Is there an age limit for importing a car from Japan to Botswana?

No. BURS currently imposes no age restriction on imported vehicles, making Botswana one of the more open Southern African markets for older Japanese cars.

How much is duty when importing a car from Japan to Botswana?

Approximately 27% import duty on CIF value, plus 14% VAT. There is no additional excise duty or age surtax for ordinary passenger-car imports. Our team confirms the exact current figures before you commit.

Which port does a Japanese car enter through for Botswana?

Botswana is landlocked, so cars land at the Port of Durban in South Africa and then travel by road into Botswana for BURS customs clearance.

How much does inland delivery add to the cost for Botswana cities?

From Durban: roughly $650 to Gaborone, $790 to Francistown, $740 to Serowe, $950 to Maun, and $1,010 to Kasane for a typical sedan — all included in your upfront quote.

Do you manage the full import process to Botswana?

Yes. Our licensed team sources the car at Japan auction, books the ocean freight to Durban, handles BURS customs clearing, and delivers to your door in any major Botswana city — one quote covers everything.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Botswana

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Botswana is one of the more straightforward markets in Southern Africa for used-Japanese-car imports. The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) applies no current restriction on the age of imported vehicles, and the duty structure is relatively simple: approximately 27% import duty plus 14% VAT on the imported value. There are no separate excise or surtax bands to navigate, which makes cost estimation more predictable than in many neighbouring countries. Being landlocked, Botswana's imports route through the Port of Durban in South Africa — the same gateway used by Zimbabwe and other regional markets. Road distance from Durban to Gaborone adds a meaningful transport cost, and more remote cities like Maun or Kasane carry higher inland freight. Right-hand-drive Japanese stock is the natural fit for Botswana's left-hand-traffic roads. Our licensed team sources at Japan auction, arranges shipping to Durban, handles customs clearing, and delivers to your door with a single upfront landed-cost quote.

Main ports: Durban + inland to Gaborone
Import age rule: BURS states no current restriction on import/export of motor vehicles; duties/VAT apply.
Steering: RHD
Duties & taxes: Approx. duty 27%, VAT 14% on the imported value. Commonly cited duty for vehicle imports.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Botswana

Choose your car
With no age restriction in Botswana, we can source a wide range of right-hand-drive Japanese cars to suit your budget. We brief you on the BURS duty and VAT before you commit.
Auction sourcing in Japan
Our licensed USS auction access lets our team find the exact car, read the full auction sheet and condition grade, and confirm its real state before any money changes hands.
Pre-shipment documentation
We prepare all export and shipping documents in Japan. Our team advises whether a pre-shipment inspection certificate is needed for your specific import and arranges it accordingly.
Ocean freight to the Port of Durban
The car sails to the Port of Durban, South Africa — the main sea gateway for Botswana. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking once the booking is confirmed.
Road transit and BURS customs clearing
From Durban, the car transits by road into Botswana. We handle BURS customs valuation and pay the ~27% duty and 14% VAT, then clear the vehicle for delivery.
Delivery to your city
Once customs-cleared, the car is delivered to Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, Kasane, Serowe or your chosen city at the price in your original quote.

Import duties & taxes in Botswana explained

Botswana's import duty on passenger cars is approximately 27% of the CIF value, plus 14% VAT applied on the cumulative taxable value. BURS currently imposes no age-related surtax, no separate excise duty band system, and no engine-size premiums for ordinary passenger-car imports — making the cost model noticeably simpler than in many neighbouring markets. Because currency movements and BURS tariff schedules can change, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Botswana

Toyota Corolla Axio
The most common family car in Gaborone and Francistown — strong parts availability, predictable running costs, and a resale market that stays healthy across Botswana.
See prices
Honda Fit
Compact and fuel-efficient with hybrid or petrol options — a practical city car for Gaborone that keeps both fuel bills and Japan auction prices low.
See prices
Mazda Demio
Well-finished for its price point and popular with buyers in Botswana who want a newer-feel interior without paying large-sedan prices.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Light, low-maintenance, and easy to resell in Botswana's second-hand market — a safe first import for buyers who want minimal after-sales risk.
See prices
Toyota Probox
Popular with traders operating between Gaborone and Francistown — the rugged wagon body, low running costs and reliable mechanics make it ideal for business use.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Botswana

Gaborone — Delivery from Durban to Gaborone adds roughly $650 for a sedan.
Francistown — Delivery from Durban to Francistown adds roughly $790 for a sedan.
Serowe — Delivery from Durban to Serowe adds roughly $740 for a sedan.
Maun — Delivery from Durban to Maun adds roughly $950 for a sedan.
Kasane — Delivery from Durban to Kasane adds roughly $1,010 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an age limit for importing a car from Japan to Botswana?: No. BURS currently imposes no age restriction on imported vehicles, making Botswana one of the more open Southern African markets for older Japanese cars.
How much is duty when importing a car from Japan to Botswana?: Approximately 27% import duty on CIF value, plus 14% VAT. There is no additional excise duty or age surtax for ordinary passenger-car imports. Our team confirms the exact current figures before you commit.
Which port does a Japanese car enter through for Botswana?: Botswana is landlocked, so cars land at the Port of Durban in South Africa and then travel by road into Botswana for BURS customs clearance.
How much does inland delivery add to the cost for Botswana cities?: From Durban: roughly $650 to Gaborone, $790 to Francistown, $740 to Serowe, $950 to Maun, and $1,010 to Kasane for a typical sedan — all included in your upfront quote.
Do you manage the full import process to Botswana?: Yes. Our licensed team sources the car at Japan auction, books the ocean freight to Durban, handles BURS customs clearing, and delivers to your door in any major Botswana city — one quote covers everything.