Travel Advisory for Republic of Botswana
This page provides a comprehensive comparison of official government travel advisories for Republic of Botswana from multiple trusted international sources including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Spain, Ireland, and Japan. Each government assesses travel risks independently based on their own intelligence, diplomatic relationships, and risk assessment criteria. By comparing these different perspectives, travelers can make more informed decisions about their safety and security when visiting Republic of Botswana.
The information below is aggregated from official government sources and analyzed to provide you with a unified view of the current travel situation. Last updated: 2026-09-07
AdvisoryAtlas.com Risk Level
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Range: Level 1 to Level 2
AdvisoryAtlas.com Safety Index
65
Safety Index Score
Overview
Botswana offers a generally safe travel experience with a low crime rate compared to its neighbors. However, visitors should exercise a high degree of caution due to prevalent petty and violent crime, particularly in urban and border areas. Vigilance is key, especially concerning road safety, wildlife encounters, and health precautions for infectious diseases.
Detailed Advisory Summary
Botswana, a landlocked nation in Southern Africa, generally maintains a stable and welcoming environment for international visitors. The country's primary appeal lies in its stunning natural beauty, including the Okavango Delta and extensive wildlife reserves. While the overall perception of safety is good, particularly outside major urban centers, travelers are advised to exercise increased caution due to various safety and security concerns. Crime, ranging from petty theft like pickpocketing and bag snatching to more serious incidents such as home burglaries, carjackings, and 'smash-and-grabs' from vehicles, is reported across the country, with higher incidence in cities like Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun, and especially near borders with South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Organized criminal networks involved in illegal arms and drug trafficking contribute to violent crime, though tourists are not typically direct targets.
Road safety is a significant concern, with frequent fatal accidents attributed to factors like driving under the influence, aggressive driving, poor road conditions in rural areas, and the presence of pedestrians, livestock, and wildlife on roads. Night driving is strongly discouraged. Public transportation, particularly minibuses ('kombis'), can be overcrowded and poorly maintained, making licensed taxis a safer option in major cities. Medical facilities, especially outside Gaborone, are often below international standards and may lack essential supplies, necessitating comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation to South Africa or Europe.
The country experiences seasonal climate challenges, including heavy rains from November to March that can cause severe flooding, particularly in the Chobe District and Okavango Delta, impacting travel and infrastructure. Droughts, common from May to October, can lead to water shortages. Wildlife encounters require extreme caution, especially in unfenced areas, emphasizing the need for reputable guides and strict adherence to park regulations. Local laws are strict regarding drug offenses, photography of military/government installations, and the trade of protected animal products. While same-sex relationships are legal, public displays of affection may still attract negative attention due to societal attitudes. Overall, a well-prepared and informed traveler can enjoy Botswana's unique offerings by prioritizing personal safety, adhering to local regulations, and securing adequate insurance.
Road safety is a significant concern, with frequent fatal accidents attributed to factors like driving under the influence, aggressive driving, poor road conditions in rural areas, and the presence of pedestrians, livestock, and wildlife on roads. Night driving is strongly discouraged. Public transportation, particularly minibuses ('kombis'), can be overcrowded and poorly maintained, making licensed taxis a safer option in major cities. Medical facilities, especially outside Gaborone, are often below international standards and may lack essential supplies, necessitating comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation to South Africa or Europe.
The country experiences seasonal climate challenges, including heavy rains from November to March that can cause severe flooding, particularly in the Chobe District and Okavango Delta, impacting travel and infrastructure. Droughts, common from May to October, can lead to water shortages. Wildlife encounters require extreme caution, especially in unfenced areas, emphasizing the need for reputable guides and strict adherence to park regulations. Local laws are strict regarding drug offenses, photography of military/government installations, and the trade of protected animal products. While same-sex relationships are legal, public displays of affection may still attract negative attention due to societal attitudes. Overall, a well-prepared and informed traveler can enjoy Botswana's unique offerings by prioritizing personal safety, adhering to local regulations, and securing adequate insurance.
Risk Level Summary by Government Source
| Source | Risk Level | Updated | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Affairs Canada | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-07-29 | View Source → |
| U.S. Department of State | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-07-09 | View Source → |
| Ministère des Affaires Étrangères | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-09-03 | View Source → |
| Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-06-01 | View Source → |
| Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-02-25 | View Source → |
| Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-05-26 | View Source → |
| Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland) | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-02-26 | View Source → |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-07-21 | View Source → |
| Auswärtiges Amt | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-07-09 | View Source → |
| New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Unknown | 2026-06-07 | View Source → |
| Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE) | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-02-23 | View Source → |
| Regjeringen (Norway) | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-06-11 | View Source → |
| Nederland Wereldwijd (Netherlands) | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-09-07 | View Source → |
| Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy) | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-03-19 | View Source → |
| BMEIA (Austria) | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-03-02 | View Source → |
| 0404 (Korea) | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-07-31 | View Source → |
| Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Finland) | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-03-04 | View Source → |
Safety and Security Analysis
Vaccination Information
Required Vaccines
- Yellow Fever: Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
Recommended for Most Travelers
- Routine Vaccines: Ensure all routine vaccinations, such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), and polio, are up-to-date.
- Hepatitis A: Vaccination is recommended for all travelers to areas where hepatitis A is present due to risk from contaminated food or water.
- Hepatitis B: Vaccination is recommended for all travelers due to the risk of transmission through blood and body fluids.
Recommended for Some Travelers
- Typhoid: Recommended based on travel conditions and duration of stay, especially in areas with precarious hygiene.
- Tuberculosis: Recommended for children under 15 in cases of frequent or prolonged stays, or for high-risk travelers visiting prisons, refugee camps, or hospitals.
- Rabies: Vaccination may be recommended for people at higher risk of exposure, such as veterinarians, wildlife workers, children, adventure travelers, and those in close contact with animals.
- Malaria: Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling, particularly for northern districts.
- Mpox: Vaccination is recommended for eligible individuals in case of exposure to risk, as advised by a healthcare provider.
Always consult a travel health care provider well in advance of your trip to discuss specific vaccination needs based on your itinerary and activities. Practice safe food and water precautions by consuming only safely prepared food, boiled or bottled water, and avoiding raw or undercooked items. Protect yourself from mosquito and tick bites by using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and ensuring accommodation is insect-proof. Avoid contact with animals, especially stray dogs and wildlife, to reduce the risk of rabies. Be aware of the high HIV/AIDS infection rate in Botswana and take appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that increase exposure risk.
Visa Information
Visa Types
| Type | Requirement | Stay Limit | Cost | Conditions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Free | 90 days | Check Embassy | Passport valid for 6 months beyond departure, 3 blank pages. |
|
| Business | Free | 90 days | Check Embassy | Passport valid for 6 months beyond departure, 3 blank pages. |
|
| Work Permit | Required | Varies | Check Embassy | Subject to employment contract and local immigration approval. |
|
| Student | Required | Varies | Check Embassy | Subject to enrollment in an educational institution and local immigration approval. |
|
Entry & Legal Compliance
- Passport Validity Needed: 6 months beyond departure date
- Blank Pages Required: 3
- Dual Citizenship Policy: Recognized up to age 21; renunciation required to retain Botswanan citizenship thereafter.
- Proof Of Onward Travel: May be required by immigration officials or airlines upon entry.
- Currency Limit Declaration: 10,000 BWP (or equivalent foreign currency)
- Drone Usage Law: Registration and permission required from Botswana Civil Aviation Authority.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 999
- Medical Assistance/Ambulance: 997
- Firefighters: 998
- Medical Rescue International (MRI): 992 (Private, paid service)
- Rescue One: 993 (Private, paid service, weekdays only)
- Okavango Air Rescue: 995 (Okavango area and Maun surroundings)
- Gaborone Private Hospital: +267 390 1999 (24/7)
- Botswana Gender-based Violence Prevention and Support Center (BGBVC) Hotline: +267 74 265 081
Common Scams & Tourist Traps
- Be wary of individuals claiming to be U.S. military personnel or those detained/hospitalized abroad, often requesting money.
- Romance and online dating scams are common; always exercise caution when engaging with unknown individuals online.
- Beware of 'grandparent' or 'relative' targeting scams where fraudsters impersonate family members in distress to solicit money.
- Free trip, lottery, or inheritance notices are often phishing attempts to steal personal information or money.
- Be cautious of offers for work permits or job opportunities that require upfront payments or unusual personal information.
- Credit card skimming at ATMs and phishing attempts via fake messages are frequently reported; always inspect machines and be skeptical of unsolicited communications.
Cultural Etiquette in Republic of Botswana
Do
- Always carry photo identification, such as a photocopy of your passport, and keep the original in a secure place.
- When photographing individuals, always ask for their permission as a sign of respect.
- Drive defensively and be highly aware of pedestrians, livestock, and wildlife on the roads, especially outside urban areas.
- Monitor local media for information on weather, road conditions, or any ongoing demonstrations.
- Dress modestly when visiting rural areas or religious sites to show respect for local customs.
- Declare foreign currency equivalent to or greater than 10,000 BWP upon entry or exit to comply with local regulations.
Don't
- Do not photograph military installations or government buildings without explicit prior permission, as this is strictly prohibited.
- Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in urban areas and less populated zones, due to crime risks.
- Do not display large sums of cash or expensive jewelry unnecessarily, as this can attract unwanted attention from criminals.
- Do not swim in untreated freshwater bodies like lakes and rivers due to the risk of water-borne diseases and dangerous wildlife.
- Do not interfere with funeral processions, as passing them can be interpreted as disrespectful and elicit strong disapproval.
- Avoid touching or feeding wild animals, and always maintain a safe and legal distance from wildlife in national parks and reserves.
Advisory Comparison by Government Source
Global Affairs Canada
Updated: 2026-07-29
The Canadian advisory for Botswana emphasizes exercising a high degree of caution due to crime, occurring throughout the country but particularly in border areas and major cities. It highlights the prevalence of petty crime, 'smash-and-grabs,' and violent incidents like home burglaries and carjackings, noting that police response times and services may be below Canadian standards. A unique insight is the mention of organized criminal networks smuggling weapons, leading to violent spillovers.
The advisory also provides detailed guidance on wildlife safety in national parks, stressing the importance of hiring reputable guides and adhering to park regulations due to unfenced areas and dangerous animals. It offers specific advice for road safety, noting frequent fatal accidents due to drunk driving, pedestrians, wildlife, and poor rural road conditions. For health, it details required and recommended vaccinations, along with specific disease risks like malaria in certain areas and schistosomiasis from freshwater contact. The advisory also uniquely details Botswana's dual citizenship policy up to age 21 and specific documentation requirements for minors traveling.
The advisory also provides detailed guidance on wildlife safety in national parks, stressing the importance of hiring reputable guides and adhering to park regulations due to unfenced areas and dangerous animals. It offers specific advice for road safety, noting frequent fatal accidents due to drunk driving, pedestrians, wildlife, and poor rural road conditions. For health, it details required and recommended vaccinations, along with specific disease risks like malaria in certain areas and schistosomiasis from freshwater contact. The advisory also uniquely details Botswana's dual citizenship policy up to age 21 and specific documentation requirements for minors traveling.
U.S. Department of State
Updated: 2026-07-09
The U.S. State Department issues a Level 2 advisory: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime, detailing both petty and potentially violent crimes like home invasions and 'smash and grabs.' A notable warning is for travelers transiting through Johannesburg or Tambo Airport in South Africa, where thieves often steal items from luggage, and criminals sometimes follow foreigners from the airport to rob them later.
The advisory provides extensive health information from the CDC, including details on various diseases and the unreliability of medical evacuation in remote regions, especially at night. It uniquely mentions that Botswana does not accept the 12-page U.S. emergency passport for visa-free entry. Furthermore, it offers specific guidance on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy, noting that while legal, it is largely unregulated with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents, potentially leading to long delays in documenting a child's birth or citizenship status.
The advisory provides extensive health information from the CDC, including details on various diseases and the unreliability of medical evacuation in remote regions, especially at night. It uniquely mentions that Botswana does not accept the 12-page U.S. emergency passport for visa-free entry. Furthermore, it offers specific guidance on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy, noting that while legal, it is largely unregulated with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents, potentially leading to long delays in documenting a child's birth or citizenship status.
Ministère des Affaires Étrangères
Updated: 2026-09-03
France Diplomatie places the entire country under reinforced vigilance, highlighting that road risks are significant due to slow emergency response times and limited healthcare capacity outside of major cities. A key distinction is the warning about the limited capacity of the French Embassy in Botswana to assist citizens in a crisis, advising travelers to ensure they have sufficient financial means and insurance for potential hospitalization or evacuation to Johannesburg.
The advisory specifically names Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun as cities where vigilance against crime, particularly muggings, is necessary. It provides detailed recommendations for road travel outside major cities, including carrying a GPS, satellite phone, ample water (5 liters per person), food, a first-aid kit, and a second spare tire, and advises traveling in two vehicles while informing a third party of the itinerary. It also uniquely notes water cuts in Gaborone and its region due to problems with water production, storage, and distribution, in addition to the risks of drought and flooding.
The advisory specifically names Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun as cities where vigilance against crime, particularly muggings, is necessary. It provides detailed recommendations for road travel outside major cities, including carrying a GPS, satellite phone, ample water (5 liters per person), food, a first-aid kit, and a second spare tire, and advises traveling in two vehicles while informing a third party of the itinerary. It also uniquely notes water cuts in Gaborone and its region due to problems with water production, storage, and distribution, in addition to the risks of drought and flooding.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Updated: 2026-06-01
The UK FCDO advises exercising normal safety precautions but highlights that violent crime is increasing, particularly in major towns, and mentions hold-ups and robberies of restaurants during peak hours. A distinct warning is about criminals targeting cars at traffic lights, recommending keeping doors locked and windows closed, and avoiding carrying luggage in sight. It also explicitly states that house burglaries by armed gangs are common, with isolated room break-ins and theft from lodges in the Chobe area.
The advisory uniquely notes that Botswana has a high number of sexual assaults, advising women to take care and avoid walking alone at night. It details specific penalties for drug offenses, including fines up to 500,000 pulas (about £30,000) or prison sentences up to 25 years. For driving, it clarifies that a UK photocard driving licence is valid for up to 90 days, after which a Botswanan license is required, and warns about stricter requirements from hire car companies. It also mentions malaria spreading to areas where it is not usually present as of April 2025.
The advisory uniquely notes that Botswana has a high number of sexual assaults, advising women to take care and avoid walking alone at night. It details specific penalties for drug offenses, including fines up to 500,000 pulas (about £30,000) or prison sentences up to 25 years. For driving, it clarifies that a UK photocard driving licence is valid for up to 90 days, after which a Botswanan license is required, and warns about stricter requirements from hire car companies. It also mentions malaria spreading to areas where it is not usually present as of April 2025.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Updated: 2026-02-25
Smartraveller advises Exercise normal safety precautions but points out that violent crime, residential break-ins, 'smash and grab' theft, and carjackings, particularly of 4WD vehicles, occur. It specifically warns about crime in the areas of Gaborone Dam and Kgale Hill. A unique detail is the mention of drink spiking and methanol poisoning risks, advising travelers to be alert and only consume branded, sealed drinks.
The advisory also notes that some drug-resistant tuberculosis cases have recently occurred and emphasizes that exporting elephant hair, ivory, and rhinoceros horn products is illegal, requiring government permits or licensed store receipts for animal souvenirs. It clarifies that Botswana only recognizes dual nationality up to the age of 21 and requires Australian emergency passports to have a visa obtained before arrival. The advisory also provides specific guidance for children traveling through South Africa, requiring a full, official birth certificate and parental consent forms.
The advisory also notes that some drug-resistant tuberculosis cases have recently occurred and emphasizes that exporting elephant hair, ivory, and rhinoceros horn products is illegal, requiring government permits or licensed store receipts for animal souvenirs. It clarifies that Botswana only recognizes dual nationality up to the age of 21 and requires Australian emergency passports to have a visa obtained before arrival. The advisory also provides specific guidance for children traveling through South Africa, requiring a full, official birth certificate and parental consent forms.
Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores
Updated: 2026-05-26
Spain's advisory notes a general degradation of security in major cities over recent years and recommends an international driving permit for driving and vehicle rental. It uniquely emphasizes the lack of phone coverage in parts of Botswana, especially tourist areas, which can hinder emergency assistance. The advisory provides specific speed limits for different road types (120 km/h on paved, 80 km/h on dirt, 60 km/h in national parks) and cautions against illegal diamond trafficking.
Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland)
Updated: 2026-02-26
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs advises Normal Precautions, stating that crime remains relatively low compared to neighbors, though recent increases have been noted. A key piece of advice for driving in rural areas is to carry enough drinking water, some food, and a second spare tire due to long distances between urban centers and minimal services. It also uniquely recommends against handing over your passport as security when hiring a vehicle and to keep it in sight if photocopied.
The advisory highlights that Botswana has one of the highest HIV and AIDS infection rates in the world, urging appropriate precautions and immediate medical attention if exposure is suspected. It also warns about tick bites for those camping or walking in the bush. For emergency assistance, it clarifies that as there is no Irish Embassy in Botswana, consular assistance is provided via the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, and a police report is required for any travel insurance claims related to lost or stolen passports.
The advisory highlights that Botswana has one of the highest HIV and AIDS infection rates in the world, urging appropriate precautions and immediate medical attention if exposure is suspected. It also warns about tick bites for those camping or walking in the bush. For emergency assistance, it clarifies that as there is no Irish Embassy in Botswana, consular assistance is provided via the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, and a police report is required for any travel insurance claims related to lost or stolen passports.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Updated: 2026-07-21
The Japanese advisory highlights a predicted increase in crime due to structural problems like high youth unemployment, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and worsening droughts. It specifically mentions recent cases involving Japanese nationals, including car break-ins, street robberies, and attempted home invasions in Gaborone, and frequent skimming and phishing scams.
A unique and concerning insight is the mention that some Asian foreigners, who habitually carry large sums of cash, are often targeted by robbers, and an Asian person was killed in a home invasion in March 2024. It warns that Japanese individuals might be mistaken for these targets. The advisory also notes the expansion of criminal organizations, including illegal immigrants, and an increase in weapons and drug smuggling, leading to violent crimes. It provides specific areas in Gaborone, like Broadhurst and Kgale Hill, where crime is frequent and extra caution is needed. Furthermore, it details specific documents required for minors traveling, including birth certificates and affidavits, depending on accompaniment status.
A unique and concerning insight is the mention that some Asian foreigners, who habitually carry large sums of cash, are often targeted by robbers, and an Asian person was killed in a home invasion in March 2024. It warns that Japanese individuals might be mistaken for these targets. The advisory also notes the expansion of criminal organizations, including illegal immigrants, and an increase in weapons and drug smuggling, leading to violent crimes. It provides specific areas in Gaborone, like Broadhurst and Kgale Hill, where crime is frequent and extra caution is needed. Furthermore, it details specific documents required for minors traveling, including birth certificates and affidavits, depending on accompaniment status.
Auswärtiges Amt
Updated: 2026-07-09
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Updated: 2026-06-07
New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade currently issues No advice level for Botswana, indicating a similar security environment to New Zealand. However, it strongly recommends comprehensive medical and travel insurance, including provision for medical evacuation by air. A distinctive feature is its general regional health advice for Africa, which applies to Botswana.
This includes warnings about insect-borne diseases like malaria, Zika, and African tick bite fever, and infectious diseases such as HIV and rabies. It advises specific immunizations like yellow fever (if coming from risk countries), tetanus, Hepatitis A, and typhoid. The advisory also uniquely mentions that medical services in Africa can be limited and advises travelers to tell their health practitioner where they went and what they did during their trip if they feel unwell upon return.
This includes warnings about insect-borne diseases like malaria, Zika, and African tick bite fever, and infectious diseases such as HIV and rabies. It advises specific immunizations like yellow fever (if coming from risk countries), tetanus, Hepatitis A, and typhoid. The advisory also uniquely mentions that medical services in Africa can be limited and advises travelers to tell their health practitioner where they went and what they did during their trip if they feel unwell upon return.
Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE)
Updated: 2026-02-23
Switzerland considers travel to Botswana generally safe but advises avoiding demonstrations due to potential overflows. A key insight is the emphasis on careful itinerary planning for remote areas, preferably with a guide in nature reserves, due to the country's vastness and isolation. It uniquely notes the difficulty in obtaining international or local information from inside the country due to lack of internet and incomplete mobile phone coverage in tourist regions.
The advisory highlights a resurgence of theft and burglaries in major cities, sometimes accompanied by violence, and specifically warns about criminals breaking car windows at red lights. It states that the maintenance of planes for domestic flights may not always meet European and international standards. Furthermore, it mentions that electricity and water shortages can occur, and border crossings may be closed at short notice to contain disease outbreaks, advising travelers to check with local authorities or border posts.
The advisory highlights a resurgence of theft and burglaries in major cities, sometimes accompanied by violence, and specifically warns about criminals breaking car windows at red lights. It states that the maintenance of planes for domestic flights may not always meet European and international standards. Furthermore, it mentions that electricity and water shortages can occur, and border crossings may be closed at short notice to contain disease outbreaks, advising travelers to check with local authorities or border posts.
Regjeringen (Norway)
Updated: 2026-06-11
Nederland Wereldwijd (Netherlands)
Updated: 2026-09-07
The Netherlands assigns a yellow color code to Botswana, indicating that travel is possible but with particular safety risks. A specific warning is about the high incidence of sexual violence against women, advising against going out after sunset, especially for women. It also explicitly states that gangs commit burglaries or armed robberies, and motorists waiting at traffic lights are sometimes attacked.
Uniquely, the advisory warns against taking photos of military buildings, airports, or government buildings, as this is prohibited and can lead to confiscation of cameras/phones and fines. It provides specific advice for LGBTQ+ persons, noting that while same-sex expressions of love are not punishable, discrimination and aggression can occur. The advisory also highlights the unpredictable duration of drought periods leading to water shortages in Gaborone and its surroundings, and mentions that overcrowded kombis should be avoided.
Uniquely, the advisory warns against taking photos of military buildings, airports, or government buildings, as this is prohibited and can lead to confiscation of cameras/phones and fines. It provides specific advice for LGBTQ+ persons, noting that while same-sex expressions of love are not punishable, discrimination and aggression can occur. The advisory also highlights the unpredictable duration of drought periods leading to water shortages in Gaborone and its surroundings, and mentions that overcrowded kombis should be avoided.
Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy)
Updated: 2026-03-19
Italy's advisory notes that no particular security criticalities have been recorded in cities and along main communication routes, but advises normal precautions against petty crime. A key unique detail is the requirement for minors to travel with an electronic passport and a certified and translated integral birth certificate (Unabridged Birth Certificate) from which parents' demographic data can be inferred. If a minor travels with only one parent, a sworn declaration (Affidavit) from the absent parent is also required.
The advisory states that Botswana declared a state of health emergency on August 26, 2025, due to a shortage of medicines and essential equipment. It strongly recommends travel insurance covering medical expenses and potential medical evacuation or repatriation. It also provides specific, detailed penalties for drug offenses, differentiating between general drug possession/trafficking and cannabis, with fines and prison sentences. The advisory further warns against driving after sunset due to vehicles without lights, broken-down trucks, and wild animals (elephants, gazelles, buffaloes, giraffes) crossing roads.
The advisory states that Botswana declared a state of health emergency on August 26, 2025, due to a shortage of medicines and essential equipment. It strongly recommends travel insurance covering medical expenses and potential medical evacuation or repatriation. It also provides specific, detailed penalties for drug offenses, differentiating between general drug possession/trafficking and cannabis, with fines and prison sentences. The advisory further warns against driving after sunset due to vehicles without lights, broken-down trucks, and wild animals (elephants, gazelles, buffaloes, giraffes) crossing roads.
BMEIA (Austria)
Updated: 2026-03-02
Austria classifies Botswana with Security Level 1 (Good Security Standard), noting a low crime rate but acknowledging burglaries and armed robberies in urban areas like Gaborone and Francistown. A distinct detail is the acceptance of a cream-colored emergency passport for entry. The advisory also specifies that the payment confirmation for the entry fee allows multiple entries and exits for 30 days.
For minors, it uniquely requires an international birth certificate with an apostille in addition to a consent form if traveling without both legal guardians. It also details currency import/export limits, stating that the export of local currency is limited to 50 BWP. The advisory highlights a high malaria risk in the north during the rainy season (November to June) and notes that homosexual acts are no longer punishable since June 11, 2019, though a majority of the population still holds reservations against same-sex partnerships.
For minors, it uniquely requires an international birth certificate with an apostille in addition to a consent form if traveling without both legal guardians. It also details currency import/export limits, stating that the export of local currency is limited to 50 BWP. The advisory highlights a high malaria risk in the north during the rainy season (November to June) and notes that homosexual acts are no longer punishable since June 11, 2019, though a majority of the population still holds reservations against same-sex partnerships.
0404 (Korea)
Updated: 2026-07-31
Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Finland)
Updated: 2026-03-04
Finland advises normal vigilance, noting that crime is increasing and recommends avoiding movement alone or driving in the dark. It specifically mentions that pocket picking is becoming more common in Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun. The advisory uniquely stresses the importance of GPS devices for independent travelers due to a lack of road signs in rural areas and suggests traveling with at least two vehicles in sparsely populated regions. It also highlights the high HIV-positive population and variable quality of healthcare.
Important: This is an aggregated summary from multiple government sources. Always consult official government travel advisory websites before making travel decisions.
About Travel Advisories for Republic of Botswana
This comprehensive travel advisory page for Republic of Botswana aggregates official government warnings and recommendations from eight major international sources. Each country's foreign affairs department maintains its own travel advisory system based on unique assessment criteria, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic considerations.
The United States Department of State, Global Affairs Canada, UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Australia's Smartraveller, France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs each provide independent assessments of travel risks to Republic of Botswana.
By comparing these multiple perspectives, travelers can gain a more complete understanding of the current situation in Republic of Botswana and make better-informed decisions about their travel plans. Remember to always check the official government websites directly before finalizing any travel arrangements.
Last updated: 2026-09-07