African Growth and Opportunity Act
Duty Free Allowance
The following articles and consumables (excluding any goods the importation of which is prohibited), declared at the place where the traveler enters Botswana and not imported on behalf of other persons or by way of trade, may be imported free of duty and where applicable VAT:
| Wines | 2 litres |
| Spirituous and other alcoholic beverages | 1 litre |
| Cigarettes | 200 |
| Cigars | 20 |
| Cigarette or pipe tobacco | 250 grams |
| Perfume | 50 millilitres |
| Toilet water | 250 millilitres |
| Other new or used goods of a total Value not exceeding (from outside SACU) |
R3000.00 |
| Other new or used goods of a total Value not exceeding (from SACU) |
R500.00 |
Additional goods imported from outside SACU, new or used of a total value not exceeding R12 000.00 per person, excluding the consumable items detailed above, are admissible at a flat rate of 20%, if the owner so elects.
Travelers/tourists should note that:
i. Customs duties and/or VAT will be payable at the applicable rates where travelers import goods exceeding the above allowances. Travelers importing goods for business or commercial purpose will not qualify for the above allowances
ii. The concession for new and used goods specified above do not apply to such goods imported by residents of Botswana returning after an absence of less than 48 hours.
iii. With the exception of those relating to tobacco and alcoholic products, the concessions may be claimed by children under the age of 18 years, whether or not their parents or guardians accompany them, provided the goods are for use by the children themselves.
What to Declare
When making baggage declarations, whether verbal or written, you must ensure that you declare all goods in your possession as well as their correct values. This includes: all goods acquired in or outside Botswana in your possession, including items you received as gifts, such as wedding or birthday presents; repairs or alterations to any items or vehicle in your possession, even if the repairs/alterations were performed free of charge; items you bought in any duty-free shop including such items bought duty-free on aircraft or ship; items you are carrying for someone else and; items you intend to sell or use for commercial purposes.
Please note that failure to declare goods and their correct values can lead to seizure of your goods and can result in criminal prosecution or the imposition of severe penalties of up to three times the value of the goods.
To avoid delays with Baggage Declarations please produce all receipts and sales slips for goods purchased outside Botswana. If you are unsure of the goods and values that you should declare, please ask for assistance from a Customs & Excise officer. In addition, please check if your goods are subject to any payment of customs duties and taxes or to any prohibitions or restrictions prior to importation or exportation.
Passing Through Customs
All persons arriving or leaving Botswana are required to unreservedly declare all goods in their possession to a Customs official on duty on a baggage declaration document called Form J.
The BURS has a duty to protect Botswana from importation of illicit goods. To do this, checks may be made on travelers and their baggage. If you are stopped and your baggage checked, please co-operate, as we do not assume that you have done anything wrong. We pledge to treat you courteously and professionally.
