Botswana travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (power supply problems on the island of Zanzibar). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) virus (Swine Flu) in Botswana. On arrival at ports of entry, including the main airports of Maun, Gaborone, Kasane and Francistown, travellers are required to complete a swine flu health form to enable the authorities to assess risk. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. Check swine flu for further information.

• Wildlife and livestock on roads make driving hazardous. Avoid driving at night.

• You should be aware of an increasing incidence of violent crime.

• You should carry some form of identification with you at all times. A photocopy of your passport is sufficient.
  
  
• Most visits to Botswana trouble-free. You should be aware of an increasing incidence of violent crime. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Around 5,000 British tourists visit Botswana every year (Source: Botswana Department of Tourism). 11 British nationals required consular assistance in Botswana in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (6 cases); hospitalisations (0 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (3 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (29 cases).
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and travel insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers,

For more general information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

Attacks on tourists are rare, but petty and violent crime is increasing, particularly in the major towns of Gaborone, Francistown and Maun. House burglaries, often by armed gangs, are also increasing. There have been some cases of car jacking, particularly of four by four vehicles. If you are attacked, do not resist. Theft from parked cars does occur. Take sensible precautions. Safeguard valuables and cash. Deposit them in hotel safes, where practical. Keep copies of important documents, including passports in a separate place to the documents themselves.

There have been incidences of rape and other sexual offences. Given the high level of HIV/AIDS in the country, you should seek immediate medical advice if you are sexually assaulted or otherwise injured. Women, in particular, should not walk alone at night. For more general information see rape and sexual assault abroad.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political situation

Botswana Country Profile

Local travel

Zimbabwe

You should avoid areas where War Veterans are active or where incidents of violence are taking place. There have been a number of serious and violent incidents in rural areas and it is dangerous for farmers or agricultural workers to visit former properties or other agricultural areas. We advise against travel by journalists intending to carry out any reporting or official photography without the proper accreditation. The situation remains unpredictable and there are isolated incidents of violence across the country: it could deteriorate further, without warning.

Botswana

Game reserves and other tourist areas are generally secure, but you should be alert to unpredictable behaviour by wild animals. You should follow park regulations and wardens' advice. You should not bathe in rivers and lakes, because of the dangers from both wildlife and water-borne diseases.

If you intend travelling to remote areas plan your trip with care, make transport and accommodation arrangements in advance and seek local advice on what precautions to take. Vehicles should be stocked with emergency supplies and be properly prepared for off-road driving conditions.

In major towns taxis are generally safe to take. You should agree a price before setting off.

Road travel

UK and International driving licences are acceptable in Botswana for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer you should apply for a Botswanan licence.

Botswana has good tarmac roads over most of the country but you should be careful when driving off-road. The standard of driving is lower than in the UK and many drivers ignore road safety rules. Dangerous driving, including speeding (the maximum speed limit is 120kph), and drink driving cause frequent serious and often fatal accidents.

Driving, particularly outside the major urban areas, is dangerous because wildlife and stray livestock can pose a serious hazard.

For more general information see driving abroad

Air travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see airline security.

Local laws and customs

Drug taking and smuggling is an offence. The punishments can be severe.

Taking photographs or using video equipment near military and government installations is prohibited. Always ask permission before taking photographs of people in Botswana.

Homosexuality is illegal in Botswana.

You should carry some form of identification with you at all times. A photocopy of your passport is sufficient.

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

British nationals do not require visas to enter Botswana and can stay a maximum of 90 days. Overstaying can cause delays on departure. If you wish to extend your stay, you should seek an extension from the Department of Immigration. For further information on entry requirements contact the Botswana High Commission, London.

British visitors do not need visas for South Africa either. But if you are planning to enter the country before, or after, you visit Botswana you must have two clear blank pages in your passport for the South African entry stamp otherwise entry will be denied.

Passport validity

Ensure your passport has no less than 30 days remaining validity after the end of your intended visit to South Africa.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Botswana High Commission, London.

Health

Health care in Botswana is good in the major towns but medical facilities and communications are limited in rural areas. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to the UK or South Africa may be necessary. Private hospitals will not treat patients unless you can pay and health care may be expensive. Outpatients must pay cash before receiving treatment. Emergency patients will only be accepted if you have full insurance cover.

There have been no reported cases of A (H1N1) - swine flu in Botswana.

There are confirmed cases of A (H1N1) - swine flu in Botswana. On arrival at ports of entry, including the main airports of Maun, Gaborone, Kasane and Francistown, travelers are required to complete a swine flu health form to enable the authorities to assess risk.

Malaria is common in the northern parts of Botswana, particularly during the rainy season (November-April). However, due to above average rainfall in February 2009, malaria transmissions may occur across Botswana. There have recently been several reported cases of cholera in the region. If you suffer from acute diarrhoea and vomiting during a visit to Botswana you should seek immediate medical attention.

There are occasional outbreaks of anthrax amongst wild animals. You should seek advice locally from park officials and not touch dead animals or carcasses. If you suspect that you have come into contact with anthrax you should seek urgent medical advice.

If you intend to camp or walk in the bush you should be aware of the risk of tick bites.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 280,000 adults aged 15 or over in Botswana were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 23.9% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Botswana and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see travel health.

Natural disasters

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, including cover for medical evacuation. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see travel insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.

Registration

You should register with the British High Commission Consular Section in Gaborone on arrival, either in person or by email (bhc@botsnet.bw) if you intend to stay in Botswana for more than a few days.

You may also register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

Money

Travellers' cheques are accepted at banks, hotels and the airport. ATMs are available in the major towns, but only accept Visa cards. ATMs do not accept Maestro cards. Major credit cards are accepted at many shops and restaurants.

You cannot exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes in Botswana.