COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Botswana (18 April 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 with exceptions

• At Botswana border points, all travellers, including children, will be required to undergo an additional COVID-19 test to enter Botswana.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

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

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

• Returning citizens or residents who arrive without a PCR test certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior to arrival are subject to quarantine and testing at their own expense. All other travellers not having the certificate will be denied entry to Botswana.

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

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• All arrivals will have to remain in contact with the local health authorities for a period of 14 days for self-monitoring. Travellers testing positive for COVID-19 on arrival may need to undergo 14 days of quarantine at their own expense.

• Returning citizens or residents who do not meet the 72-hour pre-arrival testing requirement will need to undergo 14 days of mandatory quarantine and testing at their own expense.

• Foreign travellers and non-residents failing to meet the entry requirements will be denied entry.

• Based on the above restrictions, travellers not meeting the entry requirements or testing positive for COVID-19, will 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.

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.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• 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.

• All travellers exiting Botswana are also required to present a negative PCR test valid within 72 hours of their departure from Botswana.

• 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, subject to change.

• Domestic flights are operating.

• Health screenings before boarding flights are mandatory.

Border restrictions

• Minimal

• Air borders are open.

• Ground crossings 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. This allows the government to impose nationwide lockdowns or curfews, among other restrictions, to contain the spread of COVID-19.

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

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

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

Internal travel restrictions

• Significant

• Masks are required for transport.

• The country has been divided into nine coronavirus zones based on the number of COVID-19 cases. Travellers will need to apply for an inter-zonal travel permit to travel between the coronavirus zones. Those who apply for an inter-zonal travel permit may be required to have 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 allowed to open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

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

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open with limitations on capacity.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Tourism sites are gradually reopening.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

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

• All sports and recreational activities are suspended except national team events with no spectators

• Schools are allowed to reopen.

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.