Botswana

Travelers from most countries are required to present a valid passport to enter Benin. Visa requirements depend on nationality:

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of the following countries can enter Benin without a visa for stays up to 90 days:

• Togo
• Senegal
• Morocco
• Burkina Faso
• Niger
• Mali
• Ivory Coast
• Ghana

Visa on Arrival and eVisa

Citizens from several countries are eligible for a visa on arrival or an eVisa. You can apply for the eVisa online before your trip for tourism or short stays.

Visa Required

Travelers from countries not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival must apply for a visa at a Beninese embassy or consulate before traveling.

Note: Always verify the latest entry requirements with official sources, as visa policies can change.

Botswana does not permit entry with an ID card only. All travelers must present a valid passport upon arrival.

Toll Roads in Botswana

Botswana does not have toll roads. However, certain national parks and reserves may require entry fees or permits for vehicles. These fees vary depending on the park or reserve being visited.

Driving Tips in Botswana:

• Left-Hand Driving: Botswana follows the left-hand driving system, meaning vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
• Speed Limits: Urban areas: 60 km/h, rural roads: 80 km/h, highways: 120 km/h.
• Road Conditions: Main highways are generally well-maintained, but roads leading to remote areas may be in poor condition or unpaved.
• Wildlife on Roads: In rural areas, be cautious of wildlife that may cross the road unexpectedly, especially at night.

Weather in Botswana

Botswana has a semi-arid climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The country enjoys a hot climate with mild winters.

Wet Season (November to March)

The wet season is characterized by heavy rainfall, particularly in the northern parts of the country. Temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), with high humidity during this time.

Dry Season (April to October)

The dry season is marked by cooler temperatures, especially at night. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), and the dry winter months (May to August) see cooler temperatures and clear skies.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit for game viewing, as animals gather around water sources, and the weather is pleasant.
• Prepare for Rain: If traveling during the wet season, be prepared for thunderstorms, particularly in northern areas like the Okavango Delta.

Currency in Botswana

The official currency of Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP), symbolized as P.

Banknotes and Coins

The Pula is available in banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Pula. Coins are available in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50 thebe, and 1, 2, and 5 Pula.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and exchange offices in major cities. ATMs are widely available in urban areas, allowing you to withdraw Pula directly.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger cities, hotels, and restaurants, but cash is often needed in smaller towns and rural areas.

Travel Tips

• Carry Cash: It is advisable to carry cash when traveling outside major cities, as card payment systems may not be available in remote areas.
• Currency Restrictions: The Pula is not widely exchangeable outside of Botswana, so it's recommended to exchange or spend any remaining currency before leaving the country.