Botswana Entry Requirements

Botswana has strict requirements for travelers with children under 18 years. ALL children must have their own passport (not listed in parent's passport). An unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents' details) is REQUIRED for all children. If traveling with both parents listed on the birth certificate, you need: child's passport, unabridged birth certificate, and parents' passports. If traveling with one parent: all of the above plus an affidavit from the non-traveling parent consenting to the trip, copy of non-traveling parent's passport/ID, and contact details of non-traveling parent. If traveling without parents (with relatives, friends, or alone if older teen): all of the above plus affidavits from BOTH parents, copies of both parents' passports/IDs, letter from person child is traveling to with their contact details and copy of their ID, and proof of relationship. If one or both parents are deceased: death certificate(s) required. If one parent has sole custody: court order granting sole custody required. These requirements apply to ALL children regardless of nationality, including citizens of Botswana. Affidavits should be notarized/certified and recent (within 3-4 months of travel is advisable). Failure to have proper documentation will result in the child being denied entry or exit.

Importing pets into Botswana requires advance planning and specific documentation. Requirements include: Import permit from Botswana Department of Veterinary Services (apply at least 30 days before travel), Valid rabies vaccination certificate (pet must be vaccinated at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry), International Veterinary Health Certificate issued by official veterinarian in country of origin (within 10 days of travel), Microchip identification (ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip recommended), Treatment for internal and external parasites (within 7 days of travel, documented by vet). Dogs and cats from countries with rabies may require quarantine or additional testing. Pets must enter through designated ports of entry. Certain dog breeds may be restricted. Contact the Department of Veterinary Services well in advance: Private Bag 0032, Gaborone, Tel: +267 395 0500. Airlines have their own pet travel requirements - confirm with your carrier. Consider that Botswana's wildlife areas may not be suitable for pets.

If you wish to stay longer than your initial entry permit allows, you must apply for an extension at the Immigration Department before your current permit expires. Extensions are not automatic and are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities. To apply for extension: Visit Immigration Department offices in Gaborone (headquarters) or regional offices in Francistown, Maun, or Kasane. Bring your passport, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation details, return ticket (may need to show you can change it), letter explaining reason for extension, and extension fee payment. Tourist visa extensions are typically granted for an additional 90 days but this varies. Apply at least 2 weeks before your current permit expires. Overstaying your permit is a serious offense resulting in fines, detention, deportation, and future entry bans. For stays longer than tourist visas allow, you may need to apply for a different type of permit (work permit, study permit, residence permit) which have separate requirements and must often be arranged before entering Botswana. Frequent short-term exits and re-entries to reset tourist visa status may be questioned by immigration and is not a reliable long-term strategy.

Business visitors entering on visa-free access or tourist visas can attend meetings, conferences, and conduct business discussions but cannot receive payment from Botswana sources or engage in productive work. Permitted activities include: attending business meetings, conferences, trade shows, negotiating contracts, and conducting site inspections. You should carry: business invitation letter from Botswana company (on letterhead, with contact details), proof of business registration in home country, conference registration if applicable, and business cards. If you will be working, receiving local payment, or staying beyond tourist visa limits, you need a work permit arranged by your Botswana employer before arrival. Business permits are separate from tourist entry and require extensive documentation. Short-term business visitors should be prepared to explain their activities to immigration and demonstrate they are not working illegally.

Passengers transiting through Botswana without leaving the airport international zone typically do not need a visa regardless of nationality, provided they continue on the same or first connecting flight within 24 hours and hold valid documents for their destination. If you wish to leave the airport during transit or if your connection is longer than 24 hours, you must meet entry requirements for your nationality (visa-free entry or visa). Some airlines offer transit hotels or tours - confirm visa requirements if participating. If transiting from a yellow fever endemic country, you may still need to show yellow fever vaccination certificate even if not leaving the airport. Confirm transit visa requirements with your airline and the Botswana embassy, as policies can vary based on nationality and specific circumstances.