Botswana entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders can visit Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Botswana. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport will verify it on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Botswana | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers at the desk may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least 500 BWP per day (roughly $40 USD) in cash, card, or bank statement. Immigration can ask to see proof you can cover your expenses while in Botswana. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Botswana requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive, not the day you leave. If your passport expires in 5 months, you'll be turned away.
No visa extensions available
You cannot extend the 90-day visa-free stay. If you need more time, you must leave Botswana and re-enter, or apply for a visa beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Maun, Kasane, or Gaborone airport, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. The officer will ask your purpose of visit and length of stay.
2
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and write the date you must leave. This takes 1-2 minutes if there's no queue.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare unless you're carrying large sums of cash or restricted goods.
Download Botswana Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not applicable as visa-free)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no need for a separate tourist visa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (not applicable as visa-free)
Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within the validity period.
Long-stay visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostUnknown (apply at embassy)
For longer stays, apply for a residence permit or work visa through the Botswana embassy.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
Unknown (varies by employer)
For UK nationals with a job offer in Botswana. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
student visa
Student Permit
Duration of study, renewable
Unknown (varies by institution)
For UK nationals enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Botswana. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 5 years, renewable
Unknown (varies by investment)
For UK nationals investing a minimum amount in Botswana (e.g., business or property). Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers up to 90 days; no single-entry visa fee. | Free (not applicable as visa-free) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within the validity period. | Free (not applicable as visa-free) |
| Stay extension costExtensions are not permitted for visa-free stays. | Unknown (not available) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstay. | Unknown (not available) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Botswana
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders transiting through Botswana do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) · Maun Airport (MUB) · Kasane Airport (BBK)
Health & vaccines for Botswana
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk in northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun). Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Gaborone
Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services
Plot 54352, New CBD, Gaborone
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Main office for visa and permit inquiries; bring all original documents.
Maun
Maun Immigration Office
Maun Airport Road, Maun
Mon–Fri 07:30–16:30
Useful for travellers in the Okavango Delta region.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalGaborone
LanguageEnglish, Setswana
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBotswana pula (BWP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 13.81 BWP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D (3-pin round) and Type G (3-pin rectangular) plugs.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally chlorinated and safe in major cities, but avoid in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Botswana and re-enter, or apply for a visa in advance from a Botswana embassy.
You will be denied entry. Botswana strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. Renew your passport before travelling.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from the UK, no. But if you've been in a yellow fever zone (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you'll need the certificate.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at land border crossings like Kazungula (Zambia), Ramokgwebana (Zimbabwe), and Martins Drift (South Africa). Have your passport and return ticket ready.
No. Botswana does not require any online pre-registration or arrival declaration for British passport holders. Just show up with your documents.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering Botswana. If you realise you'll overstay, contact the Department of Immigration in Gaborone before your visa expires.
Not officially required, but immigration may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a few hundred pounds in cash (or equivalent in pula) is sensible.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.