UK slaps South Africa’s neighbour with visa requirement

The United Kingdom has announced that all Botswana nationals must now obtain a visa before travelling to the UK, including for short visits, effective immediately from 14 October 2025.

Botswana, South Africa’s neighbour and a Commonwealth partner, is now facing restrictions due to what the UK government calls a “misuse of the immigration system”. The decision was prompted by a high number of Botswana nationals claiming asylum upon arrival or after entry into the UK since 2022.

This echoes a familiar pattern for Southern African travellers, immediately bringing back memories of the major visa changes implemented against South Africa a few years ago.

The news that citizens of Botswana – which recently rolled out its golden passport scheme – must now navigate the often-complex visa application process is set to send shockwaves through regional travel circles.

UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, stated that the action was necessary to “disrupt and deter the abuse of our immigration system”. However, for those planning legitimate trips, the new barrier includes a significant financial outlay: a six-month multiple entry visa currently costs £127 (P2,269, R2,943).

Déjà vu: The history repeating itself?

Travel fundis and South African expats know this situation all too well. Back in early 2009, South Africans faced a similar fate when the UK implemented sweeping visa requirements. Previously, South African citizens could spend up to six months in Britain without prior permission.

The UK government acted then because of deep concerns over the security of South African passports, noting they were among the most abused detected at UK border posts. Reports cited that large numbers of people were being detected with genuine South African passports to which they were not entitled, coupled with a rise in SA nationals working illegally or overstaying their leave.

South Africa’s Home Affairs ministry acknowledged at the time that the legacy of apartheid had left millions undocumented, making it easier to obtain documents fraudulently. Officials were scrambling to meet UK deadlines to secure birth certificates and identity documents, but ultimately, the British government went ahead, citing that the risk posed by South African passports remained a “serious concern”.

UK Visa: Botswana nationals’ new travel reality

While South Africa’s issue centred on passport security and illegal working, the challenge facing Botswana is explicitly linked to asylum claims. The response from the British High Commission in Gaborone has been pragmatic: they have increased the Visa Application Centre (VAC) capacity from three days a week to five days to manage the surge in required applications.

It is clear that the UK government remains committed to strengthening its borders, regardless of historical relationships or status as a Commonwealth partner. Travellers from Botswana who booked their trip and obtained an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before 14 October 2025 have a short transition window until 25 November 2025 to enter the UK without a visa.

However, once that transition period closes, securing entry into the UK requires navigating the new rules.