Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana nationals’ days of hassle-free, seamless travel to the United Kingdom have officially ended.
Starting this week, citizens of Botswana will be required to apply for a visa before entering or even transiting through the UK — a dramatic shift that ends years of visa-free travel between the two countries.
Botswana’s Ministry of International Relations announced the new requirement in a press statement, saying it follows the UK government’s decision to revoke Botswana’s “visa-free status” due to what it described as a growing concern over irregular migration and asylum claims from Batswana citizens.
“The government of Botswana wishes to inform nationals that, with effect from 14th October 2025, they will require an entry visa to visit the United Kingdom,” read the official statement issued by the ministry of international relations.
“This follows the UK Government’s revocation of Botswana’s visa-free status in response to increased asylum applications and irregular migration since 2022.”
The ministry further explained that the new measures would also affect those transiting through the UK, who will now need a direct airside transit visa — a rule coming into force on the same date.“Batswana travelling through the UK will equally be required to hold a valid direct airside transit visa,” the ministry clarified, noting that this aligns with the UK’s broader tightening of border regulations.
However, to ease the transition, the British government has introduced a six-week grace period running until 25 November 2025. During this time, Batswana who have already booked their trips to the UK and possess an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will still be permitted to travel.
“A transition period will allow Batswana who have already booked their travel to proceed without disruption,” the ministry assured, adding that “this measure is temporary and designed to minimize inconvenience for travellers.”
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