Botswana Visa Requirements
British citizens don’t need a visa when travelling to Botswana if they are staying for 90 days or less.
Passport Validity for Botswana Travel
Your passport must be valid for an additional six months from the date of your entry in Botswana. You also need three clear pages in your passport.
For further information, please check with the embassy.
Other Important Formalities
Travelling to Botswana with Children
There are many tight regulations in place when travelling to Botswana with anyone under the age of 18 :
- You must take with you an original copy of the child’s birth certificate.
- Birth certificates that don’t state both parents’ names or abridged versions will be rejected.
- For UK citizens, take the child’s birth certificate and the Certified Copy of an Entry to be on the safe side.
- For children travelling with anyone other than their biological parents, an affidavit from their legal guardian or parents giving consent to travel is required, as well as copies of their legal guardians’ or parents’ passports or identity documents and contact details.
- If a minor is travelling with just one parent, an affidavit giving consent to travel is needed from the other parent.
- If a parent is deceased, a death certificate is required.
- For anyone under the age of 18 travelling alone, contact details of the parents or legal guardian as well and an affidavit consenting to the minor’s travel must be presented. Contact details, including the address, passport or permanent residence permit of the person receiving the minor is also required.
Given the complexity of what is required when travelling to Botswana with minors, it is best to contact the Botswana High Commission for the full information on your individual situation.
Plastic bags
Plastic bags are banned in Botswana and if caught using or manufacturing them, the fine is $500. This does not include small clear bags used for carrying liquids in hand luggage on flights. Plastic bags are also not allowed in Kenya and Rwanda, with higher penalties, so be aware if you are travelling through these destinations.
When travelling to Johannesburg or Tambo International Airport in South Africa, only bags with one flat surface are accepted; round or irregular-shaped bags, or bags with long straps, are not allowed. This is to enable the smooth running of the baggage-handling system.
