Travel advice for Botswana

Exercise a high degree of caution in Botswana because crime occurs nationwide, especially near the borders with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Be alert to pickpocketing, vehicle theft, home burglaries, carjackings, violent organized crime, weapons smuggling and possible discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ people. Hire professional guides in national parks, stay in vehicles near dangerous wildlife, avoid walking alone after dark, and drive defensively on hazardous rural roads.

Hungary advises a high degree of caution for Botswana.

Exercise caution in Botswana because armed robberies, car break-ins and sexual violence occur, especially in Gaborone, Francistown and Maun; women should not go out after sunset. Although there is no acute terrorist threat, attacks remain possible, demonstrations may turn violent; follow local instructions. Drought can cause water shortages around Gaborone, while seasonal flooding may make roads impassable. Discrimination, drug penalties and penalties for harming protected animals are concerns.

Exercise increased caution because Gaborone, Francistown and Maun have rising crime, armed home invasions, vehicle theft and sexual assault. Avoid demonstrations and use caution at night. Ngamilandu in the Delta area has a rabies outbreak; anthrax is a risk, so avoid dead animals and swimming in rivers and lakes. Guard against tick bites and malaria, drive cautiously outside cities, avoid night driving, and follow wildlife rules in parks and reserves.

Exercise increased caution in Botswana because theft of money and personal property and other crimes of opportunity are common. Potentially violent home invasions, break-ins, muggings and vehicle “smash and grabs” also occur.

Australia advises normal precautions for Botswana.

Normal precautions apply because Botswana is safe, with a low crime rate. Guard against burglary and armed robbery in Gaborone and Francistown; avoid isolated or dark areas at night. Malaria risk is high in northern districts, especially during the rainy season, and hospitals do not meet European standards; take comprehensive travel insurance. Avoid small and intercity buses, prepare for wildlife collisions, and carry fuel and water for remote areas.

Travel to Botswana can generally be undertaken safely if usual precautions are followed. Travelers over one year old who arrive from or have transited through an airport in a country affected by yellow fever must present a valid vaccination certificate. Entry is refused without the certificate.

Take normal precautions when travelling to Botswana. As Estonia has no diplomatic mission there, consult other countries’ travel information and travel alerts. Estonian tourists may drive with a valid Estonian licence and an international driving permit under the Geneva Convention, and may stay visa free for up to 90 days.

Germany advises normal precautions for Botswana.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Botswana.

Take normal precautions when travelling to Botswana, where crime is relatively low but opportunistic theft and the global risk of terrorism remain concerns. Secure valuables, avoid displaying cash, and avoid ATMs after dark and dark, unlit streets. If driving, be careful off road, avoid rural areas at night because of wildlife and livestock, and carry water, food and a spare tyre for long journeys with few services.

Japan advises normal precautions for Botswana.

Exercise necessary precautions and personal responsibility when travelling in Botswana. Malaria occurs throughout the country and is especially prevalent in the north during the rainy season; yellow fever vaccination certificates may be required after travel from a risk region. When driving, use major roads, check routes without relying solely on GPS, avoid stopping on highways, and watch for animals, fog and flash floods, especially at night.

No warning applies to travel to Botswana, but British citizens must check entry, health and customs rules. Passports need six months' validity and three blank pages; visits without a visa are limited to 90 days, while work, study and volunteering need the relevant visa. Travellers from listed yellow fever risk countries need vaccination proof, arrivals from regions affected by Ebola may face health screening, and customs declarations are compulsory.