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Natural Resources and Environment

Application for Tourist Enterprise Licence (TEL)

Overview

Tourist enterprise licence is a permit issued to entities that operate businesses or services that directly deal with tourists e.g. Travel agencies, Tourist Accommodation facilities. Find the description for all the licence categories below.

A Licence:

For operations that offer accommodation facilities on a fixed site such as hotels, motels, guesthouses including corporate guesthouses, bed and breakfast, self-catering apartments, backpackers tourist accommodation, campsites outside protected areas and cultural villages, including operations that offer such accommodation facilities on a timeshare basis.

B Licence:

For operations that offer accommodation facilities on a fixed site such as photographic/hunting camps and lodges, public camping sites or caravan sites within wildlife management areas and protected areas, including operations that offer such accommodation facilities on a timeshare basis.

C Licence:

Operations that offer off-site facilities such as mobile safaris operators that receive and transport travellers and guests within protected areas.

D Licence:

Operations that make, plan or reserve travel arrangements for clients or other tourist services excluding air, sea or ocean ticketing but not offering accommodation (whether fixed or not).

E Licence:

Operations that receive and transport guests to tourist attractions, including road transfer activities other than within protected areas.

F Licence:

Operations that offer motor boating activities other than within their leased land which is in protected areas, private reserves and wildlife management areas.

G Licence:

Other enterprises (excluding air charter companies and car rentals) that conducts tourism related activities e.g. hot air ballooning, cycling, bungee jumping, etc.

H Licence:

Operations that offer mekoro activities.

I Licence:

Foreign based companies that offer tourism related activities in Botswana. They may transfer tourists along the main roads and utilise public facilities. Licence holders are not allowed to conduct their own safaris into the game reserves or national parks, but may hand over to a Botswana licensed operator if they wish to utilise these facilities.

J Licence:

Houseboats operations - a mobile self-contained accommodation facility that operates in water bodies.

K Licence:

 Semi-permanent mobile tented camp – an exclusive, upmarket en-suite non-participatory accommodation in a designated area for a duration not exceeding three months.

L Licence:

Operations that make, plan or reserve travel arrangements for clients in the form of air or ocean ticketing but do not offer accommodation (whether fixed or not). Licensed operators for category “L” must be accredited or affiliated to any of the international Air Ticketing Agencies.

 

Who is eligible?

Categories  A & B

This service is open to both citizens and non-citizens in Botswana EXCEPT for the following tourist enterprises; guest houses (corporate guest houses and Bed & Breakfast), camp and caravan sites.

Categories C, E & F

100% citizens or wholly-owned citizen companies.

Categories D, G, J, K & L

Citizens and non-citizens.

Tourism I Licence

Operators based outside the country

How do I get this service?
  1. Download, complete and submit Tourism Enterprise Application form with all supporting documentation either in person or by post/courier.
  2. Notice of Approval, Deferral or Rejection for the Licence will be shared by mail.
What supporting documents are required?
  1. Application form.
  2. A detailed Business Plan (guidelines provided).
  3. A certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation and/or a copy of the Certificate of Registration of the business-trading name.
  4. Certified copies of share certificates.
  5. Companies Proclamation i.e. Form 2.
  6. Certified copies of valid Omang or passport of the shareholders and for expatriate employees, copies of resident/work permits.
  7. Title deed or lease agreement/rental agreement- if the land was acquired for a different purpose other than for the project you wish to undertake you should apply for change of use or planning permission, from your local authorities or Land Board.
  8. Details of vehicles. i.e. Vehicle Registration and Road Worthiness Certificates (Botswana Registered) for Categories C & E
  9. Submission of an Environmental Management Plan/Environmental Impact Analysis approved by the Department of Environmental Affairs (Categories A,B,J)
  10. Occupation Permit (Categories A & B)
  11. Consent from land authorities for sub-leases and/or rental agreements/transfer of leases/tittle deeds
  12. Satisfactory inspection reports of the premises (department of tourism & environmental health)
  13. Approved technical / building / architectural plans, for a building project such as a Hotel, Guest house, lodge, camp etc. (Categories A & B)
  14. Curriculum vitae for the shareholders

(Please submit ten (10) copies of all the requirements however only one set of the building plans must be submitted)

How long will this service take?

Within 30 days from the time the application is received by the TILC.

Where can I obtain this service?

Department of Tourism

2nd floor, Standard House

The Main Mall, Queens Road

Private Bag 0047

Gaborone

Botswana

Tel. (+267) 3953024

Fax. (+267) 3908675

 

Department of Tourism Offices

 

Location

Telephone

Gaborone

3953024

Maun

6860492

Gantsi

6596733

Tsabong

6540833

Selibe-Phikwe

2611023

Francistown

2418192

Serowe

4631161

Kasane

6250357

Opening Hours of Operation: 07:30 – 16:30, Monday to Friday, except on Public Holidays.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

Licence Category

 

Annual

 

Transfer

Amendment

Duplicate

A

BWP 1 000

BWP 1 000

BWP 1 000

BWP 500

Domestic Guesthouse (B&B)

BWP 300

BWP 200

BWP 200

BWP 100

Commercial Guesthouses

BWP 500

BWP 200

BWP 200

BWP 100

B

BWP 1 500

BWP 1 500

BWP 1 500

BWP 750

Ministry submitting this Service

Meteorological Educational Tours

Overview

Educational tours exist to teach the public about products and services offered by the Department of Meteorological Services. Participants get to tour the Department, see and learn about the meteorological instruments that are used in Botswana including the forecasting studio. An educational tour takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Who is eligible?

Citizens and non-citizens.

How do I get this service?

Write a letter to the Director of the Department requesting for a scheduled tour.

What supporting documents are required?

No additional documents are required.

How long will this service take?

Five (5) working days.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

No cost.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana.

Keywords

Meteorological , Educational tours

Synonyms

Meteorological , Educational tours

Ministry submitting this Service

Environmental Research Permit

Overview

The permit is acquired by institutions or individuals who wish to conduct research in protected areas.

Who is eligible?

Citizen and non-citizen above 18 years old

How do I get this service?
  • Download, complete and submit Research Application form together with supporting documents
  • If the application is approved, a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) will be sent to the prospective researcher for signing
  • Upon receipt of the signed MoA, the Research Permit will be issued
What supporting documents are required?
  • Citizen-certified copies of national identity document
  • Non-citizen - valid copy of passports
  • Detailed research proposal and up-to-date curriculum vitae
How long will this service take?

Forty (40) - forty five (45) working days

Where can I obtain this service?

Research and Development Unit

Government Enclave

Plot 13064

Fax: 3165362

Email: mentpermits [at] gov.bw

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

Citizens:

BWP 250.00

Residents:

BWP500.00

Non Residents:

BWP 1000.00

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana,

Keywords

Environmental research

Synonyms

Environmental research

Ministry submitting this Service

Commercial Fishing License

Overview

The licence is granted by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to those who wish to fish for profit and permission to use gillnet. This licence applies to those engaged in commercial fishing including those who own Fish Farms. Open fishing season is between March 1st and December 31st, annually.

Who is eligible?

Citizens eighteen (18) years of age and above

How do I get this service?

Download, complete and submit the Commercial Fishing License Form with supporting documentation

What supporting documents are required?
  • A certified copy of a valid National Identity card (Omang)
  • Certified copy of boat registration
How long will this service take?

Five (5) working days

Where can I obtain this service?

Department of Wildlife and National Parks

Plot 50380 Moedi House, Fairgrounds

Gaborone

Botswana

Tel. (+267) 3971405

Fax. (+267) 3180775

Email: dwnp [at] gov.bw

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

BWP 200.00 for 3 consecutive seasons

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana,

Keywords

Commercial fishing license

Synonyms

Commercial fishing license

Ministry submitting this Service

License for Professional Guides

Overview

This licence is for all those who want to become Professional Guides in Botswana serving specifically within the Tourism industry. All guides working in Botswana must obtain this licence as mandated by the Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Acts of 1992. This license is valid for one (1) year.

Who is eligible?

Citizens

  • 18 years of age and above
  • Holder of  Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) or Cambridge Overseas Certificate (COSC)
  • With one (1) year of related field experience
  • Valid driver’s license

Non-Citizens

  •  21 years of age and above
  • Holder of  minimum of secondary school education or equivalent to Cambridge Overseas Certificate (COSC)
  • Valid Driver’s license
How do I get this service?
  • Write and submit the application letter together with supporting documentation in person or by surface mail in response to the circulated advertisement  
  • Sit for a theory and practical examination once shortlisted.
What supporting documents are required?

Citizens:

  • Certified copy of certificates (academic and professional)
  • Three (3) Professional references
  • Certified copy of valid National Identity Card (Omang)
  • Must possess a valid driving licence in Class B category

Non-Citizens:

  • Certified copy of resident and work permit or waivers
  • Brief summary of career with duties (CV)
  • Certified copy of certificates (academic and professional)
  • Three (3) Professional references
  • Certified copy of valid Passport
  • Must possess a valid driving licence in Class B category
  • Provide Professional Guide license held 
How long will this service take?

Forty eight (48) working days.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

Citizens

 

  • Assistant Guide

BWP 100.00

  • Professional Guide

BWP 200.00

Non-Citizens

 

  • Professional Guide

BWP 1500.00

Ministry submitting this Service

Recreational Fishing Licence

Overview

The license is granted to those who wish to fish for recreational/sport purposes. In Botswana, open fishing season is between March 1st and December 31st annually. Fishing is allowed in all water bodies.

Who is eligible?

Citizens and Non-Citizens who are 18 years of age and above. 

How do I get this service?
  • Download, complete and submit Recreational Fishing License form with supporting documentation to any nearest Wildlife & National Park offices  
  • Those who wish to fish at the camps/lodges should bring the letter from the camp and for the dams they need the entrance permit from Water Utilities Corporation
What supporting documents are required?
  • Citizens: Certified copy of valid National Identity Card (Omang)
  • Non-Citizens: Certified copy of Passport
  • Letter from the Lodge/camp
  • Permit from Water Utilities Corporation
How long will this service take?

Two (2) hours.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?
  Monthly   Annually
Citizens BWP30.00 BWP360.00
Non-Citizens BWP300.00  BWP600.00
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, developing a hotel in Botswana, Botswana tourism business development, Tourism Act, Department of Tourism, tourist accommodations

 

Keywords

Fish;  Recreational fishing licence

 

Synonyms

Recreational fishing licence, Fish

Ministry submitting this Service
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