Botswana

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Botswana, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Botswana

Capital

Gaborone

Main Cities

Francistown, Kasane, Maun, Mahalapye, Palapye, Lobatse

Local Languages

English, Setswana, Ikalanga

Currency

Botswana Pula (BWP)

Climate

Summer season runs from November to March

General Visa Requirements:

No visa required for citizens of Commonwealth countries, except nationals of: Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. No visa required for SADC residents, most European countries, USA, Canada, and many others.

Required Documents:

Certified copy of passport (bio-data page)
Passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining

Visa Application Process:

You can start your Visa Application here.

Health Vaccinations:

Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination required if arriving from an endemic country
Recommended: malaria prophylaxis for northern Botswana (Okavango/Chobe)

Processing Time:

Visa processing can take up to 14 days.

Cost:

Single entry (1 month): BWP 300 or USD 30 | Multiple entry (5 years): BWP 500 or USD 50

Accreditation Requirements:

No separate accreditation system for foreign film crew (unlike South Africa, Kenya, or Morocco where special work permits/accreditations are mandatory).
Handled through the General Film Permit issued by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism. Once that permit is approved, the crew is covered under it.
International crew enter Botswana on a visitor/tourist visa (or visa-free if from a Commonwealth country), and the film permit itself serves as the production’s legal authorization.
There’s currently no additional layer of accreditation (badges, IDs, etc.) issued by authorities for foreign crew.

Required Documents:

Not applicable.

Processing Time:

Not applicable.

Cost:

Not applicable.

Issuing Organization:

Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism

Required Documents:

Applicant’s passport copy
Passport copies for international and local crew
Invitation letter from the Botswana host/organisation, detailing the purpose of filming
Completed film permit application form
Film script or synopsis
Filming schedule with dates
A brief explaining how the local crew will benefit from the production
Hire at least a minimum of 1 local crew member

Processing Time:

Applications may take up to 30 days for approval.

Cost:

$750

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Letter from the host granting permission to film at the location, including the purpose of the filming.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Hoodlum will negotiate fees on your behalf.

Drone Regulations:

Drones are permitted in Botswana but must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB).

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drones can be brought into this region, provided they are registered with the Civil Aviation Authority.

Required Documentation for Local Drone Permit

Certified passport copies of the applicant
Fingerprint clearance from Botswana Police Services
Completed application form from CAAB

Required Documentation for Drone Importation

Copy of passport
Fingerprint clearance from Botswana Police Services
Payment: BWP500 (Commercial) / BWP250 (Private)
Completed vetting forms (DIS form) at CAAB
Copy of RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) user manual available at CAAB offices
Authorization letter from the property owner (for commercial operations)

Permit Issuance:

Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB).

Timing:

The application process typically takes up to 14 working days.

Cost:

Drone Permits cost between USD200 - USD500 depending on their use and validity can be between 1 month - 1 year depending on use.

Carnet Status:

Yes, Botswana is a Carnet country.

General Process for Carnet Country

While Botswana is a Carnet country, the process for importing film equipment follows standard importation procedures.
A detailed list of film equipment and their individual values must be provided.
Customs agents are available at major entry points to process importation documents.
A 14% fee of the equipment’s value is charged for temporary importation, refundable upon exiting Botswana through the same port.

Required Documents:

List of film equipment and values
Customs clearance documents prepared by agents
Passports of the applicant(s)

Issuing Organization:

Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS).

Timing:

Typically 1 day

Cost:

14% of the equipment’s value (refundable upon exit) Agent’s Fees: BWP1500

General Overview:

International film crews in Botswana generally find the country safe and welcoming, with low crime levels compared to many regional neighbors. That said, standard precautions should be observed—avoid carrying large amounts of cash, secure valuables, and use vetted local drivers and fixers for travel outside major towns.

Medical facilities in Gaborone and other urban centers are of reasonable standard, but more limited in rural areas; comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required if traveling from an endemic country, and malaria prophylaxis is advised for shoots in the north (Okavango Delta, Chobe). Always carry sufficient drinking water and sun protection, as filming conditions can be hot and dry.

Security Requirements:

Security is generally not required for film productions in Botswana. However, production crews may choose to arrange private security at their own discretion, depending on the specific location or nature of the shoot.