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United Kingdom to Botswana visa requirements

UK ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa for tourism in Botswana. You may enter visa-free and stay up to 90 days, granted by an entry stamp on arrival. The 90 days are cumulative within any 12-month period. As of May 2026, British citizens holding an ordinary passport can travel to Botswana for tourism or short visits without a visa. On arrival, an immigration officer stamps the passport granting a stay of up to 90 days, and this allowance is cumulative across any 12-month period (so multiple short trips count toward the same 90-day cap). No advance application, eVisa or visa-on-arrival fee is required for a qualifying short tourist visit. To be admitted, travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the arrival date with at least three blank pages, and should be prepared to show a return or onward ticket and evidence of sufficient funds. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if arriving from, or having recently transited, a country listed as a yellow fever transmission risk. Travelers with children aged 17 or under must carry an original or certified copy of the child's full birth certificate, and any absent parent must provide a signed affidavit of consent. Note that the reciprocal picture changed in late 2025 in the opposite direction: the UK introduced a visa requirement for Botswana nationals, but this does not affect British citizens visiting Botswana, who remain visa-exempt. To extend a stay beyond 90 days, contact Botswana's Department of Immigration before the permitted period expires; overstaying can cause delays or penalties on departure.
VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Visa-free (visa exemption on arrival)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days
per entry
Entries
Multiple (90 days cumulative per 12-month period)
from issue date
Visa fee
0 (no visa fee)
consular fee only
Processing time
None - stamped on arrival
standard track
Validity
Stay granted at the port of entry; 90-day cap rolling over any 12 months
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm your passport is valid and has blank pages
Ensure your UK passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and has at least 3 blank pages for entry/exit stamps.
· 6 months validity· 3 blank pages
/02
Prepare supporting travel documents
Have a return or onward ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay ready to show immigration if asked.
· Onward ticket· Proof of funds
/03
Check yellow fever requirements
If you are arriving from or have transited a country with yellow fever transmission risk, carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
· Yellow fever certificate if applicable
/04
Carry documents for any accompanying children
For travelers aged 17 or under, bring an original or certified copy of the full birth certificate, plus a consent affidavit from any non-traveling parent.
· Birth certificate· Parental consent affidavit
/05
Receive your entry stamp on arrival
At the Botswana port of entry, present your passport. The immigration officer stamps it, granting a visa-free stay of up to 90 days. Verify the stamp is applied.
· No visa required· Up to 90 days
/06
Track your stay and extend if needed
Remember the 90 days are cumulative within a 12-month period. To stay longer, contact Botswana's Department of Immigration before your permitted period ends.
· 90 days cumulative / 12 months· Apply to extend in-country
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
United Kingdom -> Botswana · Visa-free (visa exemption on arrival)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredUK passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival date
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least 3 blank passport pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RecommendedReturn or onward travel ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedEvidence of sufficient funds for the stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedConfirmed accommodation details
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
ConditionalYellow fever vaccination certificate (only if arriving from a risk country)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
conditional
RequiredOriginal/certified birth certificate for any child aged 17 or under
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
conditional
RequiredAffidavit of consent from any absent parent (children traveling)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
conditional
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredEnsure entry stamp is applied at the border
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
ConditionalOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Visa-free routes usually do not require a visa form; submit any arrival card or authorization if required.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
Application link included: Government of Botswana - Visa Application (Visitor's Visa)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist visa fee0No visa required for British citizens for stays up to 90 days
Visa-on-arrival fee0Not applicable - entry granted visa-free with a stamp
eVisa / application fee0No advance application needed for short tourist visits
Total estimate00incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Commonwealth and visa-exempt status
British citizens, like most Commonwealth and European nationals, are exempt from visa requirements for short visits to Botswana.
High
/02
Tourism and short business visits
The 90-day visa-free allowance covers tourism, visiting friends and family, and general short visits.
High
/03
Safari and wildlife travel
Botswana's Okavango Delta, Chobe and Kalahari draw many UK visitors on safari trips well within the 90-day window.
Medium
/04
Regional travel within southern Africa
Travelers often combine Botswana with neighboring countries; the cumulative 90-day rule matters for repeat entries.
Medium
/05
Family visits with children
UK families relocating or visiting relatives must meet the child documentation rules even though no visa is needed.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30
United Kingdom to Botswana route verified
Confirmed via GOV.UK foreign travel advice and the Botswana Tourism Organisation that British ordinary passport holders remain visa-free for up to 90 days (cumulative per 12 months). Note: the UK introduced a visa requirement for Botswana nationals in late 2025, but this does not affect UK citizens visiting Botswana.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do UK citizens need a visa to visit Botswana?
No. British ordinary passport holders can enter Botswana visa-free for tourism and short visits, receiving an entry stamp on arrival for a stay of up to 90 days.
How long can I stay in Botswana without a visa?+
What passport validity do I need?+
Do I need a yellow fever certificate?+
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days?+
Are there special rules for traveling with children?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the United Kingdom passport

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