Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Botswana.
Botswana Status
WATCH
Travel to Botswana continues normally, with international flights, airports and land borders operating. Travellers should be aware of current crime warnings and health-related entry measures affecting people arriving from Ebola-affected regions.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Visa requirements
Visa requirements depend on nationality. Citizens of many countries can visit Botswana without a visa for short stays, while travellers from visa-required countries can apply through Botswana’s eVisa system.
Passport requirements
Travellers should have a passport valid for at least six months after arrival and at least three blank pages for immigration purposes.
Ebola-related entry measures
Botswana has introduced health screening and entry restrictions for travellers arriving from regions affected by Ebola. Anyone travelling from or through an affected area should check the latest health and immigration requirements before departure.
Yellow fever
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries considered to have a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Travelling with children
Travellers entering or leaving Botswana with a child aged 17 or younger should carry an original or certified copy of the child’s full birth certificate. Additional consent documentation may be required when a child is not travelling with both parents.
Crime
Travellers should take additional precautions with valuables, particularly in cities and around ATMs. Current U.S. guidance highlights theft, home invasions, muggings, vehicle break-ins and other crimes of opportunity.
Remote travel
Many of Botswana’s major wildlife destinations are in remote areas where medical services, communications and emergency assistance can be limited. Travellers heading into the Okavango Delta, Kalahari or other remote regions should plan accordingly.
Latest Travel Changes
New Ebola-related entry measures
Botswana has introduced additional entry restrictions and health screening for travellers arriving from Ebola-affected regions. Travellers who may be affected should check the latest requirements before beginning their journey.
Normal international travel continues
No major nationwide aviation or border disruption currently prevents ordinary travel to Botswana. International flights and the country’s principal land crossings continue operating.
Before You Travel
Check your airline, airport information, Botswana’s immigration requirements, health-entry requirements and the travel advice issued by your own government before departure.
If travelling by road, confirm the operating hours of your intended border crossing. Travellers heading to remote safari areas should also consider appropriate travel and medical evacuation insurance.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.