Botswana customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Botswana's duty-free allowance for non-resident adult travellers arriving in 2026 is personal goods up to BWP 2,500 (approx. USD 200) and 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine/beer. Cash amounts over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared. Strict prohibitions include narcotics, unprocessed game meat, and counterfeit goods.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer. Traveller must be 18 years or older.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any cash or monetary instruments (e.g., travellers cheques, money orders) exceeding USD 10,000 or equivalent in any currency must be declared on the customs arrival form.
Goods duty-free
$200
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is BWP 2,500 (approx. USD 200). Goods above this value are subject to duty and VAT.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and unregistered prescription drugs)
  • Counterfeit currency, goods, and pirated intellectual property
  • Unprocessed game meat, bushmeat, and raw animal products (risk of foot-and-mouth disease)
  • Firearms and ammunition without a valid Botswana Police permit
  • Explosives, fireworks, and pyrotechnic devices
  • Pornographic materials and obscene publications

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines for personal use: must be in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter for controlled substances (e.g., opioids, sedatives)
  • Plants, seeds, and plant products: require a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin
  • Pets (dogs, cats): require an import permit from the Botswana Department of Veterinary Services and a valid rabies vaccination certificate
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles: require prior approval from the Botswana Civil Aviation Authority
  • Cultural artefacts and antiques: require an export permit from the National Museum of Botswana

Rules worth knowing

Strict biosecurity for game meat

Botswana has strict biosecurity laws to protect its wildlife and livestock. Bringing in any unprocessed game meat, biltong, or raw animal products is prohibited. Even commercially packaged meat may be inspected and confiscated if it originates from foot-and-mouth disease zones.

Duty-free allowance is per person, not per family

The BWP 2,500 duty-free allowance applies to each individual traveller, not to a family group. Families cannot pool allowances. Children under 18 have a reduced allowance of BWP 1,000 (approx. USD 80) for personal goods.

Temporary import of vehicles

If you are driving into Botswana, your vehicle can be temporarily imported duty-free for up to 3 months. You must have a valid driver's licence, vehicle registration, and third-party insurance. A carnet de passage is recommended for non-SADC-registered vehicles.

Currency declaration for BWP

There is no limit on importing Botswana pula (BWP), but amounts exceeding BWP 10,000 (approx. USD 800) must be declared. Export of BWP is limited to BWP 500 per person unless declared.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine or beer. You must be 18 years or older. Any excess will be subject to duty.
Yes, if you are carrying cash or monetary instruments (e.g., travellers cheques, money orders) equal to or exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency), you must declare it on the customs arrival form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and penalties.
Drones are restricted. You need prior approval from the Botswana Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Without a permit, your drone may be confiscated at the border. Apply at least 30 days before travel.
Personal goods and gifts up to a value of BWP 2,500 (approx. USD 200) are duty-free. Goods above this value are subject to customs duty and 12% VAT. The allowance is per person, not per family.
Yes, for personal use. Keep medicines in original packaging and carry a prescription or doctor's letter, especially for controlled substances like painkillers or sleeping pills. Without documentation, they may be treated as prohibited narcotics.
Yes. Unprocessed game meat, bushmeat, and raw animal products are strictly prohibited due to foot-and-mouth disease risks. Commercially packaged, cooked, and shelf-stable foods (e.g., canned goods, chocolates) are generally allowed, but all food items should be declared and may be inspected.

Official source

Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) – Customs and Excise

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