How do I apply
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.
Biometric fingerscans for all UK visas
All applicants will need to provide biometric data in the form of finger scans and photographs.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the British High Commission in Gaborone are keen to ensure that their buildings and services are fully accessible to disabled members of the public.
Visa applications are only accepted between 8am and 9 am, Monday to Friday, excluding Public Holidays. Please note that we reserve the right to refuse to accept an application if the number of applications already received that day exceed manageable levels.
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.
As applications are now processed in Pretoria, the minimum estimated waiting time for a visa to be issued will be 5 working days.
All applicants seeking a student visa in order to study in the UK must ensure that the establishment at which they propose to study is registered on the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Register of Education and Training Providers. The register is available on the DfES website .
Biometric fingerscans for all UK visas
All applicants will need to provide biometric data in the form of finger scans and photographs.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the British High Commission in Gaborone are keen to ensure that their buildings and services are fully accessible to disabled members of the public.
Visa applications are only accepted between 8am and 9 am, Monday to Friday, excluding Public Holidays. Please note that we reserve the right to refuse to accept an application if the number of applications already received that day exceed manageable levels.
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.
As applications are now processed in Pretoria, the minimum estimated waiting time for a visa to be issued will be 5 working days.
All applicants seeking a student visa in order to study in the UK must ensure that the establishment at which they propose to study is registered on the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Register of Education and Training Providers. The register is available on the DfES website .
You will need:
- a visa application form which you have filled in correctly
- your passport or travel document
- one recent, passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself. This should be:
- taken against a light coloured background
- clear and of good quality and not framed or backed
- printed on normal photographic paper, and
- full face without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons
Please note that we may not accept photographs which do not meet these specifications.
- The visa fee. This cannot be refunded and must be paid in cash (Pula) only.
- Any supporting documents relevant to your application as suggested in the guidance notes.
DO NOT purchase air tickets until your visa has been issued.
Please make sure that:
- you have answered clearly all of the required questions on the form(s)
- signed and dated the form(s) where asked
- any supporting documents you show are originals or attested copies. If you wish to keep the originals, please ensure you bring the originals PLUS copies.
- you make your application in good time, but not normally more than 3 months before you plan to travel
All applicants in Botswana must apply in person at the British High Commission in Gaborone. If you must travel a long distance to the visa office, contact us before you start your journey for any important information that may affect you. Applications will normally only be accepted from applicants who are legally resident in Botswana.
