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Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Country Information > Botswana Intercountry Adoption Information

Intercountry Adoption

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Country Information

Travel.State.Gov > Intercountry Adoption > Country Information > Botswana Intercountry Adoption Information

Botswana

Botswana
Republic of Botswana
Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime.

Updated to include information on crime.

Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime.

Country Summary: Crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana.  Potentially violent crimes, such as home invasions, break-ins, “smash and grabs” from vehicles stopped at intersections and from locked cars in shopping mall parking lots, cell phone thefts, and muggings are routinely reported to police.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Botswana.

If you decide to travel to Botswana:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and leave originals in your hotel safe.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Botswana.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
Yes
Are Intercountry Adoptions between this country and the United States possible?
No
ALL / ALL /

Hague Convention Information

Intercountry adoption is not possible from Botswana at this time, except for transition cases as discussed below. For more information please see the Related Notice:

Botswana Transition Cases

With reference to our Adoption Notice dated March 1, 2023, Botswana has confirmed that it will continue to process certain adoption cases under the non-Convention process in effect prior to March 1. These cases are those in which a U.S. citizen filed a Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, or a Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, prior to March 1, 2023, or in which a final adoption was completed prior to March 1, 2023. CI will continue to coordinate with adoption authorities in Botswana on issues related to “transition cases” and Botswana's accession to the Hague Adoption Convention. 

We are in the process of updating our Country Information Sheet for Botswana. Please continue to monitor adoption.state.gov for updated information as it becomes available. If you have any questions about this notice, please contact the Office of Children’s Issues at adoption@state.gov

Last Updated: February 6, 2025

Adoption Notices

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Gaborone
Embassy Drive, Government Enclave
Gaborone, Botswana
Telephone
+(267) 395-3982
Emergency
(+267) 373-2222
Fax
+(267) 318-0232
Email
consulargaborone@state.gov
Website
https://bw.usembassy.gov/

Botswana Map

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Adoption Statistics

Adoptions from Botswana to U.S. by Year:
SEE ALL STATISTICS
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