Visa applicants seeking appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Botswana may find slots unavailable due to high demand. The embassy advises preparing Form DS-160 and regularly checking the online calendar for new openings.
Expedited appointments are limited to exceptional cases and are granted at the consular section's discretion. Non-residents cannot request expedited services, and circumstances like lack of planning do not qualify.
Botswana residents or citizens with urgent travel needs can email ConsularGaborone@state.gov with their DS-160 confirmation, proof of citizenship/residency, and explanation of urgency. This contact method will change once a contact form is established.
Instructions for applying for a U.S. visa are available online. Applicants should determine their visa type using an online wizard, complete the DS-160 application, and schedule an appointment through the NIV Appointment System. Appointments fill quickly, so early booking is recommended.
Applicants can reprint submitted application confirmation pages via the Consular Electronic Application Center by selecting "Option C-Retrieve Application" and entering their ID number.
Information on B1/B2 visas and supporting documentation is accessible online. Temporary workers must qualify for specific visa categories based on employment purpose, often requiring a petition filed by a U.S.-based employer with USCIS.
Third-Country Nationals can apply for non-immigrant visas in Gaborone without submitting a new DS-160 if changing interview locations from another U.S. embassy or consulate. MRV fees paid elsewhere are non-transferable and non-refundable. Appointments for Third-Country Nationals are limited to five per Thursday when services are offered.
Applicants should review the Visa Applicant Checklist to ensure they have required documents for interviews; those unprepared may need to reschedule.
Necessary documents include: DS-160 confirmation page per applicant, visa fee in cash (U.S dollars or Botswana pula), valid passport with three blank pages valid six months beyond intended departure date from the U.S., two recent passport-sized photos without eyeglasses or head coverings, Letter of Employment (for C1/D visas), approved petition copy (for H, L, O, P, Q, R visas), I-20/DS-2019 copy and SEVIS fee payment (for F, M, J visas).
Visa fees must be paid in cash; U.S dollars should be crisp from 2017 onwards without stains or markings. Processing times vary; approved applications typically take two working days unless further administrative processing is needed post-interview.
If refused under section 214(b), applicants may reapply if additional information or changed circumstances exist since last application by completing a new DS-160 form and scheduling another interview appointment with fee payment.
Batswana residents who previously held U.S visas might renew through Interview Waiver Program (IWP). Minors ≤13 years old and individuals ≥80 years old also qualify regardless of prior visa status but must still complete DS-160 applications and pay fees. IWP eligibility details are provided online.
Diversity visa applications aren't processed at this embassy; further information is available through provided links.
Lost or stolen visas should be reported to issuing embassies/consulates along with police reports if possible; replacement requires reapplication with all associated fees paid again as lost/stolen visas cannot be replaced.