Botswana to introduce an obligatory Tourism Development Levy (TDL)

update (01 June 2017): According to Botswana Tourism, the implementation of the Tourism Development Levy (TDL) in Botswana, which was scheduled for the 01 June 2017, has been postponed. Botswana Tourism will share an update on the new date in due course. We'll keep you posted!

update (29 May 2017): Botswana's Tourism Development Levy (TDL), which comes into effect on 01 June 2017, will not apply to children aged nine years and younger.

update (10 May 2017): The Government of Botswana will review the obligatory Tourism Development Levy (TDL) before implementation to make sure it is age specific. Travellers who have made advance bookings and payments to visit Botswana before the introduction of the levy will be expected to pay the levy. [src.]

update (03 May 2017): From July 2017, tourist visiting Botswana will be able to pay the obligatory Tourism Development Levy (TDL) online. For Chobe district which benefits from day trippers, the TDL will not be an exception. Day trippers who are non-SADC nationals will still be expected to pop up the US$30 despite spending a few hours in the country for activities. Travellers who have already made bookings for tours or activities in Botswana taking place after the introduction of the TDL are also expected to pay the fee upon entry. [src.]

Botswana is set to introduce an obligatory Tourism Development Levy (TDL) of USD30 per person on 01 June 2017. The TDL is payable at all ports of entry including airports and border posts. Eligible to pay are all visitors to Botswana in exception of residents and citizens of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states. Payments must be done at Botswana's ports of entry through electronic payment machines through cash (US Dollars), debit and credit card. After the payment, a unique receipt corresponding to the passport will be automatically generated. The receipt should then be presented to Immigration Officials. The passport and the receipt will be stamped and handed back to the traveller. The receipt will valid for a 30 day period and can be used for multiple entry.

According to the officical press release regarding the new obligatory Tourism Development Levy (TDL), the purpose of the new fee "is to raise funds for conservation and national tourism development in order to support the growth of the industry and broaden the tourism base, resultantly improving the lives of the people of Botswana".