Botswana

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 999 for police
• Dial 992 for ambulance
• Dial 14655 for free tele-counselling and Dial +267-74-265-081 for the emergency domestic violence hotline (Botswana Gender-based Violence Prevention and Support Center- BGBVC)

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur and they may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Organized criminal activities

• Organized criminal activity targeting both residents and visitors can occur.
• “Smash and grabs” from vehicles can occur. This can happen at intersections or in shopping mall parking lots, even if the car is locked.
• Coordinated home invasions and break-ins can occur.

Crime risk for U.S. citizens

U.S. citizens can be victims of crime in Botswana.

• Thieves look for easy opportunities to steal.
• Money and personal belongings, like cell phones, are the most common targets.
• Crime happens everywhere, including hotels, lodges, game parks, nature reserves, and remote tourist areas.
• Muggings can occur at knife point. If criminals confront you, do what they say right away. Fighting back can lead to serious injury or worse.

Special warning for travelers coming through South Africa

• Be extra careful if you fly through Johannesburg or Tambo Airport or Cape Town Airport. Thieves often steal items from luggage at these airports.
• Criminals sometimes follow foreigners from the Johannesburg airport and rob them later.
• Theft from bags and luggage is common, especially at South African airports when passing through Botswana, always lock your luggage.

Police responsiveness

The Botswana Police Service is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

• Dial 999 for police services. 

Scams

• Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.
• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 999.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• Dial 999 for the local police service.
• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime. You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. 
• Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Botswana seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Botswana legalized same-sex relationships in November 2021, and there are no laws against same-sex relations or lesbian or gay events. However, lesbian and gay people still face discrimination and negative attitudes, especially in villages and rural areas outside the capital.

• Lesbian and gay travelers should be careful about showing affection in public.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Botswana prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.

• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, access to services, and ease of movement or access.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, information, and general infrastructure.
• The government mandates access to public buildings and transportation for persons with disabilities, but civil society sources report access for people with disabilities is limited.
• Many privately owned buildings and businesses, and older government buildings remain inaccessible.
• The law does not specifically include air travel with other modes of transportation. However, the government provides people with disabilities access to air transportation. Social acceptance of people with disabilities in public is not as common as in the United States. Travelers with disabilities should be prepared for limited accessibility and may encounter challenges in requesting accommodations or assistance, particularly outside major urban areas.
• Practical implementation and social acceptance lag behind U.S. standards.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Botswana Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 992 for emergency medical services. 

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available. However, training and response time of emergency responders may poor.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Botswana. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in Gaborone and other major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Be aware that some lodges have exclusive agreements with medical providers. This may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medication

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with the Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority to ensure the medication is legal in Botswana.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Botswana does not allow the importation of marijuana even with prescription. Do not carry marijuana or its derivatives.  

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Botswana to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is legal but largely unregulated in Botswana with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Botswana courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Botswana via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.
• People who don’t follow local law risk legal consequences. 

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water may not be safe to drink.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day. (The Water Utilities Corporation may ration water during times of drought).
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Restaurants and hotels may serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Botswana.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• Review our Medicine and Health page for general health information

Transportation

Emergency phone numbers

For road emergencies:

• Dial 999 for police.
• Dial 992 for ambulance.

Road conditions and safety

Roads in major population centers are generally good. Rural roads can be in poor condition.

• Traffic lights and streetlamps often do not work properly.
• Approach traffic lights with caution as opposing traffic frequently continues well after a red light.
• Long stretches of 2-lane highways lack shoulders or lights.
• High speed limits are common on highways.
• Free-range domestic animals frequently cross or occupy roadways.
• Intoxicated drivers pose a significant hazard.
• Many pedestrians and hitchhikers walk in the roadways.
• Fatal accidents are a frequent occurrence.
• Accident risk is especially high on weekends, or on end-of-month Friday paydays.

Traffic laws

A valid international driver's license is required to drive in Botswana.

• Traffic circulates on the left.
• Vehicle registration documents are required.
• Drivers should always carry their international driver's license and vehicle registration documents.
• You must report traffic accidents to the Botswana police service.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Taxis are generally safe and can be arranged through hotels or at airport.
• Uber is not available in Botswana.
• inDrive is one option for ride-shares in major cities.

Public and commercial transportation

• Locals take a shared minibus called combis. Tourists usually do not take combis.
• Scheduled coach bus service is available between Botswana and South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia and is generally a safe mode of transport.
• There is an internal bus system connecting major cities and villages.
• Visit the website of Botswana’s national tourist office.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Botswana’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.  
• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Drought

Common from May to October.

• Botswana is a semi-arid country and experiences recurring droughts.
• Severe droughts lead to water shortages and rationing.
• Droughts affect farming, livestock, wildlife, and tourism.
• For Botswana specific meteorological information, when available, check here

Extreme heat

Common from October to March.

• Temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F) in some areas.
• There is risk of heat-related illness and dehydration, especially outdoor activities.
• Power outages during heatwaves can make conditions worse.

Flooding and heavy rains

Common from November to March.

• Flash floods can occur in low-lying areas.
• The Okavango Delta floods annually typically from March to July.
• Roads may become impassable, especially in rural areas.
• Urban drainage systems in cities like Gaborone can be overwhelmed during heavy rains.

Severe thunderstorms and lightning

Severe thunderstorms with lightning strikes are common during the rainy season from November to March.

• Lightning strikes can be fatal and cause property damage.
• Power outages frequently occur during storms.
• Hailstorms occasionally occur and can damage property and vehicles.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Residency applicants and document certification for Botswana

You must have original or certified copies of your birth and marriage certificates for residency applications, per Botswana’s Ministry of Nationality, Immigration, and Gender Affairs website.

• U.S. citizens applying for residency in Botswana should have their birth and marriage certificates apostilled by the U.S. state where the documents were issued before coming to Botswana.
• Only the Secretary of State in the U.S. state where the birth or marriage certificates were issued is authorized to apostille those documents. A list of these authorities in each state can be found on the Hague website.
• Teachers moving to Botswana to teach should contact the registrar's office at their school or college to get official copies of their transcripts.
• Review the Department of State website regarding the types of documents that can and cannot be authenticated by the U.S. embassy. 

Embassies and consulates