Botswana Nationals No Longer Eligible for UK ETA: Visa Now Required for Visits and Transit

Published: October 15, 2025
By: UK Assist

London —

The United Kingdom has removed Botswana from its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) eligibility list, requiring citizens of the southern African nation to obtain a visa before entering or transiting through the country.

The change was announced by Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp in Parliament on October 14, 2025, and takes immediate effect.

“We are, today, introducing a visa requirement on all visitors from Botswana,” Tapp confirmed. “Our relationship with Botswana, as a Commonwealth partner, remains a strong one.”

Visa Requirement for Visitors

Botswana nationals must now apply for a Standard Visitor visa before traveling to the UK.
The Home Office has updated immigration rules, removing Botswana from the list of ETA-eligible countries.

For background on how the system works, travelers can review the UK ETA process and learn how to apply for an ETA.

Transit Rules Tightened

Botswanans traveling through the UK en route to another destination will also need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) if they do not pass through border control.

Those entering the UK during a stopover must apply for a Visitor in Transit visa, and travelers staying for more than 48 hours will need a Standard Visitor visa.

More details about travel categories can be found in the guide on UK ETA purposes.

Why the UK Introduced the Visa Requirement

The decision is based on migration and border security concerns.
Official data shows a significant increase in asylum claims by Botswana nationals over the past three years.

Between January 2022 and June 2025, 1,332 Botswanans claimed asylum in the UK, with 642 of those applications made at the border.
In the first half of 2025 alone, 147 citizens of Botswana lodged asylum claims.

Officials said the increase placed pressure on immigration resources and border operations, prompting the policy change.

Six-Week Transition Period

To ease the transition, the UK government has introduced a grace period for affected travelers.

Botswana nationals who booked travel before 15:00 BST on October 14, 2025, and already hold an ETA, may still enter the UK without a visa if they arrive by 15:00 GMT on November 25, 2025.

Travelers cannot modify existing bookings to qualify for the grace period.
After that date, all Botswanan nationals must have a visa before travel.

How to Apply

Visa applications must be made online through the UK Visas and Immigration portal.
Applicants must provide:

  • Proof of sufficient funds

  • Evidence of strong ties to Botswana

  • Biometrics at a visa application center

Processing typically takes around three weeks, and applicants are urged to apply early to avoid delays.

For information about visa fees and payments, see the UK ETA fee guide.