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Planning a trip from the “Land of Diamonds” to the colorful landscapes of India? Whether you are off to the bustling markets of Delhi, the spiritual ghats of Varanasi, or leading healthcare centers in Chennai, the first, most crucial, and most often overlooked task is applying for your India e Visa for Botswana citizens.

However, the Indian government, through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), has made travel to India easier for citizens from Botswana. This article addresses all the questions you could ever have regarding the India e-Visa that citizens from Botswana need.

Are Botswana Citizens Required to Have an India Visa in 2026?

Yes. Every Botswana passport holder traveling to India must possess a validated visa. It’s also a relief that Botswana is one of the countries that qualify for the e-Visa option offered by India. This implies that you do not have to make a personal appearance at the Indian High Commission in Gaborone for purposes of applying for a visa; all can be accomplished online.

What are the different kinds of India e-Visas available for Botswana?

You will need to select the correct category depending on your travel purpose:

• e-Tourist Visa: For sightseeing, recreation, or visiting friends (Available for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years).



• e-Business Visa: To attend business meetings, sales/purchases, or to attend trade fairs. Valid for 1 year.



• e-Medical Visa: For a medical attendant to patients coming to India for short-term medical treatment. It is valid for 60 days.



• e-Conference Visa: For attending seminars, only those authorized by the government.



• e-Ayush Visa: A new type of visa has been announced for foreign nationals requiring medical treatment. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, & Homeopathy (AYUSH).



• e-Ayush Attendant Visa (AY-2): This is a subcategory of the e-Visa issued by India, and it is meant for accompanying a patient visiting India for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy treatment as maximum two people (relatives or friends).

What are the Specific Passport Requirements for Botswana Travelers?

Your passport must meet the following strict requirements:

• Type: Only Standard passports are eligible. Diplomatic/Official or Laissez-passer holders have to apply for a conventional sticker visa.



• Validity: It has to be valid for a period of at least six months from your intended date of arrival in India.



• Blank Pages: To accommodate the stamps of the Immigration Officer, there should also be at least two blank pages.

How does the India e-Visa processing work for Botswana?

This is a totally digital process:

1. Apply: online by filling in an application form with personal and passport details.



2. Upload: Attach your photo and passport scan.



3. Pay: Enclose the non-refundable fee.



4. Download: Once approved, the ETA is sent in your email. You need to print this out and carry it with you.

How Long Does Indian e-Visa Processing Take?

The timing for your travel is very important.

• Normal Processing: Typically 3 to 6 business days. However, current changes indicate a minimum of 10 days for application submission to ensure proper verification.



• Urgent Processing: Normally takes between 1 to 3 business days. This service would ideally be geared for business trips or family emergencies.

Can citizens of Botswana get a visa on arrival in India?

There is some confusion about "Visa on Arrival." As it currently stands, India does not issue a classic "walk-up" Visa on Arrival for citizens of Botswana. You will need to already have an e-Visa (ETA) prior to boarding your flight. The "on arrival" part only refers to the biometric capture and stamping that will occur at the Indian airport.

What Activities Are Eligible Under An Indian Tourist E-Visa?

Activities that Botswana citizens holding Indian tourist e-Visas can practice:

• Sightseeing & Monument Visits.



• Visiting friends or relatives.



• Participating in a short-term yoga course.



• Volunteering of a short-term,

What are the Rules for Botswana Citizens on a Business e-Visa?

In the event of a business trip abroad, the Indian e-Business visa application grants the applicant the benefits of:

• Attend technical or business meetings.



• Engage in a business enterprise.



• Recruit manpower.



• Take part in exhibitions and trade shows.



• Remember: that you are not eligible to take up employment in India in this visa category.

Can I enter India on any date after the approval of e-Visa?

Your ETA will also bear a specific “Date of Issue” and “Expiry Date.” You will have to enter India during this period. In case of a 30-day e-Tourist visa, the deadline is very close, so your travel dates should correspond to your approval document.

What Ports of Entry are permissible for Botswana e-visa Holders?

Just any cross point cannot be used for entering India. Only 28 International Airports like Delhi Airport, Mumbai Airport, Bangalore Airport, or Chennai Airport, or 5 designated International Seaports can be used for entering India. But any designated Immigration Check Point in India can be used for leaving the country.

Can the India e-Visa be Converted or Extended while in India?

No. The Indian e-Visa is non-convertible and non-extensible. So if you want to extend your stay or change your type of visa, say from Tourist Visa to Student Visa, you have to leave India to apply through proper channels.

Is the refund of an India e-Visa fee possible in the case of applicants from Botswana?

The e-Visa fee is a fee meant for processing and hence is non-refundable. It doesn't matter if your application gets rejected or you decide not to travel to India at all; the Government of India does not refund money. Double-check the information provided before submitting to avoid losing the fee.

What Should I Do if My Arrival Date Changes After Approval?

If there are any changes to your date of arrival within the valid period of your ETA, you are not required to take any action. If you are to arrive after your ETA has expired, you are required to apply for a new e-Visa.