Chamwe Kaira
The government of Botswana has announced that, starting 14 October 2025, citizens will need an entry visa to travel to the United Kingdom (UK). The UK has introduced the same requirement for Namibia.
According to the Botswana government, the UK decision follows concerns over illegal and irregular migration involving Batswana, including a rise in asylum applications since 2022.
As a result, the UK government has revoked Botswana’s visa-free status and introduced a visitor visa requirement for its nationals.
Batswana transiting through the UK will also need a direct airside transit visa starting October 14, 2025.
A six week transition period will run until 25 November 2025 for travellers who booked trips before the change and already hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation.
“The government of Botswana wishes to assure the public that through diplomatic channels, it will continue to engage the UK government on this matter to explore durable solutions that are mutually beneficial for both countries and their citizens,” the government said.
It urged citizens travelling abroad to comply with immigration laws of all destination countries.
Trade between Botswana and the UK remains strong. According to the UK Department of Business and Trade, total trade in goods and services between the two countries reached £1 billion in the four quarters to the end of the first quarter of 2025—a 29.7% increase from the previous year.
UK exports to Botswana rose by 35.4% to £933 million, while imports from Botswana declined by 8.8% to £93 million during the same period.
Botswana ranked as the UK’s 93rd largest trading partner, accounting for 0.1% of total UK trade.
At the end of 2023, UK foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in Botswana stood at £12 million, up 9.1% from 2022.
Botswana’s FDI in the UK rose to £16 million, a 166.7% increase from the previous year. Both countries each accounted for less than 0.1% of the other’s total FDI stock.
Caption
Botswana President Duma Boko during a recent visit to Namibia.
- Photo: Namibian Presidency
