Frequently Asked Questions

HATAB - https://www.hatab.bw/
BURS - http://www.burs.org.bw/
Department of Immigration - https://www.gov.bw/ministries/ministry-nationality-immigration-and-gender-affairs
Air Botswana - https://www.airbotswana.co.bw/

English is an official language in Botswana. It is taught at schools, and is widely spoken in all urban centres. Even in rural areas, many local villagers (especially younger ones who have received schooling) will be able to converse in English. All guides and general staff in the camps, lodges and hotel have a good command of English. German, Italian and French translators are available on request through your travel operator or agent. When staying at a private camp or lodge, your guide can act as interpreter if necessary during social interactions.

Electricity is supplied at 220/240v. Both square (UK) and round (RSA) wall plugs are used.

Firearms licensing in Botswana is strictly controlled, and all firearms imported under the authority of an import permit must be licensed immediately upon arrival. The importation of firearms that do not have the manufacturer’s serial number or other number by which they can be identified, stamped or engraved on a metal part of the weapon is prohibited.It should also be noted that police permits for firearms are issued on a limited quota basis. Considerable delays can occur in obtaining a permit, particularly on first importation. It is advisable for intending importers to apply well in advance of dispatch, so that unnecessary inconvenience and expenses are avoided.

Police permits for firearms are issued by:
Central Arms,
The Registry,
P O Box 334,
Gaborone.
Tel: +267 391-4202,
+267 391-4106

Visitors to Botswana have the opportunity to purchase diamond jewellery from authorised dealers. A strict certification system is in place to inform the buyer of the origin of the diamond, and the stated value and quality is verified.

In Botswana, one is not under any obligation to offer gratuity (tips) for services rendered at restaurants, bars, hotels, etc. It is at the discretion of the individual whether or not to pay gratuity for services.

Ambulance 997 (Toll Free)
Police 999 (Toll Free)
Fire Brigade 998 (Toll Free)
Medical Rescue 911 (Toll Free)
Medical Air Rescue 390 1601
Mascom 122
Orange 112
Be Mobile 1333

Air Botswana, Botswana’s national and only airline, provides international flights between Gaborone and Johannesburg, Gaborone and Harare, Maun and Johannesburg, Kasane and Johannesburg and Francistown and Johannesburg. Domestic flights run between Gaborone and Francistown, Maun and Kasane. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, international air travel to and from Botswana is limited to Gaborone - Johannesburg (Air Botswana or South African Airways) a few times per day. Ethiopian Airlines flies Addis Ababa to Gaborone every few weeks depending on the pandemic situation. Air charter services are also available.Light aircraft transfers have a 15 kg luggage restriction in soft, squashable bags PLUS 5 kg of hand luggage. No luggage can be larger than 72 cm wide or 29 cm high - the size of the cargo pod of a Cessna 206. Travelers arriving for safaris are advised not to bring hard suitcases as they will not fit in light aircraft cargo spaces.Most major international airlines from Europe, the United States, Asia and Australia fly to Johannesburg, South Africa, where connecting flights can be booked to Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, or to Maun, Francistown or Kasane.

Botswana is accessible by tarred road from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. Vehicles are driven on the left-hand side of the road. A valid international driver’s license, along with vehicle registration documents, are required to drive in Botswana, and drivers should always carry them as a means of identification. Most major roads in Botswana are tarred and driving conditions are generally good. The main roads to established areas are regularly graded. Four-wheel drive is required when travelling in the national parks and reserves, as well as in remote areas. Car and four-wheel drive rental services are widely available in major tourist centres, airports and hotels.

There are scheduled bus services across borders between Botswana and South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia, as well as good internal bus services linking major and minor towns and villages across the country. There is also a direct bus service from OR Tambo International Airport to and Gaborone city centre, departing and returning daily.

There are no passenger train services in Botswana. Cargo services run on a daily basis. For more information consult The Botswana Railways website at www.botswanarailways.co.bw.

Taxis are normally a convenient way to get around in towns and are reasonably priced. They are easily identified in designated stations or can be contacted by telephone. Taxis to Gaborone are also available from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. Always establish and agree the fare and ensure the driver has change before departing.

https://evisa.gov.bw/#/

Citizens of most European and Commonwealth countries do not require a visa for entry into Botswana. However, visitors should check with Botswana embassies or consulates, or their travel agents, before departure. It is vital for visitors to carry a valid passport and sufficient funds to facilitate their stay.

Note: For countries with whom Botswana has no diplomatic representation, visa information and processing are available through British Embassies and High Commissions.

It is advisable to adhere to the luggage restrictions for scheduled international, domestic and charter flights: 20kgs (44lbs) on domestic flights, 12kgs (26lbs) on light aircraft (including Okavango Delta charter flights), and 20kgs (44lbs) on international flights.

Contact information you need for border posts and Airports in Botswana.

Botswana /South Africa
Pont Drift (Tuli)
P O Box 129, Selebi Phikwe
Tel: +267 264 5260
Fax: +267 264 5354
Opening hours: 07h30 – 16h30

If you are travelling to Botswana from areas infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, no other immunisations are required. However, it would be wise to have an updated TPD (tetanus, polio, diphtheria) vaccine, and a Hepatitis A vaccine.Furthermore, depending on your destination within Botswana and the time of year you wish to travel, it may be advisable to visit a travel medicine clinic in your home country to establish if further vaccinations are required/advised.

All goods acquired outside Botswana must be declared when you enter the country.

The importation of animals is closely regulated for public health reasons and also for the well-being of the animals. Domestic pets and livestock may be imported subject to animal health restrictions.

For more information contact:
Director of Animal Health & Production
P/Bag 0032, Gaborone
Tel: 267 395-0500

Note: A valid certificate of identity, rabies vaccination and movement permit issued in Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia or Zimbabwe will be accepted at the time of importation into Botswana.

No boat, mokoro or aquatic apparatus may be imported into Botswana unless the owner is in possession of an import permit issued by the Department of Water Affairs.

For more information contact:
Department of Water Affairs
P/Bag 0029, Gaborone
Tel: 267 360-7100

Drivers are required to carry their licenses at all times. Licenses from neighbouring countries are accepted in Botswana. International drivers’ licenses are accepted in Botswana. If not written in English, a certified written translation is required.

Non-residents visiting Botswana and coming from a country outside the Southern African Common Customs Area for a limited period are normally required to produce a carnet or bill of entry (any duty liability thereon being secured by bond or cash deposit) in respect of their motor vehicles. For further information, please contact BURS (Customs & Excise Division) - http://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/customsexcisemain/customs-clearance. Note: The Southern African Common Customs Area comprises Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland and Namibia.

Botswana Unified Revenue Service
Business hours: 07h30 – 16h30
Head Office
Private Bag 0013, Gaborone
Tel: +267 363 8000 /9000
Fax: +267 363 9999

Botswana Unified Revenue Service
Business hours: 07h30 – 16h30
BURS Service Centre
Private Bag 0013, Gaborone
Tel: +267 363 8888
Fax: +267 363 9999

The daily opening hours are 0800 hours to 1800 hours for the duration of the Expo and you do not have to pay to access the Expo.

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi will be provided. However, mobile data is available through the various mobile network providers.

Gaborone, Botswana from 1st to 4th November 2022. A detailed program of events is available.

Yes, as a visitor, on the day you visit the Expo, you will have complete access to all the key events on that day.

Yes, parking will be available for the duration of the event and security will also be available at the parking bays.

Yes, this will help organisers know the number of visitors and also help you access other services rendered at the Expo. Another important thing to note is that each day you visit the Expo, you will be required to register.

Fill in the booking form online (Global Expo Botswana website)

The dimensions in (square meters) are as follows: -9sqm -18sqm -27sqm -36sqm -54sqm Exhibitors also need to note that there are outdoor stalls, and the dimensions are: -20sqm

9sqm = 990 USD 9,630BWP 18sqm = 1,980 USD 19,260BWP 27sqm = 2,970 USD 28,890BWP 36sqm = 3,960USD 38,520BWP 54sqm = 5,940USD 57,780BWP

Domestic and international businesses, institutions, and companies

Payment is done online and at BITC Finance office To pay for your stall online you have to register as an Exhibitor on the Global Expo Botswana website. Once this has been verified you will be provided options to book and pay for a stall within the Global Expo Botswana Portal.

-SHE personnel are available to facilitate Covid -19 protocols -Sanitizer stations/booths -Vaccination card/proof -Valid PCR test results (72hrs) -Mask is mandatory (indoors only) Daily Covid - 19 updates on social media and GEB website. It is important to note that the guidelines are aligned to the Ministry of Health Covid – 19 protocols and subject to change depending on the Ministry’s assessment of the situation.

Visit Department of Immigration on www.gov.bw for VISA requirements and other travel documents Contact your country Embassy or High Commission for travel information to Botswana.

Clearly marked Samples for exhibition only.

Global Expo Botswana Team, Telephone. +2673633301/ 3385 www.bitc.co.bw www.brandbotswana.co.bw

All Visa requirements can be accessed at the following link: https://evisa.gov.bw/#/