Preparing For A Trip To Botswana?

Visa Information / Entry requirements to Botwswana

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Botswana set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Botswana’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

All travellers should follow the entry rules set out for their COVID-19 status.

COVID-19 entry and exit requirements may be announced and altered at little notice. You should monitor the government of Botswana’s Facebook page for the latest developments or contact the government of Botswana’s 24 hour COVID-19 helpline on 16649 / 0800 600 111.

If you’re fully vaccinated

If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to take a coronavirus test to travel to Botswana. You will need to present your vaccination certification during travel and on arrival.

Proof of vaccination status

Botswana accepts both the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status

If you’re not fully vaccinated

Unvaccinated people must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel. You may also be asked to undertake an additional PCR test at the port of entry at your own cost. If the test is positive, you will be permitted to isolate within the district of the port of entry at your own cost.

People who refuse to be subject to the above provisions are liable to a fine, imprisonment or both.

Children and young people

Children aged 12 years and over should follow the requirements for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers, depending on their vaccination status. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from these requirements.

If you’re transiting through Botswana

Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.

The rules set out above also apply to travellers wishing to transit Botswana.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Botswana.

The Botswana government has stated that dual nationals using two different passports can only enter the country on the same passport they used to exit the previous country.

Visas

British nationals do not normally need a visa to enter Botswana for stays of up to 90 days.

Overstaying can cause delays on departure. If you wish to extend your stay, seek an extension from the Department of Immigration.

Travel to or from South Africa

If you’re planning to enter South Africa before or after you visit Botswana, you should refer to the travel advice for South Africa.

Travelling with children

The Botswana government has introduced new immigration rules from 1 October 2016. Children (under 18 years of age) who are travelling into or through Botswana must provide a certified copy of their full unabridged birth certificate as well as a valid passport (an abridged (short) birth certificate won’t be accepted).

If the child is travelling with one parent, with another adult or unaccompanied, the parent or parents who aren’t present will need to provide an affidavit giving their consent for the child to travel. For more information please contact the Botswana Embassy.

Travelling with children via South Africa

If you’re transiting through South Africa with children, see our South Africa travel advice page for information and advice about the documents you’ll need to carry.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are valid for entry into Botswana. However, unlike with a full validity UK passport, ETD holders must apply for the appropriate Botswana visa or be in possession of a residence permit before travelling to Botswana.

Tourism Health Information – Botswana

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or brought in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, check this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Medical treatment

Health care in Botswana is good in major towns, but medical facilities and communications are limited in rural areas. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to the UK or South Africa may be necessary. Private hospitals will not treat patients unless you can pay, and the cost of health care may be high. Outpatients must pay cash before receiving treatment. You will only be accepted as an emergency patient if you have full insurance cover. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Health risks

A rabies outbreak was reported in Ngamiland, in the Delta area of north west Botswana on 8 November. Further information on rabies can be found on the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website.

There are occasional outbreaks of anthrax amongst wild animals. Do not touch dead animals or carcasses. If you suspect that you have come into contact with anthrax, seek urgent medical advice.

If you intend to camp or walk in the bush you should be aware of the risk of tick bites.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 997 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Weather & When To Go to Botswana

Botswana is an all-year round destination. The two distinctive seasons give varied all round terrific experiences.

The green season which is the wet rainy season, is blessed with Botswana showers, the areas become lush and green thus becoming favourable for plains game to give birth to young. This in turn presents favourable conditions for predators as well, as food becomes abundant. The green season is also a haven for birders as all migratory birds arrive to breed in the warm condition of the southern African warm weather.  Birds can be seen in all stages of plumage. Breeding, fledglings, juveniles.

The peak season is dressed with the winter dry colours of khakis and olives as the vegetation sheds leaves to conserve water during the dry months. the pool waters from the rain dry up but the rivers fill up from the Okavango floods thus concentring game in certain areas. The winter sunsets become dramatic with dust hazes.