Importing Personal Effects into Botswana: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Botswana Import Guide (PDF)

Household Goods (non-diplomatic shipments)

• Original CE 101 in duplicate.
• Copies of passport including page with date of entry in Botswana.
• Detailed inventory for attestation and the declared value for customs.
• Long Term or Permanent Work and Residence permit or Exemption Certificate (for foreigners).
• Letter of appointment stating that duration of contract is greater than 2 years (for foreigners).
• Letter from employer at origin confirming description of appointment in country of origin, duration of appointment and that appointment is terminated + date of termination (for returning Botswana citizens).
• Letter of recall from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (returning Botswana officials from Botswana government representations).

• Duty Free entry in the following circumstances :
• Personal effects, household furniture including equipment necessary for the exercise of the calling, trade or profession of the person, other than Industrial, Commercial or Agricultural Plant excluding Motor vehicles.
• The Bona Fide property of a natural person and members of his family, imported for his own use on change of residence to Botswana for the purpose of taking up employment or for the permanent settlement.
• Such goods may not be sold or disposed of to other persons within two years from the date of Importation.
• A free entry is only permissible if done within 6 months of the date of issue of the work permit. Thereafter duties and taxes would apply.

• The following articles may be admitted free of duty/sales tax, but it is advisable not to include any in a shipment of personal effects as this would increase the likelihood of physical examination which could lead to delays and extra charges:
• Wines 2 litres free and pay tax for the rest
• Spirits and other alcoholic beverages 1 litre
• Cigarettes 200
• Cigars 20
• Cigarette or pipe tobacco 250 grammes
• Perfumes 50 ml
• Toilet water 250 ml
• Form CE 101 is subject to an application supported by the following :
• A list of effects showing approximate values.
• A residence permit and a letter of employment.

Household Goods (diplomatic status)

• Certificate A from accredited diplomatic organization such as foreign embassy, UN organization…
• Invoice/declaration of value

• The accredited diplomatic organization will submit a completed certificate A form to the Botswana Ministry of Foreign Affairs and get the certificate endorsed by BURS.
• The following documents must be attached to the certificate A application:
• Diplomatic staff’s exemption permit and diplomatic ID card
• Packing list
• Copy of Bl/AWB

Vehicles (diplomatic shipments)

• Certificate A from accredited diplomatic organization such as foreign embassy, UN organization…
• Invoice/declaration of value.

• The accredited diplomatic organization will submit a completed certificate A form to the Botswana Ministry of Foreign Affairs and get the certificate endorsed by BURS.
• The following documents must be attached to the certificate A application:
• Diplomatic staff’s exemption permit and diplomatic ID card
• Vehicle registration documents from origin, translated into English if required
• Copy of Bl/AWB

Household Goods (technical assistance organizations)

• CE 110 form from accredited technical assistance organization (US Peace Corps, GIZ…)
• Invoice/declaration of value.

• The accredited technical assistance organization will submit a completed CE 110 form to BURS.
• The following documents must be attached to the CE 110 application:
• Technical assistance staff’s exemption permit and passport copy
• Packing list
• Copy of Bl/AWB
• Copy of agreement with Botswana government for technical co-operation

Vehicles (technical assistance organizations)

• CE 110 form from accredited technical assistance organization (US Peace Corps, GIZ…)
• Invoice/declaration of value

• The accredited technical assistance organization will submit a completed CE 110 form to BURS.
• The following documents must be attached to the CE 110 application:
• Technical assistance staff’s exemption permit and passport copy
• Vehicle registration documents from origin, translated into English if required
• Copy of Bl/AWB
• Copy of agreement with Botswana government for technical co-operation

Boats

• Import Permit issued by the Department of Water Affairs.
• Postal address at origin and destination.

• No boat, mokoro or aquatic apparatus may be imported into Botswana unless the owner is in possession of an Import Permit.

Domestic Pets

• A valid certificate of identity.
• Rabies vaccination.
• Movement permit.
• Postal address at origin and destination.
• Micro chipped certification.

Seeds, bulbs, plants, trees (…)

• Plant Health Certificate from Ministry of Agriculture.
• Postal address at origin and destination.

• These may be imported subject to plant health restrictions.

• South African transit permits may also be required in respect of plants, etc., shipped through South Africa.

Firearms/Ammunitions

• Import permit issued by commissioner of Police.

• The importation of firearms which do not have the manufacturers serial number or other number by which they can be identified, stamped or engraved on a metal part of the weapon, is totally prohibited.

Special concessions for technical assistance personnel assigned to the Botswana Government Service

• Certificate A for diplomatic shipments.
• List of goods and valuation certificate.

• Certain additional concessions are available to persons who are appointed to the service of the Government of Botswana under the terms of a technical assistance agreement between the government of Botswana and the Government of a second country or an
• international organisation. Details of these concessions are available from the Director of Customs and Excise Botswana.

Prohibited Goods

• The importation and exportation of the following goods in Botswana is completely prohibited :
• Narcotic, habit-forming drugs and related substances in any form.
• Military firearms, ammunition and explosives.
• Indecent and obscene material such as pornographic books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs and software.
• Semi-precious stones such as agate, amethyst, Botswana pink, jade, rose quartz, carnelian, chalcedony, crystal quartz, tourmaline, jasper, tanzanite, garnet, moss agate, tiger’s eye, sodalite, aquamarine, azurite and malachite.

• It is important to note that possession of prohibited goods is illegal and may result in seizure of such goods and prosecution of the person importing or exporting such goods.

 Duty free allowances

• Personal effects, sporting and recreational effects, new or used :
• imported by non-residents of Botswana for their own use;
• imported by persons making a bona-fide change of residence to Botswana.
• exported by residents of Botswana for their own use whilst abroad and subsequently re-imported by such residents. The goods must be identifiable as those exported from Botswana.
• The following articles and consumables
• (excluding any goods the importation of which is prohibited), declared at the place where the traveller enters Botswana and not imported on behalf of other persons or by way of trade, may be admitted free of duty and, where applicable, Value Add Tax (VAT) :
• Wines - 2 litres
• Spirituous and other alcoholic beverages - 1 litre
• Cigarettes – 200
• Cigars – 20
• Cigarette or pipe tobacco - 250 grammes
• Perfume - 50 ml
• Toilet water - 250 ml
• Other new or used goods of a total value not exceeding (from outside SACU) - 3000 UA
• Other new or used goods of a total value not exceeding (from SACU) – 500 UA
• Additional goods imported from outside SACU, new or used of a total value not exceeding 12 000 UA per person, excluding the consumable items detailed above, are admissible at a flat rate of 20%, if the owner so elects.
• (UA is equivalent to One South African Rand).

• Duty will be payable at the applicable rates where travellers import goods exceeding the above allowances. Travellers importing goods for business or commercial purpose will not qualify for the above allowances.
• The concession for new and used goods do not apply to such goods imported by residents of Botswana returning after an absence of less than 48 hours.
• 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.

Exporting Personal Effects from Botswana: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Botswana Export Guide (PDF)

Household Goods

• Copies of ID / Passport.
• Detailed inventory for attestation
• Declared value for customs
• Copy Work and Residence permits or Exemption Certificate
• Letter of End of Contract (for non-diplomatic staff)

• Personal effects, household furniture including equipment necessary for the exercise of the calling, trade or profession of the person, other than Industrial, Commercial or Agricultural Plant excluding Motor vehicles.
• The bona Fide property of a natural person and members of his family, imported for his own use on change of residence to any other country for the purpose of taking up employment or for the permanent settlement.

• A list of effects showing approximate values.
• A residence and work permit are required.
• Letter of end of contract.

Boats

• Export Permit issued by the Department of Water Affairs.
• Postal address at origin and destination

• No boat, mokoro or aquatic apparatus may be exported out of Botswana unless the owner is in possession of an export Permit.

Domestic Pets

• A valid certificate of identity.
• Rabies vaccination valid
• Movement permit.
• Postal address at origin and destination
• Micro chipped certification

Seeds, bulbs, plants, trees (…)

• Plant Health Certificate from Ministry of Agriculture
• Postal address at origin and destination
• List of plants with values

• These may be imported subject to plant health restrictions.
• They can only be exported after getting clearance from the destination country.

• South African transit permits may also be required in respect of plants, etc., shipped through South Africa.

Firearms/Ammunitions

• Export permit issued by commissioner of Police.

• The exportation of firearms which do not have the manufacturers serial number or other number by which they can be identified, stamped or engraved on a metal part of the weapon, is totally prohibited.

Special concessions for technical assistance personnel assigned to other countries by Government of Botswana

• N/A

Prohibited Goods

• The importation and exportation of the following goods in Botswana is completely prohibited :
• Narcotic, habit-forming drugs and related substances in any form.
• Military firearms, ammunition and explosives.
• Indecent and obscene material such as pornographic books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs and software.
• Semi-precious stones such as agate, amethyst, Botswana pink, jade, rose quartz, carnelian, chalcedony, crystal quartz, tourmaline, jasper, tanzanite, garnet, moss agate, tiger’s eye.
• Diamonds not allowed for exportation.
• Items derived or manufactured from protected wildlife species (e.g., ivory, trophies…).

• It is important to note that possession of prohibited goods is illegal and may result in seizure of such goods and prosecution of the person importing or exporting such goods.

Botswana Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Botswana Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Original Customs Form CE 101 (2 copies)
• Copy of passport, including page showing entry date into Botswana
• Long-term permit or permanent work/residence permit (or exemption certificate)
• Letter of employment (stating the duration of contract is greater than 2 years)
• Commercial invoices for new items (3 copies) — see Specific Information
• Detailed inventory with declared values for attestation
• For diplomats: Certificate "A" from the relevant embassy in Botswana, signed by the Botswana Department of Foreign Affairs

Specific Information

SACU membership (critical context): Botswana is a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) along with South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini. These five countries form a Common Customs Area (CCA). Goods moving between SACU members are generally not subject to customs duties. Goods from outside the CCA are subject to customs duties per the Customs Tariff Book.

Employment contract requirement: The letter of employment must confirm the contract duration is greater than 2 years.

6-month import window: Duty-free entry is only permissible if done within 6 months of the date of issue of the work permit. After 6 months, VAT of 10% applies.

2-year disposal restriction: Goods imported duty-free may not be sold or disposed of to other persons within 2 years from the date of importation.

First-time import only: The CE 101 form includes a declaration that the importer has not previously imported household effects or a motor vehicle into the CCA under rebate of duty prior to this transfer of residence.

New items within shipments: New furniture, household items, presents, souvenirs, works of art, and antiques are subject to payment of VAT at 10% of declared CIF value; confirm the current rate with the destination agent, as standard Botswana VAT is 14%. Commercial invoices are required for all new items.

Pre-clearance recommended: Pre-clearance is recommended, but new residents may have goods placed into bond until final customs clearance.

RSA VAT recovery: Holders of passports (except South African) may claim back RSA VAT paid in South Africa at the border when goods transit through South Africa.

Returning citizens: Must state the reason for return and provide proof of time period abroad (must have been abroad for more than 2 years for duty-free entry).

Items to avoid including in shipments: Wine, spirits, cigarettes, and other duty-attracting items increase the likelihood of physical examination, which can lead to delays and extra charges. It is advisable not to include these in household goods shipments.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions: Personal effects and household furniture, including equipment necessary for the owner's calling, trade, or profession (other than industrial, commercial, or agricultural plant), may be imported duty-free as the bona fide property of a person and their family members, imported for their own use on change of residence to Botswana for the purpose of taking up employment or permanent settlement.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Narcotics and illegal drugs — Strictly prohibited
• Firearms and ammunition without police permit — Prohibited
• Counterfeit money and goods — Prohibited
• Soil without import permit — Prohibited
• Goods prohibited under the Customs and Excise Duty Act, 1970 — Various categories

The following may be imported free of duty and VAT when declared at the point of entry, for personal use, not on behalf of others or for trade:

• 2 litres of wine (duty-free; pay tax on excess)
• 1 litre of spirits and other alcoholic beverages
• 200 cigarettes
• 20 cigars
• 250g cigarette or pipe tobacco
• 50ml perfume
• 250ml eau de toilette

Additional goods from outside SACU, new or used, up to a total value of R 12,000 per person (excluding consumables above), may be admitted at a flat rate of 20% if the owner elects this option.

• Soil — Importation prohibited unless accompanied by an import permit from the Director of Crop Production and Forestry
• Plants and seeds PERMIT REQUIRED — Phytosanitary import permit from the Chief Agricultural Research Officer required; South African transit permits may also be needed for plants shipped through South Africa
• Firearms and ammunition PERMIT REQUIRED — Police permits issued on a limited quota basis
• Meat and animal products PERMIT REQUIRED — Subject to veterinary health controls
• Boats, mokoros, and aquatic apparatus PERMIT REQUIRED — Import permit from Department of Water Affairs
• Potential contaminants — Refrigerators, vehicles, AC equipment subject to environmental inspection
• Indecent and obscene material (pornographic books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs, software) — Subject to 12% VAT of CIF value

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea / road shipments.

CE 101 Form: The official customs form that must be completed and submitted in duplicate. Available from BURS offices or their website.

Pre-clearance: Recommended but not mandatory. Goods may be bonded until clearance is complete.

6-month deadline: Import must occur within 6 months of the work permit issue date for duty-free treatment.

Routing / port of entry: Botswana is landlocked, bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia (with a short border at Kazungula). Most sea freight arrives via South African ports (Durban, Cape Town) and is transported overland. Gaborone is the primary customs clearance point. Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (Gaborone) and Maun Airport handle air freight.

Transit through South Africa: Most shipments transit through South Africa. RSA transit documentation is required. Non-South African passport holders may claim RSA VAT refunds at the border.

SACU implications: Goods already cleared through another SACU country (South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini) do not require additional customs duties in Botswana, as they are already within the Common Customs Area.

Currency: Botswana pula (BWP). VAT and duties must be paid in pula.

Regulatory Updates

• November 2023: Duty-free conditions, vehicle import requirements, and pet import procedures reviewed and confirmed current.
• 2022: SADC reported significant progress in FTA implementation.
• 2008: SADC Free Trade Area launched, aiming to eliminate trade barriers across the region.
• Ongoing: Botswana Single Window electronic customs system (ecustoms.burs.org.bw) continues to modernise customs clearance.