Travel from South Africa to Botswana is straightforward
This is the generic answer for any South Africa citizen. Not legal or medical advice — verify with your airline and destination authorities before travel.
South Africa passport holders can travel to Botswana without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Generic country-level guidance for Botswana. Verify against the official source before you travel.
This page covers a direct flight to Botswana. If your route connects through a third country, that country may require its own transit visa — sometimes even for a short airside layover. Transit rules depend on your specific routing, so check the country you connect through separately, or analyse your full itinerary.
No visa required for entry to Botswana. Stays of up to 90 days are permitted under the visa-waiver agreement.
You're travelling to Botswana (BW). Your home cellular plan may or may not include data abroad — check your carrier's international options before you fly. An eSIM is a low-commitment alternative if your plan doesn't cover the destination or charges high roaming rates.
Declare ZAR 25,000 or equivalent when entering or leaving South Africa (ZA). Form: SARS declaration. Max ZAR 25,000 cash; foreign currency unlimited but must declare
This page covers the generic case for any South Africa citizen. Sign in (free) to factor in your specific passport expiry, vaccinations, previous visas held, and connecting flights — and get the same analysis for your exact itinerary.
Sign in (free) to personalize →The US State Department publishes these advisories for your route. Botswana: Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution (as of 2024-02-26). Review the country page for the specific areas and risks flagged before you go. This is a US State Department safety perspective, not an entry or boarding rule — it doesn't affect whether you can board, only what to be aware of on the ground. Travellers from other countries should also check their own government's advisory.
Your itinerary touches South Africa (ZA) and Botswana (BW), where malaria transmission occurs. Transmission is often region-limited within a country (e.g. coastal vs highland zones) and varies by season. Discuss prophylaxis with a travel medicine clinician — the right antimalarial depends on the specific region, your medical history, and any medications you take.
Typical September conditions at BBK (Botswana (BW)): hot. Typical lows around 16°C, highs around 34°C, little rain (~2mm for the month). Plan for high temperatures — daytime highs around 34°C. Light clothing, sun protection, and hydration are worth packing in.