In fact, if you have ever been asked to show proof of a COVID-19 test, you were required to provide results from a PCR test. These tests provide more accurate results than rapid tests, and that’s because they use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify the viral genetic material of COVID-19.
Open – Botswana reopened its borders for International guests on 9 November 2020.
Access into Botswana
Entry into the country is through Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Maun International Airport, and Kasane International Airport.
Land borders are open including Kazangula Road and Kazangula Bridge.
Entry Requirements
- Botswana has lifted all Covid-19 related entry requirements.
COVID-19 Testing
PLEASE NOTE:
THE BELOW INFORMATION PERTAINS TO GUESTS TRAVELING WITH ABERCROMBIE & KENT – SOUTHERN AFRICA. WE ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO OFFER ANY CONSULTATION OR GIVE ADVICE TO EXTERNAL PARTIES REGARDING COVID-19 TESTING WITHOUT HAVING BEEN PART OF THE BOOKING PROCESS.
- Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp & Baines’ Camp
We can arrange for a qualified practitioner to fly into the camp to conduct a PCR test. The service is available Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 16:45 and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 14:45. Test results are available within 24 to 36 hours which will be emailed to the camp and they will hand guests a printed copy. Approximate cost: US$212 per person (based on two people) and is payable at the camp on check-out. Payment: Cash and credit cards are accepted.(American Express and Diners are not accepted). - Sanctuary Chief’s Camp
We can arrange for a qualified practitioner to fly into the camp to conduct a PCR test. The service is available Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 16:45 and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 14:45. Test results are available within 24 to 36 hours which will be emailed to the camp and they will hand guests a printed copy. Approximate cost: US$370 per person (based on two people) and is payable at the camp on check-out. Payment: Cash and credit cards are accepted. (American Express and Diners are not accepted). - Okavango Delta Lodges and Camps
We can arrange for a qualified practitioner to fly into the lodge guests are staying at (selected lodges and camps) to conduct a PCR test. The service is available Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 16:45 and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 14:45. Test results are available within 24 to 36 hours which will be emailed to the camp and they will hand the guests a printed copy. Approximate cost: US$450 per person and is payable at the lodge on check-out. Payment: Cash and credit cards are accepted. (American Express and Diners are not accepted). - Kasane (Preferred)
We can arrange for a qualified practitioner from CT Diagnostics to visit the lodge guests are staying at to conduct a PCR test. The service is available Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 20:00. Test results are available within 24 hours and guests will have to overnight in the Kasane or Chobe area while waiting for the results. A printed copy will be handed to the guest. Approximate cost: US$85 per person and is payable on check-out at the lodge. Payment: Cash and credit cards are accepted. - Kasane
We can arrange for a qualified practitioner to visit the lodge guests are staying at to conduct a PCR test. The service is available Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 20:00. Test results are available within 24 hours and guests will have to overnight in the Kasane or Chobe area while waiting for the results. A printed copy will be handed to the guest. Approximate cost: US$180 per person and is payable directly to the practitioner. Payment: Cash (Botswana Pula only) and credit cards are accepted. - Maun
There are PCR testing facilities available at the Okavango Air Rescue facility in Maun. We can arrange transfers to the testing facility and back to the guest’s hotel/lodge. The service is available Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 18:00. Test results are available within 24 to 48 hours and guests will have to overnight in Maun while waiting for the results. Approximate cost: US$120 per person and is payable to the testing facility directly. Payment: Online credit cards only.
We are merely acting as a facilitator in order to assist Guests who require a COVID-19 test. Guests are solely liable for settling all COVID-19-related fees and costs which are paid for on the ground at the time of testing. All testing is carried out by third parties with no association or affiliation to us and we are not liable or responsible for any issues, delays, or problems encountered during the testing process or the performance or nonperformance of the testing facilities.
Please note: The above information has been researched with the utmost care. However, we can provide no guarantee of accuracy, and the information and detail change regularly. Please always check travel restrictions both in your home country and the destination you are traveling to before you book and before travel.
How much is the new PCR test?
PCR tests cost £49 and lateral flow tests £24. Should you require multiple tests for your trip then please book them all individually.
Do you need a PCR test to enter Botswana?
There is no requirement for a COVID-19 test to enter Botswana.
What vaccines do I need for Botswana?
Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A; Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider are Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines – only for those individuals at highest risk: none.
Do I need to take malaria tablets for Botswana?
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.
Is there a risk of yellow fever in Botswana?
There is no risk of Yellow Fever in Botswana. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited more than 12 hours through the airport of a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.