How to travel to Botswana in 2026: entry, visa, flights and vaccination guide

Botswana is one of southern Africa's most representative high-end safari destinations.

The Okavango Delta offers a unique ecosystem of seasonal wetlands, waterways and drylands; Chobe National Park is famous for its vast elephant herds and water-based safari on the Chobe River; the Kalahari presents a completely different desert ecology. Every corner is full of the charm of exploration.

But how do you actually get to Botswana? What are the requirements for different entry methods? How do you choose flights to make the journey smoother? Drawing on Free Wilderness's long experience in Botswana safari route design and on-the-ground research, this article details flight combinations from China to Botswana, along with the visa requirements for different entry methods, for travelers planning to visit the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and the Kalahari.

1. Entry Guide

There are currently two main ways to enter Botswana:

1. Fly directly with a Botswana eVisa

If you fly directly to Botswana, you need to apply for a Botswana eVisa in advance. The application is completed online, and once approved you can enter with the eVisa. Suitable for travelers planning to arrive directly in Botswana.

2. Zimbabwe visa on arrival + overland entry into Botswana

Another option is to fly to Zimbabwe first, obtain a visa on arrival, then enter Botswana overland. This way you don't need to apply for a Botswana eVisa in advance — a visa on arrival is enough, which is more convenient.

2. Visa Information

This section covers the visa requirements for the two entry methods above, applicable to Chinese citizens.

Entry into Botswana (eVisa)

Entry into Zimbabwe (visa on arrival)

Botswana ↔ Zimbabwe transit

3. Flight Combination Guide

1. Departure cities in China

Flights from China to Botswana (Maun MUB / Kasane BBK) rely mainly on international carriers. Recommended departure cities:

• Beijing (PEK): Many international flight options, suitable for travelers departing from the capital.
• Shanghai (PVG): Rich route options, suitable for travelers in eastern China.
• Guangzhou (CAN): China Southern hub, suitable for travelers in southern China.
• Chengdu (CTU): A good option from the southwest, with some international flights.

2. Connecting cities

Different airlines offer different transfer options, to be considered with visa requirements and itinerary:

3. Return cities

Tip: Try to choose afternoon flights so you can connect to international flights at Maun or Kasane after your itinerary.

4. Important notes

• South Africa transit (JNB) may require a visa. If transiting Johannesburg, confirm whether a South African transit visa is needed; if so, allow at least 4-6 hours.
• Addis Ababa transit (ADD) usually requires no visa, suitable for travelers without a South African visa; allow 2-4 hours of layover.
• Zimbabwe (VFA) overland entry into Botswana generally takes 1-2 hours; plan overland time reasonably.

4. Reference Flights

1. Outbound flights

Zimbabwe + Botswana dual-country route (from Beijing): Depart Beijing, transfer at Addis Ababa, fly to Zimbabwe, then enter Botswana.

Botswana entry route (from Chengdu): Depart Chengdu, transfer at Addis Ababa, fly to Maun, enter Botswana.

2. Return flights

From Beijing: Whether returning via Maun or Kasane, transfer at Johannesburg then Dubai.

5. Vaccination Requirements

• Botswana & Zimbabwe: Neither is a yellow fever endemic area, so yellow fever vaccination is generally not required. However, travelers arriving from or transiting (over 12 hours) yellow fever endemic countries (e.g. Kenya, Uganda, Congo) must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow book).
• South Africa (Johannesburg JNB): Not a yellow fever endemic area, but if coming from a yellow fever endemic country, the yellow book is required for transit or entry.
• Ethiopia (Addis Ababa ADD): Official rules do not require yellow fever vaccination if staying only in the airport international transit area. But if entering or transiting for a long time, carrying the yellow book is recommended.