Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa and travelers might only encounter petty crime. Most tourism in Botswana is centered around Gaborone, Francistown, and the tourist capital, Maun. The good news is Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta doesn’t experience high levels of crime.
Health advise due to COVID-19 is continually changing. Rules and restrictions to prevent outbreaks can change quickly. It’s important to regularly check the rules in the destinations you’re traveling to and transiting through.
Read our global health advisory and a step-by-step guide to travel during COVID-19 for more information.
Safety
- Attacks on tourists are rare. But violent crime, break-ins, and carjackings can happen. Be alert, particularly if you’re out after dark.
- Criminals have robbed travelers around Gaborone Dam and Kgale Hill. Be careful in these areas.
- Wildlife attacks and waterborne diseases can happen. Don’t swim in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Full travel advice: Safety
Health
- COVID-19 remains a risk in Botswana.
- The HIV/AIDS infection rate is very high. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus. If you’re sexually or physically assaulted, seek medical help straight away.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are over one year old and traveling from a country where yellow fever is widespread. Get vaccinated before you travel.
- Malaria is present in Botswana and widespread in the north. Other insect-borne diseases including filariasis (commonly known as elephantiasis) occur. Use insect repellent and make sure your accommodation is insect-proof.
- Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases are widespread. Only drink boiled or bottled water. Some drug-resistant tuberculosis cases have recently occurred in Botswana. Take extra precautions.
- Medical facilities outside urban areas are limited. If you’re seriously ill or injured, you may have to be evacuated. Medical evacuation is expensive and hard to organize. Check if your insurance covers this.
Full travel advice: Health
Local laws
- Botswana has the death penalty for serious crimes, including murder and treason. Some crimes, such as serious assaults, have physical punishment.
- Exporting elephant hair, ivory, and rhinoceros horn products is illegal. You need a permit or receipt from a licensed store to export animal souvenirs or ‘trophies’.
- It’s illegal to possess pornography or take photos of military or government installations.
- Same-sex relationships are legal but aren’t widely accepted. Avoid public displays of affection. Take care not to offend.
- Botswana only recognizes dual nationality up to the age of 21.
Full travel advice: Local laws
Travel
- To enter Botswana, you don’t need a visa if you’re a tourist visiting for up to 90 days. If you’re traveling with children you may need extra documents. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest high commission or consulate of Botswana for the latest details.
- If you enter Botswana from Ebola-affected countries, you may be screened. You may be denied entry or quarantined on arrival.
- Immigration regulations apply to you if you’re younger than 18 years old. If you don’t comply with the rules, you might be deported on arrival or stopped from boarding your plane.
- Respect wildlife laws and keep a safe and legal distance when watching wildlife. Only use reputable guides or tour operators. Follow park regulations and wardens’ advice.
Is Botswana safe for foreigners?
Botswana is one of the most stable countries in Africa and of the top 10 safest countries to visit in the world. Tourism is well developed in Botswana, in a contrast to its neighboring countries, and is somewhat distanced from crime across Africa.
Is visiting Botswana safe?
Street crime
Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa and travelers might only encounter petty crime. Most tourism in Botswana is centered around Gaborone, Francistown, and the tourist capital, Maun. The good news is Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta doesn’t experience high levels of crime.
Is Botswana a good place to live?
Botswana has a low crime rate compared to other countries in Africa. There is also no recent history of terrorism and violent attacks on tourists are very rare. Expats moving to Botswana should keep in mind that it is a developing country where many people live in poverty.
Is Botswana friendly?
People from Botswana, known as Batswana, are friendly and helpful. They are proud of their country and culture. Some seemingly small parts of communication are important to the culture, for example, greeting, respecting the elderly, and making eye contact (too little eye contact is viewed with suspicion).