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Before you go to Botswana: what to know

Must know

  • Visa-free visits up to 90 days. Children aged 17 or under need a full birth certificate and consent from any absent parent.
  • Visa and Mastercard are accepted by many hotels, restaurants and safari companies; remote shops and service stations may need cash.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: Visa-free visits up to 90 days. Children aged 17 or under need a full birth certificate and consent from any absent parent. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival; 3 blank pages.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Visa and Mastercard are accepted by many hotels, restaurants and safari companies; remote shops and service stations may need cash.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: botswanatourism.co.bw ↗

Rules and bans

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Imported firearms require permits and must be licensed on arrival.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: botswanatourism.co.bw ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Climate

November–March is the rainy season; heavy rain and floods can disrupt roads and border crossings.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • February: Feb: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • March: Mar: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • April: Apr: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • May: May: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • June: Jun: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • July: Jul: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • August: Aug: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • September: Sep: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • October: Oct: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • November: Nov: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • December: Dec: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: 220–240 V; UK square-pin and South African round-pin sockets are used.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the left

Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: botswanatourism.co.bw ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.