Botswana Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK passport holders can enter Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days. Botswana is one of Africa's most stable and prosperous nations and a world-renowned wildlife destination.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter Botswana without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required. Present your valid UK passport on arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, or at land borders. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and several blank pages for stamps.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Botswana: What You Need to Know
Botswana has a long-standing visa-free arrangement with the UK. The country is known for high-quality, low-volume wildlife tourism in the Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park, and the Kalahari Desert. Safari camps are generally exclusive and expensive, reflecting the country's conservation-first approach that limits visitor numbers to protect the environment.
Practical Tips
The Botswana pula (BWP) is the currency. The country has a strong economy based on diamond mining and tourism. Game viewing in the Okavango is considered some of the best in Africa; the delta is best visited between July and October when wildlife congregates around water. Chobe is famous for having the largest elephant population in Africa. Self-drive safaris in the Kalahari are possible for adventurous travellers with a 4WD vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK passport holders need a visa for Botswana?
No. UK passport holders can enter Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days. Simply present your valid UK passport at the border or on arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone.
Is a Botswana safari expensive for UK tourists?
Botswana deliberately pursues high-value, low-volume tourism to protect its wildlife. Safari camps in the Okavango Delta and other premium areas are among the most expensive in Africa. However, the quality of game viewing, exclusivity, and conservation standards are exceptional. Self-drive safaris in the Kalahari and Central Kalahari Game Reserve are more affordable alternatives.
What wildlife can UK tourists see in Botswana?
Botswana has one of Africa's greatest concentrations of wildlife. The Okavango Delta offers lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, and extraordinary bird life. Chobe National Park is famous for having the largest elephant population in Africa. The Kalahari is home to meerkats, brown hyenas, and the famous black-maned Kalahari lions.
When is the best time to visit Botswana for a safari?
The dry season from May to October is generally the best time for game viewing, as animals concentrate around water sources and vegetation is less dense. July to September is peak season and the most expensive. The green season (November to April) offers dramatic skies, newborn animals, and fewer visitors, though game can be harder to spot.