Residents of Botswana are not allowed to drive or use foreign-registered vehicles in Botswana for more than fourteen days after importation of the such vehicles. If you are intending to do so please contact your nearest customs office for advice.
The most popular cars
- Toyota Vitz
- Honda Fit
- BMW 3 Series
- Toyota Dyna
- Mazda Demio
- Mercedes C-class
- Volkswagen Golf
- Toyota Hiace
- Toyota Altezza
- Toyota Yaris
Shipping Port
Namibia-Walvis Bay and Durban are major ports for importing Japanese used cars in Botswana. These ports provide straightforward clearing procedures and outstanding security for the used car and its content.
Age Restrictions
No Age Restrictions for the importation of used vehicles in Botswana.
Documents Required for importation
The appropriate documents to be submitted to BURS for this purpose are as stated below:
Certificate of Title and Registration: confirming that the car has been owned and used for one year
- Purchase Invoice (or receipt): specifies purchase value
- Police Clearance Certificate from both the export country and Botswana Police Service
- Vehicle Evaluation: obtained from an accredited Used Car Dealer
- IC 2 Application: obtained from Destination Agent, submit to Ministry of Commerce.
- Registration and proof of ownership.
- Form CE 101: original, in duplicate, submitted with Import Permit, Residence Permit, and passport to Department of Customs and Excise.
- Import Permit: obtained from Ministry of Commerce
- Customs Declaration Form SAD 500
Customs clearance of a used car should be undertaken even if there is no intention to register the car in Botswana or if it is still owned by a Bank or any other third party.
Non-Residents of Botswana
Non-residents visiting Botswana and coming from a country outside the Southern African Common Customs Area for a limited period are normally required to produce a carnet, or bill of entry in respect to their used cars, any duty liable on such cars will be secured by bond or cash deposit.
Residents of Botswana
Residents of Botswana are not allowed to drive or use foreign-registered vehicles in Botswana for more than fourteen days after importation of the such vehicles. If you are intending to do so please contact your nearest customs office for advice. In case anyone is found in possession of a foreign registered vehicle, severe penalties including seizure of vehicles may be imposed.
Foreign Diplomats
Foreign diplomats are not required to pay any duties or taxes, subject to the provision of a Diplomatic clearance certificate, and proof of value. Botswana registration and driver’s license must be changed within 6 months of arrival in the country.
Taxation in GERMANY
- A free entry is only permissible if done within 6 months of the date of issue of the Work Permit. Thereafter VAT of 10 percent applies.
- Only one car per family is duty-free. Subsequent entries or more than one car per family are subject to 15 percent – 20 percent VAT of CIF Value.
- The car will not be sold or otherwise disposed of for 2 years from the date of importation. Value Added Tax (VAT) at the current rate is assessed on the imported value of the car.
When it comes to the customs duty for importing a vehicle to Botswana, you will pay 27 percent while the VAT that the local authorities charge is 12 percent.
This information is only for your reference. For up-to-date information please visit your governmental official source.
Can you import a car to Botswana?
Currently, Botswana does not impose any restrictions on the importation or exportation of motor vehicles. Motor vehicles imported on a temporary basis into Botswana should be imported under cover of a Temporary Import Permit issued by BURS at the time of importation or an ATA Carnet.
How much does it cost to register a car in Botswana?
Individuals and Companies BWP 169.00.
How much is a temporary import permit in Botswana?
The Temp Import Permit is free, as is an entry with a Carnet de Passage. All foreign vehicles must pay for a Road Permit, Road Fund, and mandatory State Insurance, for a total of $30.77 USD for a 4×4.
How long does customs clearance take in Botswana?
between 3 weeks to 4 months
Between filing the paperwork, perfecting the packaging, cross-border delivery, Customs clearance, and local delivery within Botswana it may take anywhere between 3 weeks to 4 months (or more!) to get a parcel delivered to your recipient.