Botswana's High Commissioner to Namibia, Norman Moleboge, said the information is vital for creating a conducive environment for business and trade with Namibia, promoting the use of the Trans-Kalahari Highway and for strengthening relations between the two countries' people and governments.

Namibians do not need a visa to enter Botswana, but a passport or travel document valid for at least six months longer must be produced at the border.

The registration certificate of a visitor's vehicle may also be requested when entering Botswana.

The Second Secretary of Political Affairs in Botswana, Lebapotswe Mokgautsi, said if a vehicle entering the country is rented or borrowed, the driver must be in possession of a letter of authorisation from the rental company or owner.

No travel documents that were obtained through agents are accepted by authorities in Botswana.

Upon entry, travellers have to pay 20 Pula (N$23) per vehicle and trailer as a Road Safety Fund Levy, which is valid for one year.

A Road User Fee of P40 (N$46) per vehicle and trailer as well as a Transit Fee of P50 (N$58) must be paid.

A Re-entry Transit document costs P90 (N$104) for each vehicle and trailer.

Charges for trucks are based on the weight of the truck.

Truck drivers may apply for Road User Fee Permits at Botswana's Department of Transport.

These permits are valid for either six months or one year.

Border posts between Namibia and Botswana have different operating hours.

The post at Mamuno is open between 07h00 and 24h00, at Mohembo from 06h00 to 18h00 and at Ngoma from 07h00 to 18h00.

Border posts at Dobe and Kwando operate between 07h00 and 16h30.

At these entry points, travellers may encounter immigration, customs, police, military and/or veterinary officers.

Some of these officers may be wearing civilian clothes, said Mokgautsi.

Perishable goods are allowed into Botswana for personal use only, unless the government issued specific restrictions.

For all livestock and livestock products, whether live, cooked, canned or vacuum-sealed, a permit must be obtained from the veterinary office in Ghanzi before the trip.

The original permit must be couriered to the applicant, as it will be required at the border.

Perishable products without an original permit will be confiscated and destroyed since transporting such items is tantamount to smuggling.

Moleboge said should such goods be confiscated, the owner should insist on witnessing their destruction.

The maximum speed on highways in Botswana is 120 kilometres an hour, through towns and villages either 80 or 60 km/h and in residential areas 40 km/h.

As in Namibia, wearing a seat belt is compulsory.

Drinking and driving is prohibited and, according to Moleboge, a law prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving is "vigorously enforced".

Drivers must possess a valid driver's licence for the proper category of vehicle and no documents substituting a valid, original driver's licence are accepted.

Moleboge said Botswana is a cattle and wildlife country and all caution must be taken when driving.

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