Botswana

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Botswana’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Botswana set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Botswana High Commission in the UK.

Telephone: 0207 499 0031

Email: bohico@govbw.com   

Passport validity requirements

To enter Botswana, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 3 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

This will record your date and port of entry. Unstamped passports will raise suspicions of illegal entry.

Dual nationals

Dual nationals must enter Botswana on the same passport they used to exit the previous country.

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Botswana for up to 90 days without a visa.

If you want to work, study or volunteer in Botswana, see the requirements for business, study and employment visas.  

Overstaying a visa or a permitted visit can cause a delay to your departure. If you want to extend your stay, contact Botswana’s Department of Immigration.

Travelling with children

You must have an original or certified copy of the full birth certificate of any child aged 17 or under when you enter or leave the country.

Any parent not present must sign an affidavit giving their consent for the child to travel. For more information contact the Botswana High Commission in the UK.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Botswana, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Botswana guide.

Ebola

As a public health measure, Botswana has introduced entry restrictions including health screening for travellers arriving from affected regions. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Botswana. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Botswana    

Declare foreign or local cash currency if the value is 10,000 Botswana pula or more. If you do not, you could be liable to prosecution.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Botswana

Ambulance: 997

Fire: 998

Police: 999

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers in Botswana
• dealing with a death in Botswana
• being arrested or imprisoned in Botswana
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

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