Visa & Travel · 30th TAFISA World Congress 2027

Visa application & processing

Apply through the official Botswana e-visa portal. The organisers ask participants requiring visas to successfully submit applications at least 14 days before travel.

Visit Botswana e-visa ↗

Passport checklist

Valid for at least six months from entry into Botswana.
At least three blank pages.

Application documents

Fully completed Visa application form 1 (Applicant), (Congress Participants should select “Business Visa” category)
Certified passport pages showing validity, photograph and travel history.
Two recent colour passport photographs.
Covering letter from the host.

Document copies should be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.

Organiser-supplied business visa fees

P1 000.00: single entry, up to 3 months.
P1 500.00: multiple entry, up to 3 months.
P2 000.00: multiple entry, 6 months to 1 year.
Gratis for diplomatic, service and official passport holders.

Subject to change by the Department of Immigration. Confirm applicable fees and entry requirements directly with Immigration.

Download organiser’s visa guidance (PDF)

The supplied country lists are reference material. Confirm your nationality’s current requirements with the official portal or a Botswana diplomatic mission.

Airport transfers

Official pick-up and drop-off are included from designated airport pick-up points. Provide complete arrival and departure details by 30 September 2027.

Transfers cannot be guaranteed for late information or changes not communicated in advance. Private transport costs remain the participant’s responsibility.

Invitation letters

Request an invitation letter during registration. Letters are issued after full payment of the Congress registration fee and do not guarantee visa approval.

Accommodation

Choose Peermont Walmont or Peermont Metcourt Inn, with single or double room preferences, in the registration form.

Plan your participation

Congress Travel and Arrival Information

Download Travel & Arrival Information (PDF)

Botswana warmly welcomes you to the 30th TAFISA World Congress 2027, to be held in Gaborone from 18 to 20 October 2027. We look forward to hosting you for this important international gathering and sharing the warmth, hospitality, culture and beauty of our country.

To assist with your travel arrangements, below is useful information on entering Botswana by air or road and travelling to the Congress venue.

Arriving by air: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SKKIA)

Delegates travelling by air are encouraged to fly into Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SKKIA) in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city.

Upon arrival, delegates will proceed through immigration and customs before collecting their luggage and arranging onward transport to Congress Hotels.

Airport: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SKKIA)

Distance to GICC: Approximately 12–15 km by road.

Estimated travel time: Approximately 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Transport options: Pre-arranged airport transfers and/or hotel shuttles for participants who would have confirmed their arrival and departure times with Congress Secretariat.

Arriving by road: Botswana's land border posts

Congress participants travelling by road from neighbouring countries can enter Botswana through several designated border posts. The most suitable crossing will depend on your country of departure and travel route.

The following are some of the main entry points to consider when travelling to Gaborone and the GICC.

Border post	Country of entry	Approximate distance to GICC
Tlokweng Border Post	South Africa	20–25 km
Pioneer Gate Border Post (Skilpadshek on the South African side)	South Africa	75–85 km
Ramotswa Border Post	South Africa	35–45 km
Ramatlabama Border Post	South Africa	160–180 km
Martin's Drift Border Post	South Africa	250–280 km
Ramokgwebana Border Post	Zimbabwe	430–460 km
Kazungula Road Border Post	Zambia/Zimbabwe regional route	900–930 km
Mamuno Border Post	Namibia	550–650 km

Please note: Distances are indicative road estimates and should be confirmed using a navigation application before departure. The Kazungula crossing connects Botswana with Zambia by bridge and is also a key regional route for travellers coming from Zimbabwe via the Victoria Falls area. The distance from each border post to GICC will depend on the specific route taken.

Recommended routes

From South Africa: Tlokweng is a convenient option for travellers approaching Gaborone from the Johannesburg and Pretoria direction. Pioneer Gate is another option for those travelling along the N4/Trans-Kalahari corridor.

From Zimbabwe: Ramokgwebana is a key entry point for travellers coming via Bulawayo and Francistown.

From Zambia and the Victoria Falls region: Kazungula Road Border Post provides access to Botswana through the Kasane area, followed by a longer drive south to Gaborone.

From Namibia: Mamuno is a major entry point along the Trans-Kalahari corridor for travellers approaching from Windhoek.

Please allow sufficient time for immigration and customs formalities at the border. Travellers driving their own or hired vehicles should ensure that their passports, vehicle registration documents, insurance and any required cross-border authorisation are in order.

Note: Participants travelling into Botswana with public transport should confirm their anticipated arrival time at the Gaborone bus rank with Congress Secretariat.

Arrival at the Congress venue

Delegates can use the following address for navigation:

Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) Grand Palm Resort Bonnington Farm, Molepolole Road Gaborone, Botswana

GICC Visitor Transportation & Gaborone Guide

From Sir Seretse Khama International Airport to GICC

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) is approximately 12–14 km from GICC, depending on the route used. A normal road journey generally takes around 15–25 minutes, although traffic and time of day can affect the journey.

GICC is located within The Grand Palm Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort, making it particularly convenient for conference delegates staying at the resort.

Transport options from the airport

Visitors can travel from the airport to GICC by: Airport taxi, Pre-arranged private transfer

Hotel transfer, Rental car, Ride-hailing service, where available, Organised conference/group transfer

We encourage visitors using taxis to establish and agree on the fare before starting their journey. Car rental services are also widely available at airports and major tourist centres.

Getting Around from GICC

Visitors can use several modes of transport from GICC:

Taxi

Taxis are a convenient option for travelling directly from GICC to hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, tourist attractions and the airport.

Combis / Minibuses

Combis are one of the most affordable ways to travel around Gaborone.

They operate on established routes and are commonly used by local residents. Visitors unfamiliar with Gaborone may find taxis or ride-hailing services easier for direct trips.

Ride-Hailing

App-based transportation is also available in Gaborone, with services such as Yango and inDrive operating in the market.

Car Rental

Visitors who want flexibility can hire a vehicle and explore Gaborone and surrounding areas independently. This is particularly useful for visitors planning day trips outside the city.

Private and Hotel Transfers

Private transfers are recommended for conference delegates, families and groups. Transfers can be arranged for airport collections, conference activities, evening functions, sightseeing and group excursions.

Bus and Coach

Scheduled bus services connect Gaborone with other towns and villages in Botswana. International bus services also connect Botswana with neighbouring countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia.

Domestic Flights

For longer journeys within Botswana, visitors can consider domestic flights, particularly when travelling to destinations such as Maun and Kasane.

Walking

Some destinations close to GICC and the Grand Palm complex can be reached on foot. For longer journeys, however, visitors should use a taxi, ride-hailing service, private vehicle or organised transfer.

Shopping – Distances from GICC

Gaborone offers a variety of shopping centres within a short drive of GICC.

Shopping Centre	Approx. Distance from GICC	Suggested Transport
Molapo Crossing Shopping Mall	~3–4 km	Taxi / ride-hailing
The Fields Shopping Centre	~5–6 km	Taxi / ride-hailing
Game City Shopping Mall	~4–5 km	Taxi / ride-hailing
Riverwalk Mall	~7–9 km	Taxi / ride-hailing
Airport Junction Shopping Centre	~9–11 km	Taxi / ride-hailing
Main Mall	~6–7 km	Taxi / ride-hailing

For visitors looking for a convenient shopping and dining experience, Molapo Crossing is one of the closer major shopping destinations. Game City is also a popular destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Places to Visit – Distances from GICC

Three Dikgosi Monument

The Three Dikgosi Monument is one of Gaborone's most recognisable landmarks and commemorates three important Botswana chiefs.

Approximate distance from GICC: 5–7 km

It is an excellent short cultural excursion for conference delegates who want to experience a piece of Botswana's history without travelling far from the city.

National Museum and Art Gallery

The museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Botswana's history, culture, heritage and art. Approximate distance from GICC: 5–7 km

Gaborone Game Reserve

The Gaborone Game Reserve provides visitors with an opportunity to experience Botswana's wildlife without travelling far outside the capital. Approximate distance from GICC: 8–10 km

Main Mall

Main Mall is one of Gaborone's established commercial areas and provides an opportunity to experience the city's urban environment. Approximate distance from GICC: 6–7 km

Table 50Two

Restaurant · Open

Located on Western Commercial Road, this is another dining option for visitors looking for a restaurant outside the immediate GICC complex. Approximate distance from GICC: 5–7 km

Two Six Seven

Located at Riverwalk, this restaurant provides another option for visitors looking for dining and entertainment away from the convention centre. Approximate distance from GICC: 7–9 km

Fun and Leisure Activities

Visitors can combine business with leisure during their stay in Gaborone.

Gamecity Fun Park & Waterpark

Located at Game City, this is a family-friendly entertainment option.

Approximate distance from GICC: 4–5 km,

Gaborone Game Reserve; A convenient option for wildlife viewing, nature and photography.

Approximate distance from GICC: 8–10 km

Quick Visitor Guide from GICC

Destination	Distance from GICC	Recommended Transport
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport	12–14 km	Taxi / private transfer / rental car
Grand Palm restaurants	0–0.5 km	Walk
Molapo Crossing	3–4 km	Taxi / ride-hailing
Game City	4–5 km	Taxi / ride-hailing
Three Dikgosi Monument	5–7 km	Taxi / ride-hailing
National Museum	5–7 km	Taxi / ride-hailing
The Fields Shopping Centre	5–6 km	Taxi / ride-hailing
Main Mall	6–7 km	Taxi / ride-hailing
Kgale Hill	6–8 km	Taxi / private vehicle
Riverwalk Mall	7–9 km	Taxi / ride-hailing
Gaborone Game Reserve	8–10 km	Taxi / private vehicle
Airport Junction	9–11 km	Taxi / ride-hailing

Distances are approximate and should be used as a visitor guide. Actual road distances and travel times may vary according to the route, traffic and exact point of departure.

Making the Most of Your Visit

With GICC as the central point, visitors can easily combine conference activities with shopping, dining, sightseeing and entertainment.

For a short stay, visitors can explore attractions such as the Three Dikgosi Monument, National Museum, Game City and Gaborone Game Reserve. Those with more time can use Gaborone as a base for exploring destinations further outside the city.

GICC's location within the Grand Palm resort also means that accommodation, dining, conference facilities and leisure activities are conveniently located together.

Whether travelling for business, a conference or leisure, visitors have a variety of transportation options to help them move around Gaborone comfortably and conveniently.