Government advisories for Botswana
US State Department
US L2 · Increased cautionExercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime . Crime Petty crime and crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana. Potentially violent crimes are also common, including home invasions, break-ins, muggings, and “smash and grabs” from vehicles.
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Jun 17, 2026
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
UK · no warningsNo FCDO travel warnings
Latest change: Updated information about the documents needed when travelling with children (see 'Travelling with children' on the 'Entry requirements' page).
Official notice Source: gov.uk · updated Nov 6, 2026
Government of Canada
CA 2 · High degree of cautionExercise a high degree of caution
Latest change: Natural disasters and climate section – added information on El Niño
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca · updated Oct 14, 2026
Local scams and street crime
- Crime: Attacks on tourists are rare, but violent crime is increasing particularly in the major towns of Gaborone, Francistown and Maun. Criminals have also carried out hold-ups and robberies of restaurants during peak hours.
- Protecting yourself and your belongings: Criminals may target cars waiting at traffic lights. To reduce the risk of attack: keep doors locked and windows closed keep handbags, phones and laptops out of sight avoid carrying luggage in your vehicle whenever possible do not stop for people at the roadside hitchhiking House burglaries, often by armed gangs, are…
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Nov 6, 2026
LGBT+ and women travellers: what the UK FCDO says
- LGBT+ travellers: Although same-sex sexual activity is no longer prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and displaying affection in public may attract negative attention.
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Nov 6, 2026
Women, children and family: what governments say
- Travelling with children (UK FCDO): You must carry the original or a certified copy of the full birth certificate for any child aged 17 or under entering or leaving Botswana. If a child is travelling with only one parent, with a guardian or another adult, or alone, carry the required parental consent or documents showing authority to travel. If parental consent is required, also carry a certified copy of the consenting parent’s passport or identity document. You can use GOV.UK guidance to find a notary in the UK .
UK: entry requirements · UK: safety and security
Official notice Source: Government of Canada and UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licences)
Pregnancy and children: CDC health notes for Botswana
- Malaria: CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Botswana take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Ask a travel-health provider which medicine suits pregnancy or young children before you go.
- Hepatitis A (children): Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
- Measles (children): All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .
CDC health page for Botswana · CDC: pregnant travelers · CDC: traveling with children
Official notice Source: CDC Travelers' Health (US government, public domain). General information, not medical advice: see a doctor or travel clinic before you go.
German Foreign Office
DE · no travel warningNo travel warning
Official notice Source: Auswärtiges Amt · updated Oct 13, 2026
Read the official travel and safety advice
Dutch Foreign Ministry
NL · yellowYellow: be alert, safety risks
De kleurcode van het reisadvies voor Botswana is geel. U kunt hierheen reizen. Maar let op: er zijn bijzondere veiligheidsrisico’s.
Official notice Source: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Nederland Wereldwijd (open data, CC0) · updated Jul 1, 2026
Each government uses its own scale. Read the full advisory before you book or travel; regional differences inside a country can matter more than the headline level.
Entry requirements for Botswana
🇬🇧 British passport holders
- Visa: You can visit Botswana for up to 90 days without a visa.
- Passport: To enter Botswana, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 3 blank pages.
Read the full UK entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Botswana’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Botswana set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Botswana High Commission in the UK.
Telephone: 0207 499 0031
Email: [email protected]
Passport validity requirements
To enter Botswana, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 3 blank pages.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
This will record your date and port of entry. Unstamped passports will raise suspicions of illegal entry.
Dual nationals
Dual nationals must enter Botswana on the same passport they used to exit the previous country.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
Visa requirements
You can visit Botswana for up to 90 days without a visa.
If you want to work, study or volunteer in Botswana, see the requirements for business, study and employment visas.
Overstaying a visa or a permitted visit can cause a delay to your departure. If you want to extend your stay, contact Botswana’s Department of Immigration.
Travelling with children
You must carry the original or a certified copy of the full birth certificate for any child aged 17 or under entering or leaving Botswana.
If a child is travelling with only one parent, with a guardian or another adult, or alone, carry the required parental consent or documents showing authority to travel. If parental consent is required, also carry a certified copy of the consenting parent’s passport or identity document.
You can use GOV.UK guidance to find a notary in the UK. In Botswana, police stations can help with affidavits of consent. You can also use Find a professional service abroad to find an English-speaking lawyer.
For more information, contact the Botswana High Commission in the UK.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Botswana, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Botswana guide.
Ebola
As a public health measure, Botswana has introduced entry restrictions including health screening for travellers arriving from affected regions. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Botswana. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking money into Botswana
Declare foreign or local cash currency if the value is 10,000 Botswana pula or more. If you do not, you could be liable to prosecution.
Official notice Source: UK Foreign Office · updated Nov 6, 2026
🇨🇦 Canadian passport holders
- Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Read the full Canadian entry requirements
Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.
The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Botswana.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
- Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Canadian passports and other travel documents
Visas
Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Work permit: required
Student visa: required
If you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you must request an extension from local immigration authorities.
Children and travel
Minors under the age of 18 must present the following documentation to Botswana’s border officials:
- a certified copy of the child’s original birth certificate
- a valid passport with at least 1 blank page
- a written consent form from the parent or parents not accompanying the child if travelling unaccompanied or with only one parent
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Official notice Source: Government of Canada · updated Oct 14, 2026
Other passports
Rules depend on your nationality, so we do not guess. Before you book:
- Read your own government's travel advice first (US travellers: State Department page for Botswana).
- Not sure what your passport needs? Check the visa rules for your nationality (eVisas visa checker) or compare with VisaHQ. These are affiliate links: if you use their application service we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official government sites are usually cheaper and are linked above where we have them.
- Check your passport: many countries want it valid for 6 months after arrival and with blank pages.
- Check for an e-visa, travel authorisation or digital arrival card, and any vaccine rules (yellow fever is the common one).
- Ask your airline: they can refuse boarding if your documents do not match the rules.
Entry rules are set by each government and change without notice. This summary is for planning only and is not legal or immigration advice. Confirm on the official government website and with your airline before you book or travel. Voyaggora is not a government agency and does not process visas.
Essentials for travelers
Police 999 Ambulance 997 Fire 998 112 reported to work from mobiles (Wikipedia only)
- Plugs: type D, G, M
- Power: 230 V, 50 Hz
- Traffic drives on the left
- Tap water: generally safe
- Calling code: +267
Compiled by Voyaggora from IEC World Plugs, government and consular sources. Confidence: high. Check with your embassy or hotel before you rely on it in an emergency.
Local language
Botswana Tswana
Country names come from the Unicode CLDR. Phrases are short standard translations; show them on your phone to ask for help.
Health and safety numbers for Botswana
| Measure | Value | Year | What it means | World median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safely managed drinking water % of people | 63.3 | 2024 | Share of people whose drinking water is on their premises, available when needed and free from contamination. Origin: WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme. World Bank data page | 80.6 (151 countries) |
| Doctors per 1,000 people | 0.38 | 2023 | Generalist and specialist doctors for every 1,000 people. Origin: WHO Global Health Workforce Statistics, OECD, country data. World Bank data page | 1.62 (208 countries) |
| Hospital beds per 1,000 people | 2.36 | 2022 | Inpatient beds in public, private and specialist hospitals for every 1,000 people. Origin: WHO, country data. World Bank data page | 2.39 (201 countries) |
| Malaria cases per 1,000 people at risk | 0.20 | 2024 | New malaria cases in a year for every 1,000 people living in areas where malaria is present. Origin: WHO. World Bank data page | 3.83 (107 countries) |
| Measles vaccination % of children aged 12-23 months | 97 | 2024 | Share of young children who have had a measles vaccine dose. Origin: WHO/UNICEF. World Bank data page | 90 (193 countries) |
| Road traffic deaths per 100,000 people | 26.4 | 2019 | Estimated deaths from road traffic injuries for every 100,000 people. The newest year WHO published is 2019. Origin: WHO. World Bank data page | 14.9 (190 countries) |
| Intentional homicides per 100,000 people | 11.37 | 2021 | Unlawful deaths inflicted on a person with the intent to cause death or serious injury, for every 100,000 people. Origin: UNODC. World Bank data page | 2.61 (196 countries) |
These are yearly statistics, not live data. They are estimates by WHO, UNICEF, IHME and UNODC, republished by the World Bank, and they describe the whole country, not a city or resort. Countries measure and report these figures in different ways, and the year of the newest figure differs from row to row.
Official notice Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0). Underlying estimates by WHO, UNICEF, IHME and UNODC, republished by the World Bank, database updated 2026-11-11. World median worked out by Voyaggora from the same World Bank data (median of countries with data, each country's latest year). · checked
Local laws to know before you go (Government of Canada advice)
Written by the Government of Canada for Canadian travellers. Laws change; the full, current text is on the Government of Canada page.
Photography
Photographing military installations is prohibited. Seek permission before taking photos of official buildings or individuals.
Pornography
You could face a fine or a jail sentence if you access, produce and/or publish pornographic material.
Identification
You must carry photo identification, such as a photocopy of your passport. Keep another photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.
Official notice Source: Government of Canada, Travel Advice and Advisories for Botswana. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence - Canada. The text is the Government of Canada's own words, shown unchanged (long entries end at a full stop); Voyaggora adds nothing and interprets nothing (advice last updated October 14, 2026 08:32 EDT; data file generated 2026-10-14). · checked
Taiwan travel warning
- Level 3 (orange) 第三級：橙色避免前往 - 波札那共和國 - Botswana
Chinese label 橙色避免前往 (literally: orange, avoid going) · text is in Chinese: open the original · published
Live feed Source: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan (BOCA) (dataset data.gov.tw/dataset/116026, Government Open Data License v1.0). The Chinese title is shown unchanged; the English wording of the level is a literal translation by Voyaggora. This is Taiwan's own government warning and does not mean BOCA endorses Voyaggora. · checked
Emergency numbers in Botswana
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 999 |
| Ambulance (emergency medical services) | 997 |
| Fire (fire department) | 998 |
| Emergency (no service named in Wikidata) | 911 |
From Wikidata (CC0). Wikidata is edited by volunteers and lists a role only where an editor has recorded one; check locally, for example with your embassy or hotel, before you rely on a number.
Live feed Source: Wikidata, Wikidata property P2852 “emergency phone number” · Wikidata data is CC0 (public domain) · checked
Is Botswana on the UK visa national list?
The UK government lists Botswana among the nationalities that need a visa to visit the UK.
List: Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national list, paragraph VN 1.1(a), 115 countries and territorial entities. Latest change recorded by GOV.UK: Mar 5, 2026. This is only the visa national list; the Rules contain other conditions, so read the full page on GOV.UK.
Official notice Source: GOV.UK, UK Home Office · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 · checked
Is Botswana on the US Visa Waiver Program list (ESTA)?
Botswana is not on the list of countries DHS shows as currently designated for the US Visa Waiver Program.
DHS page “Last Updated”: Oct 28, 2026. The page lists countries; whether a particular traveller qualifies is set by DHS, see the page.
Official notice Source: Visa Waiver Program, US Department of Homeland Security · US government work, not subject to copyright (17 U.S.C. § 105) · checked
Canada visitor visa processing time for applications made from Botswana
IRCC’s processing-time tool answers the question “Where are you applying from?”. For visitor-visa applications made from Botswana, it shows:
- 479 days: Visitor visa (from outside Canada)
IRCC’s own figures, as of November 4, 2026. IRCC says: “Your application may take longer than the times shown here. They’re not a maximum or a guarantee.” The time depends on where the application is made, not on citizenship, and whether a visa or an eTA is needed depends on the traveller; check IRCC. Tool and details: IRCC check processing times.
Live feed Source: Check processing times, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · checked
More governments' travel advice for Botswana
Australia: Smartraveller (DFAT)
AU · Exercise normal safety precautions
“Exercise normal safety precautions in Botswana.”
Smartraveller page last changed Oct 9, 2026 · level and wording as published (text shortened to its opening sentences where long)
Read the official Australian advice
Live feed Source: Smartraveller (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence; terms on the Smartraveller copyright page). Attribution: “Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website - www.smartraveller.gov.au”. Not an endorsement of Voyaggora by the Australian Government. Checked .
Belgium: FPS Foreign Affairs
Belgium publishes its advice as text. The opening text of its ‘Laatste update’ page (in Dutch):
“Zolang de gebruikelijke voorzorgsmaatregelen nageleefd worden, kan er in Botswana doorgaans veilig gereisd worden. De Belgische ambassade in Pretoria (Zuid-Afrika) is bevoegd voor alle consulaire dienstverlening aan Belgen in Botswana.”
Laatst bijgewerkt op (last updated) Sep 15, 2026 · text quoted unchanged, long text shortened to its opening sentences
Read the official Belgian advice (Dutch) · Translate to English
Live feed Source: diplomatie.belgium.be, FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Belgium. Information free of rights (Creative Commons-0), legal notice. Source and date shown as the ministry recommends. Checked .
France: Conseils aux voyageurs (France Diplomatie)
FR · vigilance renforcée
“L’intégralité du pays est en vigilance renforcée.”
Level word, literal translation by Voyaggora: reinforced vigilance.
Sécurité: mise à jour le Sep 15, 2026; zones: actualisation le Mar 4, 2026 · text quoted unchanged
Read the official French advice (French) · Translate to English
Live feed Source: diplomatie.gouv.fr, Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères (France Diplomatie), Conseils aux voyageurs. Licence Ouverte / Open Licence version 2.0 (avril 2017), mentions légales; the source and the date of last update are shown as the licence requires. Excerpts are reproduced unchanged and may not show the whole advice: read the full official page. Not an endorsement of Voyaggora by the French government. Checked .
Each government’s own words and date, shown side by side. Voyaggora does not compare or rank them.
More live hazards and notices
Getting around
- Planets tonight Above the horizon after dark (about 20:08 local): Saturn. Calculated from astronomy (astral, Astronomy Engine) and the IANA time zone database.
Weather, sea and nature
- UV index forecast, Gaborone: peak 13.7 (extreme) around 10:00 UTC (Thu) in the next 24 hours, if the sky is clear. Cloud lowers it; protect your skin from 3 upward. Source: MET Norway (NLOD 2.0 and CC BY 4.0), forecast of 2026-11-12 01:17 UTC. Checked .
- Official forecast, Gaborone (5 days): 11-12: Partly Cloudy, 20 to 37 °C; 11-13: Partly Cloudy, 22 to 36 °C; 11-14: Thundershowers, 21 to 36 °C. Issued 2026-11-11 06:00:00 local time by Botswana Meteorological Services. Source: WMO World Weather Information Service, forecast supplied by the national weather service. Checked .
Events, holidays and sport
- Next public holidays: Christmas Day (Fri 25 Dec); Boxing Day (Sat 26 Dec); Boxing Day Holiday (Mon 28 Dec) · Shops, banks and attractions may close and prices rise. Computed with the open-source python-holidays library (MIT); check the official calendar.
Other live notices
- Daylight today in Gaborone (capital): sunrise 05:23, sunset 18:38 (13 h 15 min of daylight, local time Africa/Gaborone); moon: waxing crescent, about 5% lit. Calculated from astronomy (NOAA solar-position equations), accurate to a couple of minutes; not an official feed. Moon phase from the mean lunar cycle. Updated .
- Light and clocks in Gaborone (capital): Golden hour (soft photo light) 05:23 to 05:54 and 18:06 to 18:38; blue hour after sunset 18:38 to 19:12; daylight is growing by 1 minute a day. No clock change is scheduled in the next 14 months. Local time in Gaborone: UTC+2. Calculated from astronomy and the international time-zone database; governments can change clock rules at short notice, so check before you travel. Not an official feed.
Live feed Sources: NOAA / NWS (ash advisories from the ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres, aurora from the Space Weather Prediction Center), USGS, GeoNet New Zealand (CC BY 3.0 NZ) · checked
Model estimates, next 24 hoursBotswana
- Model forecast Next 24 hours in Gaborone (model forecast, not an official forecast): 21.6 to 38.6°C, dry, gusts to 47 km/h, cloud 5%. Derived from the NOAA GFS model output via the NOAA Open Data Dissemination programme. NOAA does not endorse this site.
- Air (model) Fine particles (PM2.5) in Gaborone, modelled for the next 24 hours: about 6 µg/m³, within the WHO 24-hour guideline of 15 µg/m³. A model estimate for the city, not a measurement. Derived from the NOAA GEFS-Aerosols model output via the NOAA Open Data Dissemination programme. NOAA does not endorse this site.
These are computer-model estimates from NOAA open model data (model run 11 Nov 18:00 UTC), not official forecasts, measurements or warnings. The official advisories, warnings and live sources for Botswana are listed on this page.
Pictures from space and the weather agenciesBotswana
Credits: We acknowledge the use of imagery provided by services from NASA's Global Imagery Browse Services (GIBS), part of NASA's Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS). NOAA pictures are public domain and shown unaltered; this is not an endorsement by NOAA. Click a picture to open it at its source.
Health and vaccines
Vaccines, malaria and yellow-fever certificate rules: TravelHealthPro country pages (UK Health Security Agency), CDC destination pages, UK Foreign Office health advice. Ask a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you go.
Airport weather right now
| Airport | Temperature | Wind | Visibility | Conditions | Reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaborone/Khama FBSK | 18°C / 64°F | 5 kt from 90° | 6+ mi | Clear flying weather |
Live feed Source: NOAA Aviation Weather Center · checked
Money
1 US dollar ≈ 13.55 BWP · 1 euro ≈ 15.16 BWP
Central-bank reference rate for Nov 11, 2026. Your card or exchange desk will differ.
Live feed Source: Frankfurter · checked
Official sources for Botswana
- Weather service: Botswana DMS
- Weather warnings: Official website
- Health ministry: Ministry of Health
- Main airport or aviation authority: Official website
- Railways: Botswana Railways
- Emergency number(s): 997 (health emergency/ambulance) (official page)
Links to the official government bodies, checked by us. Voyaggora does not run these sites. For anything urgent, use the official emergency number.
Voyaggora destination guides
Quick answers: is it safe to travel to Botswana?
- Is it safe to travel to Botswana right now?
- Official advice is to take normal or increased precautions. As of Nov 12, 03:43 UTC. The US State Department rates Botswana Level 2 of 4, "Increased caution". Canada says "Exercise a high degree of caution". The UK FCDO has no warnings against travel to Botswana. Advisory levels change and can vary by region within a country: check the official page before you travel. Sources: US State Department Canada UK FCDO.
- Are there any active weather or hazard alerts in Botswana right now?
- As of Nov 12, 03:43 UTC, Travel Live shows these live hazard and alert sections for Botswana: more live hazards and notices. Each one on this page names its official source and the time it was checked. Worldwide storms, earthquakes and disasters are on the Travel Live hub.
- What do the advisory levels mean?
- US State Department: Level 1 exercise normal precautions, Level 2 exercise increased caution, Level 3 reconsider travel, Level 4 do not travel. Canada: take normal security precautions, exercise a high degree of caution, avoid non-essential travel, avoid all travel. UK FCDO: it advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, to the whole country or to parts of it, or has no warnings. Each government uses its own scale, so the levels are not directly comparable.
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Voyaggora summarises official sources and is not a government service; always confirm with the official advisory before you travel.