Botswana

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.

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.

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

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry some identification. A copy of the photo page in your passport is usually enough as long as you can produce the original if required.

If you send your passport for renewal, make sure you have a certified copy that you can present in its place.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Drug taking and trafficking are illegal. If you’re convicted of a drug-related offence, you can get a fine of up to 500,000 pulas (about £30,000) or a prison sentence of up to 25 years, or both. Prison conditions are generally poor.

Using cameras in secure areas

It is illegal to take photographs or use video equipment near military and government installations. Always ask permission before photographing people in Botswana.

LGBT+ travellers

Although same-sex sexual activity is no longer prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and displaying affection in public may attract negative attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts. If you’re caught hunting, buying or trafficking these goods you will be prosecuted. If you’re convicted, sentences can be severe.