only. If you’ll be staying within the airport or port area without leaving, you won’t need a transit eVisa.
It is advised that Botswana citizens apply for the appropriate Indian eVisa type. Know that your purpose of visit can be cross-checked and your application can be rejected if you do not apply for the right Indian eVisa type.
Essential Documents for Indian eVisa Applications
1. Passport
Botswana citizens need a passport. Only ordinary or regular passports are accepted—diplomatic passports aren’t eligible for eVisa applications.
2. Photograph
A recent passport-style photograph is essential for the application. Ensure it’s no older than six months and meets India’s specific photo requirements.
3. Email Address
Give an email address that you can access anytime. You will get all Indian eVisa application updates there.
4. Credit/Debit Card
To pay the fees of the Indian eVisa application, a valid credit/debit card can be used.
5. Return Ticket
A return ticket to Botswana or an onward destination is required, serving as proof of your intended departure within the permitted stay period.
6. Financial Proof
You have to provide financial proof to show that you are financially capable of staying in India. Recent bank statements typically serve as valid financial proof.
Additional Requirements for Specific eVisa Types
- Business eVisa: A business letter from the inviting company in India, including the company’s letterhead and contact information, is required.
- Medical eVisa: A letter from the hospital where you’ll be receiving treatment in India is necessary. This letter should also have the hospital’s letterhead and contact details.
- Tourist eVisa (for visiting friends or family): An invitation letter from the host in India can help validate the purpose of your visit.
Important Travel Considerations for eVisa Holders
- Avoid Overstaying: Staying beyond your visa’s expiry can lead to fines or even a ban on future entry to India.
- Restrictions on Employment and Education: The eVisa is intended for short-term stays only, so it doesn’t allow holders to work or pursue university degrees in India. If a Botswana citizen wishes to seek long-term employment or enroll in a long-term study course in India, a standard visa through the Indian Embassy is required.
- Military and Restricted Areas: eVisa holders are not permitted to enter military or restricted areas in India if they do not have special permission from the authorities.
- Carrying Your eVisa Approval: Keep a printout of your eVisa approval with your passport for easier entry. Although a digital copy may work, having a printout is generally more reliable.
Steps Botswana Citizens Should Follow for Indian eVisa Application
- Keep Your Documents Ready: With a reliable and stable internet connection, keep your required documents for Indian eVisa ready.
- Visit the Indian Visa Website: Access the official Indian eVisa portal or use a reputable visa processing site.
- Complete the Application Form: Carefully and truthfully, mention all your information in the application form. Accurate information results in faster approval.
- Pay the Visa Fee: During the application, make sure to keep your credit or debit card, whichever you will use for Indian eVisa payment, with you. Note that this fee is non-refundable.
Processing Time for Indian eVisa
After submitting your eVisa application, the processing time usually takes 3–4 business days. However, delays can happen if information is incorrect or incomplete, so ensure your details are accurate. Submitting the application at least a week before your planned travel date is advised to allow for any unexpected delays.
Applying for Indian eVisa?
Applying for an Indian eVisa as a Botswana citizen is a straightforward process when you have all the required documents ready. For any doubts, the Indian eVisa online help desk is available to assist.