Botswana
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for Botswana
You · American passport
Up to 90 days in any 365
Visa-free for short stays. Keep inside the limit and you don't need a visa.
travel.state.gov · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
14 days
Its 14 days are shared across the Southern African Customs Union, so driving into another member country doesn't restart them.
burs.org.bw · Confirm before you go · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 40 days out
Import permit from the Director of Veterinary Services, rabies 30 days-12 months, exam within 48 h, certificate valid 7 days. See the steps
gov.uk · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch Botswana.
We'll email you if Botswana's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into Botswana.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Have a vet implant an ISO microchip and record the number on every document.
- On or after the microchip
Rabies vaccination
Vaccinate against rabies with an inactivated vaccine after the microchip is in place.
- At least 30 days after the rabies shot
Wait 30 days after rabies vaccination
Entry is only allowed once at least 30 days have passed since the rabies vaccination.
- On or after the rabies shot
Rabies shot not older than 12 months at entry
The rabies vaccination must have been given no more than 12 months before entry; re-vaccinate if it will be older.
- On or after the health certificate
Government endorsement of the certificate
Have the health certificate endorsed/stamped by the government veterinary authority of the country you leave from.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- Within 30 days before you arrive
Veterinary import permit
Apply for an import permit from the Director of Veterinary Services, Gaborone before travel; carry the original with the pet.
- Within 7 days before you arrive
Official health certificate
Get the destination's health certificate signed by an official (government-authorised) vet; it is valid for 7 days.
- Within 48 hours before you arrive
Vet exam within 48 hours of departure
A vet must examine the pet and find it healthy (no signs of contagious disease or external parasites) within 48 hours before travel.
gov.uk · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in Botswana
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa-free | Up to 90 days in any 365 | travel.state.gov · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa-free | Up to 90 days in any 365 | travel.state.gov · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free | Up to 90 days in any 365 | smartraveller.gov.au · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free | Up to 90 days in any 365 | travel.state.gov · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free | Up to 90 days in any 365 | travel.state.gov · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free | Up to 90 days in any 365 | travel.state.gov · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa-free | Up to 90 days in any 365 | travel.state.gov · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa-free | Up to 90 days in any 365 | travel.gc.ca · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in Botswana
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | 14 days, shared across the Southern African Customs Union | burs.org.bw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | 14 days, shared across the Southern African Customs Union | burs.org.bw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | 14 days, shared across the Southern African Customs Union | burs.org.bw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | 14 days, shared across the Southern African Customs Union | burs.org.bw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | 14 days, shared across the Southern African Customs Union | burs.org.bw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | 14 days, shared across the Southern African Customs Union | burs.org.bw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | 14 days, shared across the Southern African Customs Union | burs.org.bw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Carnet, or a local permit or bond | 14 days, shared across the Southern African Customs Union | burs.org.bw · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a Botswana leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
