Botswana
Pet Travel Policy Information
Pet Travel Requirements for Botswana
Pet Entry Requirements for Botswana
Pet Microchip
Having your pet identified with a microchip is important when traveling internationally for several reasons. First, a microchip will tie your pet to its documentation when entering a foreign country. Secondly, if, for any reason, your pet is separated from you during travel, the chances of reuniting with your pet significantly increase if you register your information in a microchip database. Although not required, it is strongly recommended that your pet be identified with a microchip in accordance with the procedures in the country of origin. The most accepted form of identification is a 15-digitthat meets ISO (International Standards Organization) Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. If microchipped, all documents should reflect the microchip number. You can provide athat will read your pet’s microchip. Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, or a trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation on how to register it in the manufacturer’s or your government’s database.
Vaccinations
All cats and dogs over 3 months of age must be vaccinated for rabies with an inactivated vaccine and wait at least 30 days after the primary vaccination before entering Botswana. The administering veterinarian should issue, sign, and stamp: a rabies certificate orgovernment-issued vaccination booklet orEU Pet Passport Note: Rabies titer test results or veterinary exemption letters are no substitute for proof of rabies vaccination.
Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. It must be administered more than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) tests are recommended, as they are accepted by every country that requires this test. A rabies titer test is not required for dogs and cats entering Botswana from any country; however, having acceptable titer test results in your pet’s passport is very helpful when clearing customs in any country. Samples should be processed at approved laboratories. You can speak with your veterinarian about administering this test.
Parasite Treatments
Parasite treatments for internal and external parasites are strongly recommended prior to entering Botswana. Products should be approved in the country of origin. The administering veterinarian can record these treatments on the health certificate or issue a record of treatment. Pets should always be inspected for external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, prior to any international travel. Owners should travel with additional treatments due to availability of products in this country.
Health Certificate
All countries worldwide require an original health certificate issued in the country of origin, including the following information: A licensed veterinarian in your country must complete the/)shortly prior to travel. After issuance, the governing authority responsible for the import and export of live animals in the origination country should endorse the forms, although it is not required. Endorsement may be required as a result of the export requirements of the origination country.
Import Permit
Botswana requires an application for import unless your dog or cat is entering from the following SADC member states: LesothoMalawiNamibiaSouth AfricaSwazilandZimbabwe Pet owners should apply well ahead of their visit for a permit to bring their pet into Botswana if it is necessary.
Complete all 6 steps to enter Botswana with your pet
Requirements may change. Always verify with official sources before travel.
Is Quarantine Required for Pets in Botswana?
There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Botswana if pet import regulations detailed here are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanized. The importer will be responsible all costs involved.
What Additional Information Do I Need for Botswana?
- Other Information:
Not specified
- Other Vaccinations:
Dogs should be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis, depending on the disease status of your country. Cats should be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia. All vaccinations should be recorded on the international health certificate (step 5) at intervals required by the origination country.
- What is a Pet Passport?:
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that fulfill Botswana pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering this country.This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for EU-resident pets. Your pet’s passport to enter Botswana will include proof of a microchip, current rabies vaccination, rabies titer test (some countries), and an export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.
- Entering Botswana by Air:
Pets must enter Botswana by air via Sir Seretse Khama International Airport near Gabarone. Pets can enter Botswana in the cabin as checked baggage or as air cargo, according to airline pet policies. The owner should be present at customs clearance. In all cases, pets must travel in a pet carrier or pet crate that is in accordance with the International Air Transport Association. Related:Is your pet’s crate IATA compliant? Importers should inform veterinary officials in advance, as they will need to be available to check your pet and its pet passport documentation after landing. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.
- Breeds Banned by Botswana:
Botswana does not publish a list of banned breeds. Importers are responsible for their pet’s behavior.
- Find a Licensed Veterinarian:
Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. Your veterinarian should work for or is licensed by the agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals.
- Botswana Pet Import Requirements:
All steps required to conform to Botswana pet import requirements must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-6 in the order given.
- Importing Other Animals to Botswana:
All pets other than cats and dogs (ferrets, rabbits, amphibians, reptiles, etc.) will need an import permit and health certificate to enter Botswana. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.
- Quarantine for Pets Entering Botswana:
There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Botswana if pet import regulations detailed here are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanized. The importer will be responsible all costs involved.
- Importing Puppies and Kittens to Botswana:
Puppies and kittens under 3 months old are permitted to enter if proof can be provided that the mother (dam) was vaccinated against rabies at least one month but not more than 12 months prior to giving birth. There must have been no outbreaks of rabies in the area in which the puppy or kitten is originating.
- Animals Eligible for These Pet Import Requirements:
These rules apply to the transport of domestic dogs and cats including assistance and service animals. Unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats cannot be imported under these regulations. Owners of other types of pets (amphibia, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents) covered by these regulations should refer to IMPORTING OTHER PET ANIMALS TO BOTSWANA below.
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets. This is important if you have a pet that isn’t a dog or cat, and it’s crucial if it’s a turtle or a parrot. If so, you will have to submit additional permit applications. Over 180 nations participate in and enforce CITES rules and protections. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch the Species+ database Related:Read more about CITES
Related Resources
Traveler Tips & Experiences
Emily Parker
February 12, 2025
I visited Botswana last year with my French Bulldog and found the process straightforward and well-documented.
Michael Chen
January 3, 2025
Air travel to Botswana was a breeze and my cat had no issues. Highly recommend booking early!