A whole visa system is shifting lanes, with Botswana applicants losing a local US processing point and having to route through South Africa instead. The United States will end visa services in Botswana, moving applications for citizens and residents to its Johannesburg consulate.
Botswana’s government said online applications will remain the starting point, while interviews and further steps happen in Johannesburg. Officials also raised concerns about tougher US travel rules and ongoing talks over the visa bond programme.
Authorities linked the situation partly to missed visa conditions and increased asylum requests by Batswana applicants. The government urged travellers to follow foreign laws and protect the country’s reputation abroad.
Botswana’s government said online applications will remain the starting point, while interviews and further steps happen in Johannesburg. Officials also raised concerns about tougher US travel rules and ongoing talks over the visa bond programme.
Authorities linked the situation partly to missed visa conditions and increased asylum requests by Batswana applicants. The government urged travellers to follow foreign laws and protect the country’s reputation abroad.
