Botswana
Visa
Not required for a stay of up to three months. Beware: the day counter doesn't restart if you cross the border to a neighboring country for a few days, but days spent in that country are not counted. For example if you arrive from Zambia, stay in Botswana for a month, then travel to Namibia and spend a week there you can stay another two months in Botswana when you return.
Arrival
Entry from Zambia
Fast and efficient, 30 min. In total. We had to pay 250 (first entry) Pula for road tax and insurance. We got 88 days access without payment. The Carnet was stamped without any problem although the entry date was earlier that the Carnet start date.
Entry from South Africa
Fast and efficient, 30 min. In total. We had to pay 150 (second entry) Pula for road tax and insurance.
Entry from Zimbabwe
About 45 minutes. Some time was needed to convince them that we didn't want our carnet stamped (as it would expire during our stay in the country). We had to pay BWP 220 in total for road permit (BWP 50), road tax (BWP 120) and insurance (BWP 50).
Departure
Exit to South Africa
Form and stamp: 5 minutes
Exit to Zimbabwe
Form and stamp: 5 minutes
Exit to Namibia
Smooth and quick
Carnet
Required for vehicles from outside the Southern African Customs Union.
Insurance
TourInsure and some coverage to be paid upon entry (BWP 50).
Money
ATMs accepting VISA and Maestro widely available.
Diesel
Per liter €0.70. Very few filling stations between cities (distance of 200 km between filling stations, also along main roads.
Corruption
No incindents.
Roads
Main roads generally good. Tracks in the parks can be very sandy.
Not required for a stay of up to three months. Beware: the day counter doesn't restart if you cross the border to a neighboring country for a few days, but days spent in that country are not counted. For example if you arrive from Zambia, stay in Botswana for a month, then travel to Namibia and spend a week there you can stay another two months in Botswana when you return.
Arrival
Entry from Zambia
Fast and efficient, 30 min. In total. We had to pay 250 (first entry) Pula for road tax and insurance. We got 88 days access without payment. The Carnet was stamped without any problem although the entry date was earlier that the Carnet start date.
Entry from South Africa
Fast and efficient, 30 min. In total. We had to pay 150 (second entry) Pula for road tax and insurance.
Entry from Zimbabwe
About 45 minutes. Some time was needed to convince them that we didn't want our carnet stamped (as it would expire during our stay in the country). We had to pay BWP 220 in total for road permit (BWP 50), road tax (BWP 120) and insurance (BWP 50).
Departure
Exit to South Africa
Form and stamp: 5 minutes
Exit to Zimbabwe
Form and stamp: 5 minutes
Exit to Namibia
Smooth and quick
Carnet
Required for vehicles from outside the Southern African Customs Union.
Insurance
TourInsure and some coverage to be paid upon entry (BWP 50).
Money
ATMs accepting VISA and Maestro widely available.
Diesel
Per liter €0.70. Very few filling stations between cities (distance of 200 km between filling stations, also along main roads.
Corruption
No incindents.
Roads
Main roads generally good. Tracks in the parks can be very sandy.
