U.S. Embassy in Botswana

Overview

Application for Nonimmigrant Visas

The U.S. Embassy in Gaborone provides routing nonimmigrant visa interview appointments to citizens and residents of Botswana.

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying. See our Directory of Visa Categories to determine which visa category might be appropriate for your purpose of travel to the United States.

Prioritization of Student Visa Applicants

If you are a citizen or resident of Botswana and you have been unable to secure a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment prior to the start date of your school in the United States, please complete the following steps:

1. Complete your DS-160 application using these instructions
2. Schedule the first available appointment you find via the online system
3. Email our office at ConsularGaborone@state.gov with your DS-160 confirmation number (the code beginning with AA00), a copy of your I-20 form and proof of SEVIS payment, documentation of your new acceptance or ongoing attendance at a school in the U.S., and proof of your citizenship or residency in Botswana.

Based on this information, we may be able to expedite your interview date, and we will respond to you as quickly as possible. The Consular Section will endeavor to prioritize these appointments based on availability but cannot guarantee an expedited appointment in all circumstances.

Please note that this prioritization is only applicable for student and exchange visitor applicants and their dependents (F, M, and J visa classes).

Expedited Appointment Requests

It is possible that a date for a visa interview will not be immediately available. Please prepare your DS-160 application and check the online calendar on our website regularly. New slots may become available at any time. Please note: Expedited Appointments for Botswana citizens or residents of Botswana will only be considered under extremely exceptional circumstances and will only be granted at the Consular Section’s discretion – students, crew members, urgent medical care, and attending the funeral of a loved one may be considered. Lack of forethought, insufficient planning, or last-minute opportunities will generally not qualify for an expedited appointment. We cannot accommodate requests for expedited appointments from non-residents.

Nonimmigrant Visa Appointments for Non-Residents

Important information for nonimmigrant visa applicants living outside of Botswana: If your visa application is approved, please allow approximately two business days to enable visa processing. It is necessary to leave your passport at our embassy during this time. We recommend that you plan your travel to Botswana with this in mind.

Please note that, while we make every effort to honor the appointments we offer, interviews may be cancelled or postponed at the last minute due to unexpected circumstances.

Customer Service Statement

The Department of State manages the visa process strictly but fairly in order to best protect the United States. We are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged.

We promise to you, the visa applicant, that:

• We will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to grant you a visa.
• We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
• We will remember that, to you, a visa interview may be a new or intimidating experience and that you may be nervous.
• We will use the limited time available for the interview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions.
• We will use our available resources to fairly assist all applicants to get appointments to allow travel in time for business, study, and other important obligations.
• We will post detailed and accurate information on visa requirements and application procedures on every Embassy and Consulate website.
• We will provide information on non-immigrant appointment waiting times at every Embassy and Consulate posted on http://travel.state.gov.
• We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you.

Furthermore, if you are a:

• Student, we will make every effort to ensure that you get an appointment and, if qualified, a visa in time to start classes. Provided the student has a completed DS-160, proof of paid SEVIS fees and active/initial SEVIS status.
• Medical and humanitarian emergency traveler, we will expedite processing for those dealing with life threatening emergencies.
• Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.

At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to:

• Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible.
• Complete your application fully and accurately.
• Be forthcoming about your purpose and plans.
• Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.