Botswana

The Land of Wildlife
and Endless Horizons

Flag of Botswana

Botswana, a country in Southern Africa, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and stable democracy. Home to iconic landmarks like the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the Kalahari Desert, Botswana offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. The country's geography ranges from vast desert expanses to lush wetlands, supporting a variety of ecosystems and wildlife.

Botswanan culture is deeply rooted in Tswana and San traditions, reflected in its art, music, and cuisine featuring dishes like seswaa (pounded meat) and bogobe (porridge).Known for its commitment to conservation, thriving diamond industry, and as home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations, Botswana presents a captivating destination that combines pristine wilderness with warm hospitality and a rich cultural heritage.

Travel Documents

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Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Botswana.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned stay in Botswana.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and certain European nations can enter Botswana with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from nations outside the visa-exempt list must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Botswana, often through an e-Visa.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry unless specified by Botswana’s visa policy.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry unless specified.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry unless specified.

ID Card Entry
The following citizens can enter Botswana using only a valid national ID card:

  • None (Botswana does not currently allow entry with national ID cards; a passport is required for all foreign nationals).

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 1 year.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules may apply for work, study, or long-term stays.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as of August 28, 2022, masks, proof of vaccination, and testing at port of entry are no longer required.
Toll

Driving in Botswana

Current Toll Roads
As of 2025, there are no major toll roads in Botswana, but tolls may apply on specific bridges or infrastructure, such as:

  • Kazungula Bridge: Connecting Botswana to Zambia, with potential tolls for vehicle crossings.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates vary based on vehicle type and distance traveled. For the most current rates, visit the official Botswanan Road Authority website: https://www.roads.gov.bw/
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Botswanan Pula (BWP) is accepted at toll booths.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Major cards are accepted at most toll points (where applicable).
    • Electronic Toll Collection: An e-toll system is being considered. Check https://www.gov.bw/ for updates.

Driving in Botswana

  • Drive on the left side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 60 km/h
    • Rural roads: 120 km/h
    • Highways: 120 km/h
  • Road conditions: Vary; exercise caution, especially on rural roads, which can be in poor condition, and outside major urban areas where stray wildlife and livestock pose risks, particularly at night.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Recommended alongside your national driver’s license, and you can drive with a foreign license (e.g., Canadian, UK) for up to 90 days.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Botswana is considering implementing a vignette system for road use. Check https://www.roads.gov.bw/ for the latest information.
  • Road Safety: Remain vigilant, especially at night or in rural areas, due to aggressive and reckless drivers, stray wildlife, livestock, and pedestrians on roadways, which increase the risk of fatal accidents.
  • GPS and Maps: While GPS is generally reliable, keep an updated physical map as a backup.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies.

Useful Links

Botswana Currency

Official Currency
The official currency of Botswana is the Botswanan Pula (BWP).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 Pula
  • Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 Thebe (subunits of Pula); 1, 2, 5 Pula
  • Symbol: P

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services available at banks, airports, and major hotels. US Dollars, British Sterling, Euros, and South African Rand are the most easily exchanged currencies, but Pula is a closed currency and cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Botswana.
  • ATMs widely available in major towns and larger villages for direct Pula withdrawals, but most accept only Visa cards; Maestro cards are not generally accepted.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas and at some service stations, due to limited card acceptance.
  • Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club) accepted in cities, hotels, lodges, shops, and restaurants in major towns, but acceptance is limited in remote areas.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases and rural areas, as card acceptance is unreliable in remote regions.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards, and note that exchanging Pula outside Botswana is not possible.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Bank of Botswana website: https://www.bankofbotswana.bw/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Botswana

Botswana is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality, but understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travelers in Botswana, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is frowned upon and may result in fines.
    • Smoking banned in indoor public spaces.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing sensitive political or cultural topics, especially those related to homosexuality, as while same-sex relationships are legal, they are not widely accepted, and public displays of affection may attract negative attention.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely accepted; public displays of affection may attract negative attention or legal scrutiny, particularly in rural areas.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, government buildings, or critical infrastructure. Always ask permission for portraits of locals.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over 10,000 BWP (or equivalent) when entering or exiting Botswana, or face prosecution.

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, endangered species products.
  • Plastic bags (banned in Botswana, primarily aimed at commercial use, but tourists are advised to avoid bringing them).

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport.

Complaints

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., along the Chobe River) must allow free access within designated zones. Wheelchair access is legally mandated.

Key Resources

Botswana Travel Safety

Botswana is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality, but travelers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Botswana.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like Gaborone’s markets or public transport. Violent crime, including home invasions, break-ins, “smash and grabs” from vehicles, cell phone thefts, and muggings, is increasing, particularly in major towns like Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun, though attacks on tourists are rare.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Botswana is considered safe, with locals often helpful. Avoid isolated areas at night, and women should take care when walking alone due to a high number of sexual assaults, though foreign visitors are unlikely to be targeted.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving can be challenging due to aggressive and reckless drivers, poor rural road conditions, and stray wildlife and livestock, especially at night.
    • Avoid night driving in rural or mountainous areas due to poor lighting, wildlife, and increased accident risks.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety: Avoid tap water; drink bottled water. Practice safe eating habits to prevent travelers’ diarrhea.
  • Vaccinations: Recommended: Hepatitis A, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for long-term stays or rural areas). Yellow Fever vaccination is not required for travelers whose sole destination is Botswana but is mandatory if arriving from a risk country (e.g., Kenya, Uganda). Malaria prophylaxis is advised in the northern half, including Chobe and the Okavango Delta, particularly from November to June.
  • Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes (risk of malaria) and ticks (risk of other diseases).
  • Altitude Sickness: No significant risk in Botswana (low elevation, with minor hills).

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like Bokamoso Private Hospital in Gaborone offer higher standards. Rural areas often lack advanced care, and medical evacuation to the UK or South Africa may be necessary for serious treatment.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities but carry essential medications.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as private hospitals require payment upfront, and public hospitals only accept emergency patients with full insurance.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Ambulance: 997 | Fire: 998 | Police: 999.
  • Tourist Police (Gaborone): +267 360 7200.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 for rural or flood-prone areas, especially during the rainy season (November to March). Check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for remote trails (e.g., Chobe National Park).
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing sensitive political or cultural issues, especially related to homosexuality.
  • Air Quality: Pollution can be high in Gaborone, particularly in winter (May-September); monitor via the World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

Flying to Botswana

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