Botswana puts citizenship up for sale a month after losing UK visa-free travel

Botswana will start selling its citizenship to foreign investors from early 2026. The new scheme comes just a month after the United Kingdom scrapped visa-free travel for Botswana passport holders.

The programme, called the Impact Investment Program, is the country’s first citizenship-by-investment offer. Foreigners will be able to apply for Botswana citizenship with a minimum contribution of 75,000 to 90,000 US dollars, depending on the option they choose. Family members will pay extra. Current details mention 10,000 dollars for a spouse or child under 18 and 5,000 dollars for each adult dependant.

Applications will be handled through an online portal run with investment migration firm Arton Capital, which has signed an exclusive deal with the government. The money is expected to support housing, luxury tourism, renewable energy, mining, and financial services as Botswana seeks new sources of income beyond diamonds.

Announced after the UK tightens rules for Batswana

On 14 October 2025, the UK government ended visa-free access for Botswana citizens.
From that date, Batswana must apply for a visitor visa to enter the UK, and a direct airside transit visa if they only pass through a UK airport.

A short transition period runs until 25 November 2025 for travellers who already had a valid UK Electronic Travel Authorisation and booked their trip before the rule change.

What a Botswana passport is worth

Even with the UK setback, the Botswana passport still holds solid value.

In the 2025 Global Passport Power Rank, Botswana is placed 58th in the world. Holders enjoy visa-free travel to 51 countries and a visa on arrival in 33 more. Visa-free destinations include countries such as Malaysia, South Korea, and Russia. Within Africa, Botswana regularly ranks among the top passports on the continent.

For investors, the programme is being marketed as one of the cheapest global citizenship by investment options. At 75,000 dollars, Botswana undercuts many established programmes. Some countries offer lower headline prices, but often restrict applicants to certain regions. Botswana’s offer is open to a wider pool of nationalities, which makes it more attractive to global investors.

Many details still missing

Key information is still not public.
The official site does not yet spell out:

• full government and processing fees
• due diligence and background check costs
• how long an application will take
• whether applicants must spend time living in Botswana
• the total number of citizenships available

Without these details, it is hard for investors to compare Botswana with other programmes. It is also likely that the real cost will be higher than the 75,000-dollar headline once legal and advisory fees are added.

Source: Jetsanza.com