This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Botswana. Read about how our High Commission in Botswana can help. Further information can be found at the Botswana Ministry of Education. Contact the relevant higher education provider in Botswana to check what fees you have to pay. Follow the advice of the Botswana government and your local authority. You should also read the Botswana travel advice. For further information, see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/botswana-tax-treaties. You can see our list of medical facilities and practitioners in Botswana.
Before you go
If your child is born in Botswana you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
Coronavirus
See applying for work and residence permits. You can apply for or renew your British passport from Botswana.
Visas and residency
Northside Primary School If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Botswana, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Fax: 020 7495 8595
See also buying a property abroad. Visit the Immigration and Civil Registration website for information on applying for residence and work permits and the requirements for citizenship. You should ask the Immigration Department under the ministry of Labour and Home Affairs directly for further advice and information on sponsoring family members to live in Botswana.
Passports and travel
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport. Maru A Pula
Healthcare in Botswana
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services. The government may ask you to provide a letter from the British High Commission to prove your marital status. The High Commission can provide you with a letter confirming that the UK doesn’t issue certificates of no impediment (CNI) for marriages in Commonwealth countries. Read Botswana government’s guidance on voter registration. See our travel advice for Botswana for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies. You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Tax
Thornhill Primary School Westwood International School Details of banks operating in Botswana and their contact details can be found on the website of the Bank of Botswana. Useful websites: BURS provides information on shipping your property out of Botswana.
Benefits
If you are planning to move to Botswana and work, you may need a visa. Read the Botswana government’s guidance on working in Botswana as a foreign national and how to get a visa. Read guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Pensions
Read Botswana government’s regulations on importing pets into Botswana. If someone dies in Botswana read our guidance on:
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
You should contact the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) if you need further information.
Money and banking
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
Accommodation and buying property
Book an appointment. You should get professional advice on paying tax in Botswana. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Botswana. 6 Stratford Place
London
W1C 1AY.
Driving in Botswana
If you’re a victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission Gaborone. See also list of English speaking lawyers in Botswana. If you retire in Botswana, you can claim your UK State Pension or apply for new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information. Botswana has double taxation agreement (DTA) with the UK. You can download the bilateral agreement. British Nationals do not require a visa to enter Botswana as a tourist. If you wish to settle in Botswana, see how to apply for a visa to enter Botswana. If you are applying from the UK you can approach the Botswana High Commission in London to obtain this service. See guidance on
Disabled drivers
To stay up to date, follow the British High Commission Gaborone on Facebook and Twitter.
Voting
Dial the 999 for the police, 997 for the ambulance or 998 for the fire brigade. Botswana offers a range of educational opportunities. There are a number of good private schools for primary school aged children. Options may be more limited for older children. Some of the schools that offer an international curriculum are:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Botswana authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information. You can use your British driving license for up to 90 days in any calendar year. Alternatively, you can use an International Driving Permit for the life of that permit.
Deaths
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
Marriage and civil partnership
Foreign nationals can generally buy and transfer property in Botswana. However, tribal residential land is restricted to Botswana citizens only, except in instances where an acquisition by a foreign national may create employment for citizens of Botswana. You cannot buy undeveloped land, unless it is freehold. If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not. Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad. Botswana does not have a health agreement with the United Kingdom and visitors to Botswana are advised to apply for travel/medical insurance ahead of their arrival. The Non-bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) provides a list of medical insurance companies in Botswana.
Pets
There are four private hospitals in Gaborone, each of which can provide a good standard of medical treatment. Facilities in popular tourist areas (e.g. Kasane and Maun) are basic. Patients are often referred to South Africa for specialist treatment or more complex emergencies.
Emergencies
If you are on a prescription for any medication, you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Botswana. Certain medicines may not be available in Botswana (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your General Physician before travelling to Botswana to find out about any alternative medication. UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas. The Bank of Botswana offers information to persons wishing to emigrate from Botswana. For further information you can contact them directly at +267 361 6000. For further information, see the Ministry of Health section of the Botswana government website.
Returning to the UK
Read guidance on: Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them. Check the Botswana travel advice for passport validity requirements.
