Botswana customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Botswana strictly enforces its plastic bag ban and requires prior police permits for firearms. The country also has tough biosecurity rules to protect its wildlife and livestock.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Value must not exceed BWP 1,000 (approx. USD 75).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding BWP 100,000 (approx. USD 7,500) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the Customs Declaration Form (Form C1) at the red channel.
Goods duty-free
See notes
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to BWP 10,000 (approx. USD 750). Above this, duty is charged at 20% flat rate on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without prior approval)
  • Firearms and ammunition without a permit from the Botswana Police
  • Single-use plastic bags (including those from duty-free shops)
  • Pornographic materials
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, rhino horn) without CITES permits

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Firearms and ammunition (require a police permit obtained before travel)
  • Live animals and animal products (require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture)
  • Plants and plant products (require a phytosanitary certificate)
  • Medications containing controlled substances (require a doctor's prescription and letter)
  • Drones and unmanned aircraft (require approval from the Botswana Civil Aviation Authority)

Arriving: red vs green channel

All arriving travellers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (C1). If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the green channel. If you have goods above the allowance, cash to declare, or prohibited/restricted items, use the red channel. Officers may still stop you for random checks.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Botswana does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme for non-residents.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days' supply are allowed without a prescription. For longer stays or controlled drugs (e.g., codeine, morphine, diazepam), carry a doctor's prescription and a letter from your doctor. Some common Western medications like codeine-containing painkillers are controlled here.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Botswana has strict biosecurity to protect its livestock and wildlife.

Rules worth knowing

Plastic bag ban

Botswana bans the importation of single-use plastic bags. Do not bring any plastic shopping bags or similar items, even from duty-free shops. Violators face confiscation and fines.

Firearms permit required before travel

You cannot bring a firearm or ammunition without a permit issued by the Botswana Police Service. Apply at least 30 days before travel. No exceptions for transit passengers.

Wildlife product restrictions

Botswana strictly enforces CITES. Do not bring any ivory, rhino horn, or products made from endangered species. Penalties include heavy fines and imprisonment.

Currency declaration threshold in local currency

The cash declaration threshold is BWP 100,000 (approx. USD 7,500), not USD 10,000. If you carry BWP or foreign currency equivalent to this amount, you must declare it on Form C1.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you need prior approval from the Botswana Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Apply at least 14 days before travel. Without approval, your drone will be confiscated at customs.
Yes, if you leave the transit area and enter Botswana, the cash declaration rules apply. If you stay airside and do not clear customs, you do not need to declare.
Wooden souvenirs are generally allowed if they are finished products. However, if they contain any animal parts (e.g., horn, bone), you may need a CITES permit. Declare them at the red channel to be safe.
Yes, but you must have a temporary firearm import permit from the Botswana Police, obtained before travel. You also need a valid hunting license from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. The rifle must be declared on arrival.
No. Cannabis is illegal in Botswana, even for medical purposes. Do not attempt to bring any cannabis products. You could face arrest and prosecution.
You must pay duty on the excess value at a flat rate of 20%. For example, if your goods are worth BWP 15,000 (approx. USD 1,125), you pay duty on BWP 5,000 (the amount above BWP 10,000).
Yes, but you need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, a veterinary health certificate, and proof of rabies vaccination. The animal must be declared on arrival and may be quarantined.

Official source

Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) – Customs & Excise

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) – Customs & Excise before travelling.