The United Kingdom has announced the immediate introduction of visa requirements for citizens of Botswana intending to travel to the UK, including for short visits. The new policy was made public by the British High Commission in Gaborone on 14 October 2025, marking a significant shift in travel regulations between the two Commonwealth partners.
According to the UK Government, the decision follows what it terms a high number of Botswana nationals travelling to the UK as visitors since 2022 only to claim asylum on arrival or after entry, which British authorities say constitutes misuse of the immigration system. The UK says it regularly reviews its visa and immigration policies to maintain the integrity of its borders.
A six-month multiple entry visa for the UK will now cost £127 (approximately P2,200), with options for longer validity visas available. Applicants will be required to submit and pay for their visa applications online via www.gov.uk before booking an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Gaborone to provide biometrics and passport documentation. The VAC has expanded its operating days from three to five days a week to accommodate increased demand.
The UK Government has instituted a six-week transition window. Botswana nationals who booked travel and obtained an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before 15:00 BST on 14 October 2025, and are scheduled to arrive in the UK by 15:00 GMT on 25 November 2025, will still be allowed entry without a visa for that journey. Similarly, passengers transiting through the UK to onward destinations will be exempt from the new transit visa requirement if they arrive before the 25 November 2025 deadline. However, once travellers leave the UK after this date, they will be required to apply for a visitor visa for any future entry.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the move forms part of a broader strategy to disrupt and deter abuse of the immigration system at every stage of the journey, including curbing people-smuggling, strengthening returns agreements, and tightening border control enforcement. “Botswana is a valued Commonwealth partner, and we will continue to work in partnership to strengthen our ties and drive mutual economic growth,” she said.
British High Commissioner to Botswana, Giles Enticknap, assured that despite the visa requirement, the UK remains committed to maintaining strong people-to-people, business, and cultural links with Botswana. “We understand that travel is important for families, businesses, and cultural connections. The introduction of visitor visas is designed to support safe and secure travel while ensuring the UK’s borders remain protected,” he said, noting that increased VAC capacity reflects a commitment to continued engagement with Batswana travellers.
Nationals from Botswana residing in the UK under work, study, or other visa categories will remain eligible to travel and return using their valid eVisas. The UK Government reiterated that standard visitor visas can be used for tourism, business, or short-term study of up to six months and that in special cases—such as for medical treatment—extensions may be considered.
The British High Commission says it aims to process visa applications within 15 UK working days, with applicants able to apply up to three months in advance of their planned travel date. The UK maintains that the measure, though stringent, is intended to safeguard its immigration system while preserving the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two nations.
