You do not need a visa for Botswana if you have a British passport

No visa needed

British citizens can enter Botswana without applying for a visa in advance. Check your passport validity and any onward-travel requirements before you fly.

Visa-free

Frequently asked questions

Do British citizens need a visa for Botswana?

No. British citizens can enter Botswana without applying for a visa in advance.

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What Botswana may ask for

Not every traveller is asked for all of these. A valid passport is checked every time; the rest is a spot check at the border, and some items belong to a visa application rather than the crossing itself.

Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
Passport photo 35x45mm, white background
Hotel or safari lodge booking confirmation
Return flight or onward travel itinerary
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Yellow fever certificate if from endemic area

Entry requirements for British travellers

These rules apply specifically to British passport holders entering Botswana as tourists. Each one links to the official source where available.

Required
Mandatory accommodation booking
Travelers must have proof of accommodation booking during their stay in Botswana.
Embassy of the Republic of Botswana Last checked 2026-08-06
Required
Travelers require a passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry
Travelers need a valid passport to enter Botswana. The traveler's passport must remain valid for at least 6 months after the traveler arrives in Botswana. The passport must have 3 or more blank pages.
Botswana Government Last checked 2026-08-06
May be required
Parental consent for travelers under 17 entering Botswana
Travelers aged 17 and under traveling to Botswana must provide an original or certified copy of their full birth certificate. Travelers aged 17 and under traveling without at least one parent or guardian must also provide a parental consent form from any parent or guardian not present. Travelers are encouraged to check with their nearest Botswanan Embassy for further details.
- Contact your airline, as they may have additional requirements for minors beyond standard rules.
Embassy of the Republic of Botswana Last checked 2026-08-06
Not required
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Botswana
Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Botswana.
Last checked 2026-08-06
Not required
Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required
Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to Botswana.
Last checked 2026-08-06
Not required
Transit visa is not required
Travelers do not need a visa to transit through Botswana.
Last checked 2026-08-06

A look at Botswana

Okavango Delta — The world's largest inland delta and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Chobe National Park — Home to Africa's largest elephant population
Kalahari Desert — Ancient landscapes and unique desert-adapted wildlife
Gaborone — Botswana's capital city and gateway to southern safari circuits