Passports and Visa

Contact your closest Botswana Consulate for details:

South African Contact: Botswana Consulate Johannesburg

Tel: +27 (11)403 3748/403 3749

NOTE: It is highly recommended to have six months’ validity remaining on your passport, as border agents occasionally apply different guidelines to those stated.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice.

Botswana Tourism: www.botswanatourism.co.bw

Link: https://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/embassy/south-africa-botswana-consulate-general

Important Notice:
REMINDER: Requirements for travel with Children to Botswana

We have had many instances in the past week where families are travelling WITHOUT the unabridged birth certificates, this has caused unnecessary distress to all concerned.

PLEASE REMEMBER the following;

The Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs Tourism advised:
“Effective from the 1st October 2016 minors (= children under 18) traveling through the countries borders will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to their valid passports.
In the event that one parent is not traveling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed. However an affidavit will not be required if the father’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate.” Please find a link to the copy of the press release here.

Here is an overview on the regulations, which are currently in place:

Child + Both Parents:
Parents must produce an unabridged birth certificate and a valid passport.

Child + 1 Parent:
Parents must produce an unabridged birth certificate, a valid passport and a court order/ death certificate/ affidavit confirming the absent parent has given permission for the child to travel.

Child + Guardian Only:
Guardian must produce an unabridged birth certificate, a valid passport and a court order/ death certificate/ affidavit confirming the parents have given permission for the child to travel.

Child Unaccompanied:
Child must produce an unabridged birth certificate, a valid passport and affidavit confirming permission to travel from both the parents or legal guardians and letter from person who will receive child in the final destination including their full contact details and a certified copy of their passport or ID.

PLEASE NOTE:
* Travellers need to make sure that they issue all the required documents already in their country of residence prior to travel. Please be aware that some countries may require more time to process these documents. So we advise these are applied for well in advance of the date of travel.
* The documents need to be valid for at least 6 months before travelling. Certificates & affidavits older than 6 months at the time of travel will not be valid.

Botswana weather is generally quite enjoyable.The rainy season occurs in summer between October and April and is the hottest time.

Dry and cool weather, with cold and often frosty nights, occurs between May and September, when the average daytime temperature is a pleasant 77ºF (25ºC).

Between April and October are ideal for tourists in terms of weather and game viewing.

• Sunblock and lipsalve – for vital protection from the sun
• Binoculars – totally essential for game viewing
• A small pocket torch
• ‘Leatherman’ tool – never go into the bush without one
• A small water bottle, especially on flights (see Camping equipment)
• Electrical insulating tape – remarkably useful for general repairs
• Camera – long lenses are vital for good shots of animals
• Basic sewing kit – with some really strong thread for repairs
• Cheap waterproof watch (leave expensive ones, and jewellery, at home)
• Couple of paperback novels
• Large plastic ‘bin-liner’ (garbage) bags, for protecting luggage from dust
• Light, loose-fitting cotton clothing.Simple medical kit and insect repellent
• Lightweight walking boots (with ankle support if possible) are sensible

And for those driving or backpacking, useful extras are:

• Concentrated, biodegradable washing powder
• Long-life candles – African candles are often soft, and burn quickly
• Nylon ‘paracord’ – bring at least 20m for emergencies and washing lines
• Hand-held GPS navigation system, for expeditions to remote areas
• Good compass and a whistle
• More comprehensive medical kit
• Lightweight walking boots (with ankle support if possible) are sensible
• Light, loose-fitting cotton clothing.

USEFUL CONTACTS
Department of Tourism, Gaborone: +267 391 3111 or www.botswana-tourism.co.bw
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BOTSWANA EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Emergencies: AMBULANCE 997 /FIRE 998 /POLICE 999

AIRPORT IN BOTSWANA
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Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
LOCATION-15 KM north of Gaberone
Hotel minibuses and taxis provide transport to the city centre.
CONTACTS-Tel: +267 351 191
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Maun International Airport (MUB)
LOCATION-3 miles (5km) from central Maun.
There are shuttle buses and taxis available into town.
CONTACTS
Tel: +267 660 238.
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Kasane International Airport (BBK)
LOCATION-4.5 km from Kasane town.
There are shuttle buses and taxis available into town.
CONTACTS
Tel: +267 625-0555/625-2210/1

Dear Valued Partner,

Please be advised that the new Botswana Tourism levy that was meant to come into effect 01 June 2017 has been postponed to a later stage and we will update you once a revised date has been declared.

For further information please visit the BTO website www.botswanatourism.co.bw/tourismlevy

For enquiries please email: tdl@botswanatourism.co.bw or call +267 391 3111.