Effective from June 1, all travellers to Botswana (with the exception of residents and citizens of the Southern African Development Community) will have to pay a tourism development levy. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Botswana’s Ministry of Environment Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism through the Botswana Tourism Organisation.

According to Botswana Tourism, the objective of the levy is to raise funds for conservation and natural tourism development. The $30 (€27) levy will be payable at all ports of entry, including airports and border posts, through electronic payment machines, cash, and debit and credit cards.

After the payment, a unique receipt corresponding to the passport will be automatically generated. The receipt is presented to immigration officials and the passport and the receipt will be stamped and handed back to the traveller. The receipt will be valid for a 30-day period and can be used for multiple entries.