COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Botswana (28 June Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents with valid residency visas are allowed entry into Botswana.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreigners are allowed to enter.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• No

• Transit services through Botswana are currently not available.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• All travellers, including children, will be required to undergo a test on arrival.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All arriving travellers must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior to departure. The certificate must be in English. Travellers below 5 years of age are exempt from this requirement.

• Testing regulations are often not clearly published or enforced. Travellers are advised to expect the inconsistent application of rules or sudden changes in enforcement.

• All travellers departing Botswana are also required to present a certificate for a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours of their departure.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Travellers who show a negative PCR test issued 72 hours before departure will not be required to quarantine.

• Travellers who test negative will not be required to quarantine.

• Arrivals having any symptoms of COVID-19 or those who test positive upon arrival will need to self-isolate for 10 days and will require another test during the second half of the isolation period. Close contacts of COVID-19 patients will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

• Travellers from high-risk countries may be required to quarantine at a government-designated facility and be tested on day seven (7) of their quarantine.

• Based on the above restrictions, travellers could be exempt from quarantine or could be required to spend a maximum of 14 days in quarantine.

Is a vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required to enter Botswana.

Is Insurance required?

• Yes

• All foreigners will need to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment expenses.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• Travellers are advised to use the mobile app ‘bSafe’ for contact tracing.

Entry Form required?

• No

• Arrivals are not required to fill any entry form upon arrival.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• International commercial flights have resumed from the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Kasane International Airport, Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport, and Maun International Airport.

• Charter flights are allowed to land at two airports in Maun and Kasane, and prime tourist resorts in the Okavango Delta. Limited flights are available through South Africa and Ethiopia at this time but may be subject to change.

• Domestic flights are operating.

Border restrictions

• Minimal

• Air borders are open.

• Border crossings by land have resumed at the border posts of Tlokweng, Martin’s Drift, Pioneer Gate, Ramatlabama, Kazungula Road, Kazungula Ferry, Ngoma, Ramokgwebana, Mamuno, Mohembo, Bokspits, Kasane, Maitengwe, McCarthy’s, Point Drift, Plaatjan and Two Rivers.

• Borders with South Africa are open.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• The State of Public Emergency has been extended until 30 September 2021.

• A curfew is in effect from 22:00 to 04:00 (local time) until 30 September 2021, banning all non-essential movement. Essential workers are exempt from this restriction.

Social restrictions

• Moderate

• Violators of the public health guidelines could be fined or imprisoned.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Masks are required for transport.

• The country has been divided into 9 coronavirus zones based on the number of COVID-19 cases. Travellers will need to apply for an inter-zonal travel permit to travel between these zones. Those who apply for an inter-zonal travel permit may be required to take a COVID-19 test if travelling from, returning from, or transiting through a COVID-19 high-risk zone or area.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Non-essential businesses are open.

• Agricultural shops, bakeries, butchers, funeral parlours, and supermarkets are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Most hotels and other accommodations are open, subject to adherence to health protocols.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open with limited capacity.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Tourism sites are gradually reopening.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Places of worship are open. Religious services are allowed with attendance limited to 50 people for up to 2 hours.

Events?

• Yes

• All types of weddings, cultural or traditional occasions, and funerals are allowed for a maximum of 2 hours with limited capacity.

• Meetings and workshops are allowed with reduced capacity for a maximum of 2 hours.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are mandatory in public places.

Other

• The sale and public consumption of alcohol are allowed only on weekdays and on a take-away basis.

• All sports and recreational activities are suspended except national team events. Spectators are prohibited.

• Schools have reopened.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.