Client must be in Botswana at the time of Customs clearance. Duty free entry is only permitted 6 months after the date of the Work Permit being issued.
The goods must be imported within six months of arrival into Botswana.
Pre-clearance is ideal, however new residents may have their goods go into bond until final clearance occurs.
Returning Citizens
Must prove they have resided abroad for a 2 year period at minimum, and explain reason for stay abroad.
Providing work contracts, letters from employers, rental agreements and bank statements is ideal.
Shipments to Botswana must be booked on a through Bill of Lading to terminal Gaborone, Botswana via POE Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Ensure that the inland haulage between Walvis and Gaborone is prepaid.
Required Documents
Passport – copy, including page with entry date into Botswana
Residence Visa & Work Permit
Comprehensive Valued Inventory
Power of Attorney – giving authority for Destination Agent to arrange customs clearance
Letter from Employer –attesting to client’s appointment & length of stay of at least 2 years
Form CE 101 – original, in duplicate, to be presented to Department of Customs & Excise
Diplomat Status
Foreign diplomats, members of government or international organizations are granted duty free entry of their personal effects and household items.
Diplomats may import new furniture
Required Documents
Diplomatic Franchise
Certificate “A” – obtained from relevant Embassy in Botswana, countersigned by Botswana Department of Foreign Affairs
Comprehensive Valued Inventory
Power of Attorney – giving authority for Destination Agent to arrange customs clearance
Restricted Dutiable Items
Works of Art, Paintings & Antiques – subject to 10% VAT of declared CIF value, invoices
New items – subject to 10% VAT of declared CIF value
Hunting guns – require a permit or otherwise prohibited
Alcohol – 2 litres of wine/spirits or 1 case of beer; incurs 10% VAT of CIF value, must be prepaid before arrival of shipment
Furs, feathers, skins & tusks of animals coming under the protected species act (CITES)
Importation of Pets
The veterinarian at origin must examine the pet at least 16 days prior to departure. Pets are examined upon arrival by a Customs Veterinarian and immediately released if deemed in good health. Quarantine is not required.
Required Documents
Certificate of Vaccination – issued and signed by the state of origin, confirming inoculations are valid, and the pet is healthy Health Certificate obtained within 30 days of departure, but less than endorsed by a Veterinarian
Import Permit – obtained from Department of Agriculture
Importation of Vehicles
A free entry is only permissible if done within 6 months of the date of issue of the Work Permit.
Thereafter VAT of 10% applies.
Only one vehicle per family is duty free.
Subsequent entries are subject to 15% – 20% VAT of CIF Value.
The vehicle (cars, motorcycle or moped) will not be sold or otherwise disposed of for 2 years from date of importation.
Value Added Tax (VAT) at current rate is assessed on the imported value of the vehicle.
Foreign diplomats pay no duties or taxes, subject to the provision of Diplomatic clearance certificate, and proof of value.
Botswana registration and driver’s license must be changed within 6 months of arrival in the country
Required Documents
Certificate of Title and Registration – must show auto has been owned and used for one year
Purchase Invoice (or receipt if used) – must show purchase value
Police Report – clearing vehicle
Vehicle Evaluation – obtained from an accredited auto dealer
IC 2 Application – obtained from Destination Agent, submit to Ministry of Commerce along with Registration and proof of ownership
Form CE 101 – original, in duplicate, submitted with Import Permit, Residence Permit and
Passport to Department of Customs & Excise
Import Permit – obtained from Ministry of Commerce