GoBotswana Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

The types of visas in Botswana mainly include work visa, business visa, tourist visa, etc. People coming to Botswana can apply for visas at the Botswana Embassy in China or entrust people in Botswana to directly apply for visas at the Immigration Office. Bo visa is divided into two types: one-time entry and multiple entry, which must be specified when applying. Since July 2016, the Immigration Bureau of Botswana has given foreigners with valid visas a stay period that may be less than the stay period specified in the visa when they enter the country, so it is requested and noted to properly adjust their itinerary. For those who wish to continue their stay after their visa expires, they must apply for an extension at the immigration office in advance. If overstayed, one will be prosecuted and sentenced by the competent authorities of the Ministry of Education.

On December 22, 2018, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the the Republic of Botswana on Mutual Exemption of Visas for Persons Holding Diplomatic, Official and Official Passports came into force. Chinese citizens holding valid diplomatic, official, or service ordinary passports are exempt from visa application if they stay in Botswana for no more than 30 days; However, those who intend to enter the country for work, study, settlement, etc. require prior approval from the competent authorities of the country and must obtain a visa before entering.

Botswana will implement port landing visa from November 22, 2018. Mainly targeting temporary visitors and business personnel. Applicants for visa on arrival must submit an invitation letter and travel itinerary provided by the host unit or travel agency of the Expo. Visa on arrival generally allows applicants to stay in Bo for 14 days, with a total of no more than 90 days per year. Landing visa does not mean visa exemption. Applicants should assess the relevant risks and, if conditions permit, it is recommended to obtain the visa in advance. For specific requirements, please consult the Embassy of China or the Immigration Bureau of China.

Minors under the age of 18 who come to Bo must bring a notarized and certified birth certificate. If they come to Bo alone or with one of their parents, they also need a power of attorney from the parents who are not accompanying them.

Hong Kong SAR passport holders enjoy visa free entry and stay for 90 days.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

Botswana has no financial control, but if it carries a large amount of cash into or out of the country, it must declare to Botswana Customs. The import tariffs of Bo mainly include ordinary tariffs, specific tariffs, ad valorem tariffs, surcharges, anti-dumping duties, and temporary taxes. The scope of ordinary tariffs is the widest, while the scope of specific and ad valorem tariffs is relatively small. Anti dumping duties and temporary taxes are imposed on special goods under special circumstances, limited to individual goods. There are two types of customs rates: one is the universal rate, which applies to all countries outside the Southern African Community. The second is the preferential tax rate applicable to the countries of the Southern African Community.

The Botswana government officially implemented the Regulations on Import Inspection Standards on April 1, 2010, which stipulates that 19 products (including cattle feed, chicken feed, raw milk, sterilized milk, milk yogurt, yogurt, milk buttermilk, sorghum, beans, peanut butter, fish, shellfish and other seafood cans, 13 amp plugs, 13 amp sockets, 13 amp adapters, electric irons, liquefied gas pressure relief valves, plastic bags, cement, packaging) in the import appendix list must apply in advance and obtain inspection certificates before importing Botswana.

The laws of Botswana prohibit the entry and exit of animal and plant products and other restricted articles, especially illegal articles such as ivory and rhinoceros horn, which are serious violations and will be sentenced severely. Due to the increasing number of Chinese people and Chinese goods coming to Bobo, Bobo Customs often checks the luggage and articles of Chinese citizens entering the country. If clothing, small appliances, and other items are accompanied by product labels, customs will consider them as imported new goods and impose taxes. In this situation, please provide valid documents, patiently explain and cooperate with the inspection.

Bo Customs contact information: （CUSTOMS AND EXERCISE，BAG 0041，GABORONE， BOTSWANA。TEL：00267-3922855，FAX：00267-3922781）。

Residency and Naturalization

Chinese citizens who want to reside and work in Botswana must obtain a work visa before coming to Botswana. Those who are already in Botswana should apply for a work and residence permit within the validity period of the visa. Individuals who come to work or reside in Bo are required to obtain notarization and certification of their educational background, degree, marriage certificate, driver's license, professional qualification certificate, and other relevant documents in advance in China, in order to use them for local procedures. If the visa expires and you have not obtained a work or residence permit in Bo, you must leave immediately, otherwise you will be fined and forcibly deported. In recent years, Botswana has tightened its work and residence permit policies. The Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs evaluates and scores applicants in terms of age, English proficiency, technology, education, professional qualifications, work experience, etc. At the same time, evaluate the commercial nature, product export volume, utilization of local raw materials, foreign investment quota, proportion of local employees, share of local partners, as well as the education and language proficiency of investors in the investment company. Generally, registered company shareholders can obtain 3-5 years of long-term residency, and work residency is usually 3 years. Those who have obtained a work permit and residence permit must strictly follow the permit to operate, engage in work outside the permit, or operate beyond the scope of the permit, and will be deported or required to leave the country within a specified period of time. If a Chinese citizen who has obtained a legal residence permit leaves Botswana, he/she should pay attention to: if he/she leaves Botswana for more than 6 months, he/she must apply for a visa in advance (he/she cannot apply for a port landing visa) before returning to Botswana, otherwise he/she will be refused entry.

Botswana recognizes dual nationality. The main ways to obtain Bo nationality include settlement, adoption, marriage, and presidential approval. Applicants for citizenship in Botswana must meet the following conditions: they have lived in Botswana for more than 10 years, have no criminal record, have made certain contributions to Botswana, have a fixed industry in Botswana or are in urgent need of talents in Botswana (such as doctors), master a certain degree of Botswana or other tribal languages, and are recommended and guaranteed by at least one local authority or senior official. The Department of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs has also followed the example of immigration laws in countries such as Australia and developed a percentage based assessment system to determine applicants' eligibility for citizenship. The system includes vocational skills (40%), investment and contribution level (40%), spouse skills (10%), and community contribution (10%). Applicants' eligibility for citizenship is approved annually through examinations, evaluations, and other means.

The risk level of Botswana is blue (low risk)

public security

Bo Zheng is stable for a long time and belongs to a country with good public security in this region. However, in recent years, the influx of illegal immigrants from neighboring countries has been increasing, which has brought great pressure to the social security of Bo. The overall security situation has deteriorated, and theft and robbery cases have occurred from time to time. Due to the fact that Chinese citizens tend to carry cash with them or store large amounts of cash in their business premises and residences, they are easily targeted by criminals, leading to an increase in the incidence of robbery and burglary cases against Chinese citizens. Special reminder to visitors not to carry large amounts of cash with them, not to take a taxi in a secluded place, not to open the car door while waiting for a red light, not to reveal cash and valuables, and try not to go out at night.

Bo has abundant wildlife resources and a sound system for wildlife protection. When visiting the wildlife reserve in Botswana, we should abide by the wildlife protection regulations, be highly alert to the security threats posed by wildlife, be accompanied by local guides, and take regular sightseeing buses to avoid personal injury. In recent years, there have been frequent cases of wildlife attacking tourists causing casualties, which should be highly valued.

Vehicles in Botswana drive right and left. The speed is fast. Pedestrians should not cross the road. The incidence of traffic accidents in Bo is relatively high, and drivers must strictly abide by traffic rules and strictly prohibit drunk driving and speeding.

natural disaster

Botswana has a tropical desert climate, with high temperature and little rain all year round. Drought is the main natural disaster in Botswana. Adequate sunlight and strong ultraviolet rays during the day require necessary protection when going out.

FDA

The food sold locally is mainly imported, with a wide variety that can meet daily life needs. Beef and mutton exported to the European Union are exempt from inspection, with strict food market supervision and good hygiene conditions.

Urgent Help

Botswana has a sound legal system. In case of emergency in Botswana, Chinese citizens and enterprises should report to the local police station in time, or they can protect their legitimate rights and interests by hiring lawyers. Do not provide money or other resources to law enforcement personnel to avoid being held criminally responsible as a suspected bribery target. Travel, work, and life in Bo should comply with local laws and regulations. Relevant departments in Bo will take measures to hold foreign citizens accountable for violations of laws and regulations until they are forcibly repatriated. In case of arrest, detention and other restrictions on personal freedom of Chinese citizens in Botswana, they can submit a request to inform the Chinese Embassy in Botswana of the case and request consular visits.

Emergency hotline: 997

Fire alarm hotline: 998

Bandit police phone number: 999

Number inquiry desk: 192

Consular Protection and Assistance Tel. of the Embassy in Botswana: 00267-71315056

The Global Consular Protection and Services Emergency Call Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be reached at 0086-10-12308 or 0086-10-59913991.

air traffic

The largest airport in Botswana is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, located in the capital city of Gaborone, about 15 kilometers from the city center. In addition, there are airports in areas such as Francistown, Maung, Casani, and Selebi Piquet. There are direct flights from the capital to countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, and Ethiopia. There are also flights between major towns and tourist areas in Botswana and the capital city of Gaborone. From Botswana to China, you can generally transfer flights through Johannesburg International Airport in South Africa and Addis Ababa Airport in Ethiopia. At Johannesburg International Airport in South Africa, you can transfer to Air China, South Africa, Cathay Pacific, Qatar, Emirates and other airlines to fly to Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.

land transport

Botswana is dominated by road traffic, with a total length of more than 20000 kilometers. There are asphalt roads connecting major towns across the country, as well as between Botswana and South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, with high-grade trunk roads. It is suitable for car rental or self driving travel in Botswana, but the incidence of traffic accidents is high, so you need to drive carefully. The Bo Railway has a total length of about 900 kilometers, spanning the Francistown, Gaborone, and Lobaze regions, connecting South Africa and Zimbabwe. It is mainly used for freight transportation, with fewer passenger trains.

water communication

Bo is an inland country with no waterway transportation.

Urban transportation

The public transportation in Botswana is backward, and the airport taxis are few and expensive. All towns in Botswana use minibuses as their main means of transportation. There are taxis and fixed route minibuses in the city of Gaborone, but their condition is poor.

major city

Gaborone: As the capital of Botswana, it is the political, economic, cultural and financial center of Botswana, with a population of 208411.

Francistown: Located in the northeast 433 kilometers away from the capital Gaborone, it is the second city of Botswana with a population of 89979. It is an important trade town and an important transportation hub in the northeast of Botswana.

Selebi Hikwe: Located in the eastern region of Bo, it is a copper nickel mining area with a population of 53727. In recent years, it has been designated as an economic development zone, with existing industries in textile, clothing, chemical, and service tourism.

Lobatse: located in the southeastern region of Bo, 70 kilometers away from the capital, with a population of 30883. The location of Bo Meat United Company includes large modern slaughterhouses and brick factories within the city.

Jwaneng: located in the southern region of Bo, it is the location of Bo's largest diamond mine, with a population of 16853. Its main industry is diamond mining and services for diamond mining.

Commodity prices

The Bo National Bank was established in 1975 and issued its own currency, the Pula, in 1976. In recent years, the Pula has depreciated, with 1 US dollar equivalent to 13 Pula. Botswana can use a variety of credit cards, and several banks can provide various financial services, such as Standard Chartered Bank, First National Bank, Barclays Bank, etc. Barclays Bank launched an international partnership with UnionPay International in March 2017. UnionPay cards can be used in large shopping malls, supermarkets, hotels, etc. Small shops and remote areas often use cash for consumption. Purchasing general goods and services in Bo requires payment of value-added tax, with a tax rate of 14%. In recent years, prices in Botswana have continued to rise, especially food prices, which have risen by more than 40%. The animal husbandry industry in Bo is relatively developed, so beef and mutton are cheaper than in China, and fruits and vegetables are mostly imported from South Africa, which is more expensive than in China. Botswana is rich in mineral resources. The main mineral resources are diamonds, followed by copper, nickel, coal, soda ash, platinum, manganese ore, etc. The main crops are sorghum and corn.

Insurance Medical

Botswana has a relatively complete medical system. According to the data provided by Botswana, there are 16 hospitals, 17 primary hospitals, 232 clinics, 324 health centers and 712 mobile clinics in the country, 3572 beds, and an average of 3 doctors and 30 nurses per 10000 people. There is a large public hospital, two large private hospitals, and multiple clinics in the capital city of Gaborone that can provide emergency and medical services. Pharmacies are located in various commercial areas.

There are many medical insurance institutions in Botswana, which provide services for local people and foreigners coming to Botswana. According to different service items, the average monthly fee is 300-600 Pula. Bo AIDS infection rate is high, and the infection rate among people aged 15 to 49 years is more than 30%.

Customs taboos

1、 Major Festivals

Bo holiday situation: New Year: January 1st to 2nd; Easter: a Sunday in March or April; Labor Day: May 1st; Ascension Day of Jesus: early May; Sir Selets Kama Day (First President): July 1st; President's Day: Monday and Tuesday in mid July; Independence Day: September 30th to October 1st; Christmas: December 25th to 26th.

2、 Customs and Etiquette

Bo Guomin mainly believes in Christianity, with a few people believing in Islam. Locals usually perform handshake etiquette, but male guests generally do not take the initiative to reach out and shake hands with females.

Botswana is known as the "country of cattle". 80% of the country's rural population is engaged in animal husbandry. The national emblem and currency have bull heads. Cattle are slaughtered in various festivals and celebrations. The diet of Botswana people is rich in national characteristics. The staple food is corn rice, sorghum rice, etc., and the non-staple food is vegetables, wild plants, domestic poultry, beef and mutton, etc. The usual cooking method is to mash corn kernels or sorghum and mix them with dishes made from meat and vegetables, which have a unique flavor.

Communications Power

Mobile communication in Botswana uses GSM system, which is compatible with mobile phones of the same system in China. Mobile communication network in Botswana has developed rapidly. Most cities and villages are covered, and one-way charging standards are implemented. Chinese mobile phone users who have opened international roaming services can use it on Weibo. For specific tariff standards, please consult domestic telecommunications operators. In China, 00267 should be added before calling the Botswana phone number. The way to call the domestic fixed line phone is: 0086 (China international area code)+domestic long-distance area code (for example, Beijing is 10, Shanghai is 21, etc.)+phone number; Dial domestic mobile phone: 0086+domestic mobile phone number.

Internet in Botswana is relatively popular. Hotels and cafes all provide Internet services, but the network speed is average.

The voltage is 220 volts and the frequency is 50 hertz. Use South African standard circular three hole sockets or British standard square three hole sockets for power supply. The commonly used flat plugs in China cannot be directly inserted and require a plug conversion.

contact information

Emergency hotline: 997.

Fire alarm hotline: 998.

Police hotline: 999.

Number inquiry desk: 192.