Notice To All Visa Applicants
With effect from 3rd March 2008 all UK visa applications from Botswana will be sent to the British High Commission in Pretoria for processing before being returned to Gaborone for issue. Visas will no longer be processed in Gaborone. More...  Also visa fees have increased as of 8 July, broadly in line with inflation.

Important Notices
Please note that the British High Commission in Gaborone is the only authority in Botswana to issue UK visas for travel to the UK. We accept all categories of United Kingdom visa applications for Botswana citizens and foreign nationals resident in Botswana. Visa applications must be submitted in person. The only way to apply is the legal way. You may decide to submit your application via an independent Travel Agent, Immigration Agent or Consultant. These agents will charge for their services. Any such charge should be reasonable. You should be careful when dealing with agents who make unrealistic claims. More...

Check here if you need a visa and our visa fees page for cost of visas. The page How to apply? contains detailed information about application for visas. Application forms for visas are available online at Application forms and guidance. Questions? Click on the Frequently asked questions. Click on the further information page for complaints, refusals, appeals, immigration rules and other enquiries.

Applicants please note that as of the 26th of May 2009, Visa applications will only be accepted between 8:30am and 9:30am, Monday to Friday, excluding Public Holidays. Please also note that we reserve the right to refuse to accept an application if the number of applications already received that day exceed manageable levels. Bank statements submitted with applications MUST be verified by the issuing bank. In addition the name of the verifying officer should be clearly legible. We retain all documents handed in as part of an application. If you wish to keep original documents, please ensure that you bring the originals PLUS copies. Please ensure that you complete all the sections on the application form and sign it. This will help to speed up the application process.

The Border and Immigration Agency is a new executive agency of the Home Office. The Agency assumes the responsibilities of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) for managing immigration control in the UK. They also consider applications for permission to stay, citizenship and asylum. This website will help you understand our immigration system and what your rights and responsibilities are when you make an application.

Important notice for students: Please read the general information leaflet about studying in the UK. More information on our International Students Page.
A new visa category (student visitor) for short term students (6 months or less) will be introduced from 1 September 2007. More...