Before heading off on a family vacation to Botswana, make sure you have the proper documentation.

Effective October 1, 2016, all travelers to and from Botswana under the age of 18 years must provide a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate in addition to their valid passport.

If a minor is traveling with only one parent, in addition to the certified birth certificate and passport, an affidavit from the absent parent must be provided, consenting that the present parent and child may enter Botswana together.

If the father’s name does not appear on the birth certificate, no affidavit is required.

A court order granting full guardianship to one parent or the death certificate of the absent parent may be used in lieu of the affidavit.

These requirements are similar to the requirements for a minor entering South Africa. It is likely that families traveling in southern Africa will already have these requirements completed, since many travelers go through South Africa as well as Botswana.

Keep in mind that all travelers to Botswana must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date together with onward travel documents, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. Additionally, travelers must have sufficient blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport, with at least 2 consecutive/side by side blank pages.

While it may take a bit extra work ahead of departure, it is well worth it for the experiences you and your family will have in the beautiful, welcoming, peaceful country of Botswana. The Esplanade Travel team is here to answer any further questions you may have.