Official Import Rules
Botswana requires an ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old), a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and an import permit from the Department of Veterinary Services. Parasite treatment required. Arrival through Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) Gaborone or Maun (MUB) for the north.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
No major national breed ban found
Still check airline policies, local rules, insurance requirements and any transit-country restrictions before booking.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None if documentation complete
City & Housing Notes
Gaborone is the main city with adequate basic infrastructure. Francistown and Maun have limited services. Botswana has a small but growing pet culture, mainly among the expat and professional community.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Basic vet care in Gaborone. Very limited elsewhere. For specialist care, Johannesburg (4-hour drive) is the nearest option. Rabies is present — keep vaccinations current. Wildlife risks in rural/safari areas.
Leaving Botswana With Your Dog
Exit requires a health certificate and export permit from the Department of Veterinary Services. Processing takes 3–5 working days.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Botswana practical for dogs?
Yes in Gaborone. The dry climate is healthy and basic vet care is available. Rural areas near game reserves carry wildlife risks.
Are there wildlife risks?
Yes in rural areas and near game reserves. Predators, snakes, and large raptors pose real threats. Urban Gaborone is safe.
Is vet care adequate?
Basic but functional in Gaborone. For anything complex, Johannesburg (South Africa) is the standard referral destination.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.