Africa-Press – Botswana. The United Kingdom has terminated Botswana’s visa-free travel privileges effective October 14, 2025, requiring that Botswana nationals obtain visas before visiting the UK.
The decision comes as asylum claims from Botswana nationals reached 1,332 between January 2022 and June 2025.
The timing coincides with Botswana’s launch of its new citizenship by investment (CBI) program in late September, although UK officials make no connection between the two developments.
The UK Home Office attributes the decision exclusively to border security concerns, as 642 asylum claims were made at ports of entry during the period in question.Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood framed the visa requirement as necessary to protect the UK’s immigration system. Between January and June 2025 alone, 147 Botswanan nationals claimed asylum in the UK.
The UK government has implemented a six-week transition period ending November 25, 2025. Botswana nationals who purchased tickets before the October 14 announcement and hold Electronic Travel Authorizations can still travel without visas during this window.
Arton Capital, the firm developing Botswana’s CBI program, views the UK’s decision as “unrelated to Botswana’s planned Impact Citizenship Program. The company notes that “the United Kingdom Government’s decision to revoke Botswana’s visa-free status reflects its sovereign right to review and adjust border and immigration policies.”
The investment migration firm contextualizes the UK’s action within what it deems as evolving international mobility patterns, noting that “the Arton Passport Index World Openness Score is down 1.3% this year, evidencing that this action from the UK is part of a wider global trend.”
Botswana’s CBI program, which recorded 464 registrations (expressions of interest, not applications) in its first week, requires contributions between $75,000 and $90,000.
Arton Capital emphasizes that “the Government of Botswana is committed to ensuring that the program operates with transparency, integrity, and the highest international standards of due diligence.”
The firm suggests the program could eventually “help create new opportunities at home and reduce the need for Batswana to seek a fresh start abroad.”
The UK’s decision affects immediate travel plans but includes provisions for those with existing bookings. Botswana nationals must now apply through the standard UK visa process, which typically takes three weeks.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp characterized the relationship between the UK and Botswana as remaining “strong” despite the visa requirement. The UK government plans to review the visa status periodically based on immigration patterns.
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