Visitors to Botswana who permanently reside in another country are able to claim back VAT paid on all goods purchased during their stay, provided the goods are exported on departure.
In order to claim, the original tax invoice and your passport details must be presented to the designated Customs Officer, often found in the departure lounge at the airport. You must then fill out a VAT 006.1 claim form and the BW500 export declaration form. The value of the goods must exceed BWP 5 000.00 (Pula), all in one invoice, per export and the goods must be available for inspection. Refunds are made by way of a transfer into your bank account. Guests must have these details on hand, as refund documents have to be submitted on the same day that the items leave the country. Bank details cannot be sent at a later stage.
In order to claim, the original tax invoice and your passport details must be presented to the designated Customs Officer, often found in the departure lounge at the airport. You must then fill out a VAT 006.1 claim form and the BW500 export declaration form. The value of the goods must exceed BWP 5 000.00 (Pula), all in one invoice, per export and the goods must be available for inspection. Refunds are made by way of a transfer into your bank account. Guests must have these details on hand, as refund documents have to be submitted on the same day that the items leave the country. Bank details cannot be sent at a later stage.
