Botswana says future visa-free travel talks with China remain possible as both nations explore stronger trade, tourism and people-to-people relations
BONGANI MALUNGA
Botswana says it remains open to discussions with China on expanding travel arrangements for its citizens after the Asian country extended visa-free entry to selected countries, leaving African nations, including Botswana, off the latest list.
Responding to questions from The Botswana Gazette, the Minister of International Relations Phenyo Butale said Botswana was aware of China’s expanded unilateral visa-free policy announced in February 2026 but confirmed that no African country was included among the beneficiaries.
“The Ministry is aware that in February 2026, the Government of the People’s Republic of China expanded its unilateral visa free policy, allowing holders of ordinary passports from selected countries to enter Mainland China without visa for stays up to 30 days. The arrangement applies to 35 European countries, two from Oceania, seven from Asia and six from the Americas. No African country including Botswana, was included on the expanded visa free list,” Butale said.
GROWING QUESTIONS
The clarification comes amid growing questions over whether Botswana could seek similar treatment as China continues to deepen economic and diplomatic engagement with countries around the world. Butale said Botswana and China currently only have a visa exemption agreement covering diplomatic and official passport holders, which came into effect in 2018.
“Botswana and China currently have an Agreement on Visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders of both countries. The Agreement entered into force in December 2018. Expansion of this arrangement has not yet been discussed,” he said.
BILATERAL AGREEMENTS
The Minister, however, indicated that broader visa facilitation could form part of future bilateral engagements, particularly as both countries seek to strengthen trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
“Botswana and China continue to engage on ways to strengthen bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on promoting trade, investment, tourism and people to people exchanges. Both Governments remain committed to exploring measures that facilitate these interactions while advancing shared interests,” Butale said.