Visa requirement imposed on Botswana nationals to prevent asylum claims

The British government has, with immediate effect from 3pm today, imposed a new visit visa requirement on Botswanan nationals. This change is set out in the statement of changes to the immigration rules HC1333 published today.

Previously, a Botswanan could get on a plane, travel to the UK and apply for entry as a visitor on arrival. They could also, at that point or after entry, apply for asylum. From 3pm today, a Botswanan will need to apply for a visa before travelling to the UK. If they do not possess a valid visa, an airline will usually refuse to let them board because the airline would face a financial penalty of £2,000 per passenger for doing so. Obtaining a visa before travel makes that travel less convenient, more expensive and it allows immigration officials to scrutinise a person’s background before they arrive in the UK rather than after.

There weren’t exactly many Botswanans making asylum applications, though: just 329 applications in the year to June 2025. As Jon Featonby points out, that is actually a reduction on the 12 months previously.

More details are available in the written statement, including regarding a transition period for any Botswanans in possession of an Electronic Travel Authorisation.