Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
Maximum Alerts / Botswana
Level published by the State Department on 16.06.2026 · read 13 October 2026 · source checked daily
Botswana — official level as of 13 October 2026: Level 2/4 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, USD 1.5M, certificate on payment.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
You will be alerted only on the day the official level of this country changes.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Reading hospitals, doctors and pharmacies around this point…
near Botswana Road
near Kagisano Close
near Independence Avenue
near Kgengwe Mongawa Close
near Hatsalatladi
near Moeding Street
near Nyerere Drive
near Dithlakore Way
near Moshaoka Road
near Maratadiba
near Kudumatse Road
24/7
near Kgame
near Kgame
near Eersterus Road
Kgame Gaborone
17979 Ramagononwane Road
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00; Sa 09:00-13:00
54234 Magochanyama
Mo-Su 08:00-17:00
Plot 54233 Magochanyama
Mo-Fr 08:00-05:00; Sa 09:00-12:30
70665 Airport Road Gaborone
Mo-Fr 09:00-19:00; Sa 09:00-17:00; Su 09:00-15:00
Main Mall Gaborone
"By appointment only";PH off
1079-1084 Queens Road Gaborone
Mo-Fr 09:00-12:00
near Khama Crescent
near North Ring Road
Queens Gaborone
near President's Drive
PLOT 758 Robinson Road Gaborone
Mo-Fr 07:30-16:30
near Nyerere Drive
near Lejara road
near West Avenue
near 4th Commercial
Malope Way
24/7
near Bosupye Hill Road
near Mica Way
near Mmaseroka Road
near Mmaraka Road
near Molepolole Road
near Molepolole Road
near Station Road
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
10-13 0.3 · 10-14 0.3 · 10-15 0.2 · 10-16 0.2 · 10-17 0.2 · 10-18 0.1 · 10-19 0.1 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
No geolocated event in this country at this reading.
No geolocated UCDP incident in this country.
No news located around Gaborone in this reading.
National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Botswana. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Botswana.
CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Botswana take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.
Monkeypox vaccination is recommended for any adult who anticipates any of the following activities during travel: Sexual or intimate contact with a new partner Sexual or intimate contact at a commercial sex venue, like a sex club or bathhouse Sexual or intimate contact in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade Sexual or intimate contact in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party, or…
Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Botswana. Rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species. If rabies exposures occur while in Botswana, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.
Consider getting a typhoid vaccine if you might: Travel to areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water, including rural areas Spend a long time in Botswana, such as a month or more Visit friends or relatives Typhoid vaccine is not 100% effective. Practicing safe food and water habits , including washing hands at key times , can also help prevent typhoid fever .
CDC recommendations: Vaccine is not recommended. Country entry requirements: Direct travel from United States: Vaccine is not required. Travel from countries with risk for YF virus transmission: Vaccine is required for travelers ≥1 year old; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 3 Updated April 23, 2025 See footnotes
CDC Travelers' Health, re-read weekly — the recommendation depends on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm it with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure.CDC ↗read 10.10.2026
High incidence: a long stay or time in care settings warrants a test on return.
High coverage.
Very low or no transmission.
World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
WHO: no outbreak reported for this country in the last 24 months (Disease Outbreak News).who.int ↗read 13.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — medical care, in French
Sauf à Gaborone et à Francistown, les soins médicaux ne sont pas toujours assurés. Des hôpitaux publics existent dans toutes les parties du pays. Cependant, leur équipement technique est modeste. Quant aux hôpitaux privés, ils disposent de services de soins complets et sont mieux équipés. Ils exigent toutefois toujours (même en cas d'urgence) une avance sur le paiement ou une garantie financière avant de commencer un traitement. En cas de maladie ou de blessure grave, il est recommandé de retourner en Suisse pour se faire soigner. Si vous prenez régulièrement des médicaments , emportez-en une quantité suffisante avec vous. Notez toutefois que de nombreux pays appliquent des réglementations restrictives. Cela vaut en particulier, mais pas exclusivement, pour les médicaments contenant des stupéfiants (par exemple la méthadone) et les substances utilisées pour le traitement des troubles psychiques. Avant votre départ, renseignez-vous directement auprès de la représentation étrangère compétente (ambassade ou consulat) et consultez la rubrique Liens voyages , où vous trouverez de plus amples informations sur ce sujet ainsi que sur la médecine du voyage en général. Les informations concernant la propagation de maladies et les éventuelles mesures de protection à prendre sont fournies par le personnel médical et les centres de vaccination. Liens voyages
France Diplomatiesource ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Consulter si besoin son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) pour faire une évaluation de son état de santé et bénéficier de recommandations sanitaires, notamment sur les vaccinations. Consulter éventuellement son dentiste avant le départ.
Constituer sa pharmacie personnelle en conséquence et n’emporter dans ses bagages que les médicaments strictement nécessaires ; ne jamais consommer de médicaments achetés dans la rue (risque de contrefaçons). Les médicaments doivent être dans leur emballage d’origine avec les étiquettes originales, accompagnés d’une ordonnance portant le nom des médicaments en dénomination commune internationale (DCI). Il est indispensable de vérifier que les médicaments concernés sont autorisés dans le pays visité : pour plus d’informations, consulter la fiche Informations pratiques .
Les vaccins recommandés en France sont également indispensables lors d’un séjour à l’étranger : les maladies qu’ils préviennent circulent partout dans le monde, parfois même plus fréquemment qu’en France. Avant tout départ, le voyageur (adulte et enfant) doit donc d’abord s’assurer d’être à jour du calendrier vaccinal français, en particulier des vaccins contre la diphtérie, le tétanos, la poliomyélite, la coqueluche mais aussi contre la rougeole. Le carnet de vaccination peut être demandé à l’arrivée de certains pays.
Des vaccinations complémentaires peuvent être nécessaires :
Il est donc conseillé de consulter son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) suffisamment de temps avant le voyage.
La chikungunya est une maladie virale transmise par l’intermédiaire de moustiques infectés. Cette maladie se manifeste par l’apparition de symptômes grippaux (fièvre, douleurs musculaires et articulaires). En cas de signes cliniques, il est impératif de consulter immédiatement un médecin ; le traitement est uniquement symptomatique. Les moyens de prévention reposent sur la vaccination et la protection contre les piqûres de moustiques. Il est conseillé avant le départ de se référer à son médecin traitant et/ou à un centre de vaccination internationale.
Pour plus d’informations , consulter la rubrique risques sanitaires .
La dengue est une maladie virale transmise par piqûres de moustiques. Les symptômes sont de type grippal (fièvre, maux de tête, courbatures, parfois éruption cutanée). En cas de signes cliniques, il est impératif de consulter immédiatement un médecin. Il n’existe pas de traitement curatif. La prise en charge médicale repose uniquement sur le traitement des symptômes. Il faut impérativement éviter la prise d’anti-inflammatoire. La prévention individuelle repose essentiellement sur les moyens de protection contre les piqûres de moustiques. La vaccination des voyageurs peut être indiquée dans certains cas. Il est conseillé de se référer, avant son départ, à son médecin traitant et /ou à un centre de vaccination internationale.
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère de la Santé et le site de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé .
Il s’agit d’une maladie virale transmise par piqûres de moustiques. Les symptômes sont variables, allant du syndrome pseudo-grippal (fièvre, frissons, douleurs musculaires, maux de tête…) à des formes plus graves (vomissements de sang, jaunisse, convulsions, coma…)…
La fièvre typhoïde est une maladie infectieuse causée par des bactéries présentes dans l’eau contaminée par des matières fécales d’origine humaine. L’infection résulte le plus souvent de l’ingestion d’eau ou d’aliments contaminés, ou d’une transmission directe de personne à personne. Les symptômes surviennent en moyenne 3 semaines après la contamination et associent fièvre, maux de tête, perte d’appétit, douleurs abdominales avec diarrhée ou constipation, fatigue et parfois, éruption cutanée. Dans les formes plus graves, la fièvre typhoïde peut être fatale en l’absence de traitement.
Les mesures de prévention reposent sur les règles élémentaires d’hygiène générale vis-à-vis de l’eau, des aliments et du lavage des mains ainsi que sur la vaccination.
Pour plus d’informations , consulter le site de l'Institut Pasteur .
L’hépatite A est une maladie virale du foie provoquée par l’ingestion d’eau ou d’aliments contaminés. La prévention repose sur la vaccination et le respect de règles d’hygiène alimentaire.
La poliomyélite est une maladie très contagieuse due à un virus, transmis principalement par l’intermédiaire d’eau souillée et d’aliments contaminés par les selles . Après une incubation de quelques jours, l’infection est souvent bénigne voire asymptomatique mais dans de rares cas , elle peut entraîner une paralysie aiguë parfois irréversible, notamment des membres inférieurs. La paralysie des muscles respiratoires peut être mortelle. Il n’existe pas de traitement curatif et seulement des soins symptomatiques. La prévention repose sur la vaccination.
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site de l'Organisation mondiale de la Santé et le site de l'Institut Pasteur .
La rage est une maladie virale mortelle…
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé et le site de l'Assurance Maladie .
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé .
Health — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 01.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 997 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Botswana including:
There are occasional outbreaks of anthrax among wild animals. Do not touch dead animals or carcases. If you suspect that you have come into contact with anthrax, seek urgent medical advice.
If you intend to camp or walk in the bush, take precautions to avoid tick bites, as they can cause several dangerous diseases.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .
The State of Public Health Emergency is now over. Despite this, medicine and medical supply shortages remain widespread across public health facilities nationwide. Private healthcare remains largely unaffected.
Healthcare in Botswana is usually good in major towns, but medical facilities and communications are limited in rural areas. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to the UK or South Africa may be necessary.
Private hospitals will not treat you unless you can pay, and the cost may be high. Public hospitals will only take you as an emergency patient if you have full insurance. For outpatient treatment, you will need to pay up front.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Botswana .
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
The levels each government publishes, unsummarised: their texts, linked below, prevail.
no region is advised against by these readings; the trip follows the national advice. A new regional advisory would call for a new, written decision.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (24.09.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (04.03.2026) · Natural Earth
No located event in this reading.
Last change: New information about entry requirements for those entering from Ebola-affected regions ('Entry requirements' page).
Updated 16.06.2026
Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime .
Petty crime and crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana. Potentially violent crimes are also common, including home invasions, break-ins, muggings, and “smash and grabs” from vehicles.
Botswana: Floods - Mar 2026ReliefWeb ↗read 13.10.20262026-04-06
Source: ReliefWeb (OCHA), via HDX — CC BY
10-13 0.3 · 10-14 0.3 · 10-15 0.2 · 10-16 0.2 · 10-17 0.2 · 10-18 0.1 · 10-19 0.1 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
Reading: The homicide rate is 19 times Switzerland's: violence is a real risk there, concentrated in the areas named by the official advisories. On the road, 12 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
The security page lists no red or orange area.France Diplomatie ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
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Dernière actualisation le 04/03/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour
L’intégralité du pays est en vigilance renforcée. Les risques routiers sont d’autant plus importants que les services de secours ne sont pas en capacité d’intervenir rapidement. Les services de santé sont inégalement répartis sur le territoire et leur capacité de prise en charge est limitée.
L’ambassade de France au Botswana dispose de capacités limitées pour venir en aide aux Français en cas de crise. Les Français qui se rendent dans ce pays sont responsables de leur propre sécurité. Ils sont invités à s’assurer qu’ils disposent de moyens nécessaires en cas de difficultés (vérifier les termes des contrats d’assurance , disposer des moyens financiers nécessaires pour couvrir d’éventuels frais d’hospitalisation ou d’évacuation, etc.). L’ambassade ne délivre pas de titres d’identité et de voyage. Elle pourra toutefois, en cas de perte ou de vol de passeport, délivrer un laissez-passer. Le consulat général de France à Johannesburg est compétent pour toutes les autres démarches administratives concernant les Français résidents ou de passage au Botswana. Vous trouverez toutes les informations nécessaires sur le site de l’ambassade de France à Gaborone .
L’ambassade de France à Gaborone peut être jointe au +267 368 08 00, du lundi au jeudi de 8h30 à 13h30 et de 14h30 à 17h30 et le vendredi de 8h30 à 14h00.
En cas d’urgence en dehors de ces horaires, le consulat général de France à Johannesburg pourra être joint au +27 82 467 2588.
Les incidents sont relativement peu nombreux. Néanmoins, plusieurs actes de violence, notamment des vols à l’arraché, ont été récemment dénombrés. Par conséquent, il convient de rester vigilant dans les villes de Gaborone, Francistown et Maun et de respecter les recommandations générales de prudence (cf. ci-dessous).
Les accidents de la circulation dus à des comportements imprudents ou au terrain défavorable sont nombreux. Il convient d’être attentif aux piétons et à la présence d’animaux sur les routes. La conduite de nuit est déconseillée et il est indispensable de souscrire une assurance automobile. Les trajets hors des grandes villes doivent être préparés avec soin en respectant les recommandations générales ci-dessous.
Le Botswana, pays dont le climat est semi-aride, est régulièrement affecté par des périodes de sécheresse d’une durée variable. A ce risque s’ajoutent, notamment à Gaborone et sa région, des problèmes de production, de stockage et de distribution d’eau qui peuvent entrainer des coupures d’eau de fréquence et de durée variable.
De manière générale, il est recommandé de :
Les parcs ne disposent pas tous d’un service de guide accompagnateur. Il est fortement recommandé d’avoir recours à un guide expérimenté et de suivre scrupuleusement les consignes de sécurité. Il est déconseillé de sortir du véhicule sans autorisation. Les accidents dus à la présence d’animaux sauvages sont fréquents.
Les baignades dans les lacs et les rivières sont déconseillées en raison de la présence de bactéries dans l’eau et d’animaux potentiellement dangereux.
Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — Ces conseils pour les voyages ont été contrôlés et publiés avec des changements rédactionnels. L’appréciation de la situation reste valable de manière inchangée. (published 14.09.2026)
Les voyages au Botswana sont en principe considérés comme sûrs. Toutefois évitez les manifestations de tout genre car des débordements sont possibles. Les grandes distances et l’isolement de certaines régions nécessitent une planification soigneuse du voyage. Il est recommandé d’effectuer les excursions dans les parcs nationaux et les régions reculées dans le cadre de visites guidées. Les réseaux de téléphonie mobile et les connexions Internet sont parfois limités ou indisponibles, notamment en dehors des grands centres urbains et dans les zones touristiques. L’accès à des informations actualisées sur des événements nationaux ou internationaux peut dès lors être restreint. Dans ce pays comme ailleurs, le risque d’attentats terroristes ne peut être exclu. La rubrique terrorisme et enlèvements attire l'attention sur les risques liés au terrorisme. Terrorisme et enlèvements
Des vols et des cambriolages se produisent, notamment dans les grandes villes; ils peuvent parfois s’accompagner de violences. Il convient de prendre les précautions habituelles et de renoncer aux promenades nocturnes. Des voleurs s’en prennent parfois aux occupants de véhicules immobilisés aux feux de signalisation ou dans les embouteillages en brisant les vitres des voitures.
Le Botswana est régulièrement touché par des sécheresses. Celles-ci accroissent le risque d’incendies de brousse et de végétation, susceptibles de perturber les déplacements. De fortes pluies peuvent provoquer des inondations et endommager les infrastructures. La circulation peut être temporairement perturbée. Consultez les prévisions météorologiques et suivez les avertissements ainsi que les instructions des autorités locales. World Meteorological Organization
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 13.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 14.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 01.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 01.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Botswana, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Attacks on tourists are rare, but violent crime is increasing particularly in the major towns of Gaborone, Francistown and Maun. Criminals have also carried out hold-ups and robberies of restaurants during peak hours.
Criminals may target cars waiting at traffic lights. To reduce the risk of attack:
House burglaries, often by armed gangs, are common. They do not often target tourists, but there have been isolated room break-ins and theft from lodges in the Chobe area, particularly river-fronting lodges. To reduce the risk of burglary or home invasion:
Botswana has a high number of sexual assaults. While foreign visitors are unlikely to be targeted, women should take care when walking and avoid walking alone at night.
Always carry some identification. A copy of the photo page in your passport is usually enough as long as you can produce the original if required.
If you send your passport for renewal, make sure you have a certified copy that you can present in its place.
Drug taking and trafficking are illegal. If you’re convicted of a drug-related offence, you can get a fine of up to 500,000 pulas (about £30,000) or a prison sentence of up to 25 years, or both. Prison conditions are generally poor.
It is illegal to take photographs or use video equipment near military and government installations. Always ask permission before photographing people in Botswana.
Although same-sex sexual activity is no longer prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and displaying affection in public may attract negative attention.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .
It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts. If you’re caught hunting, buying or trafficking these goods you will be prosecuted. If you’re convicted, sentences can be severe.
If you travel to remote areas, make transport and accommodation arrangements in advance and seek local security advice. Take emergency supplies, including water and fuel, and be prepared for off-road driving conditions. In very remote areas, travel in convoy or with a satellite phone in case of breakdown.
On open highways, inside or outside wildlife reserves, there could be dangerous animals roaming that may behave unpredictably. Always follow park regulations and advice from park wardens.
Do not bathe in rivers and lakes. You could…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Botswana - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution 2026-06-16travel.state.gov ↗updated 16.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime .
Petty crime and crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana. Potentially violent crimes are also common, including home invasions, break-ins, muggings, and “smash and grabs” from vehicles.
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Exercise a high degree of caution
Open Government Licence – Canada · September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
You must carry photo identification, such as a photocopy of your passport. Keep another photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Botswana. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Botswana by an abducting parent:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders face fines and lengthy jail sentences. Drugs, alcohol and travel
You must apply and obtain permission from Botswanan authorities to import firearms and ammunition. Application for Temporary Permit to Possess Firearm and Ammunition (Non-Residents) – Republic of Botswana
You could face a fine or a jail sentence if you access, produce and/or publish pornographic material.
Photographing military installations is prohibited. Seek permission before taking photos of official buildings or individuals.
It is illegal to hunt in controlled hunting areas without prior authorization. Botswana also strictly regulates the sale, possession, importation and exportation of any animals, dead or alive, or animal parts. You must obtain a government permit or a receipt from a licensed shop. The law applies to animal trophies, including:
Traffic drives on the left. To drive in Botswana, you must have:
You can drive in Botswana with a Canadian driver’s licence for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer, you must convert your Canadian driver’s licence into a Botswanan driver’s licence. If you’re involved in an accident, you must report it to the police by calling or going to the nearest police station. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
The currency of Botswana is the pula (BWP). You must declare all foreign currency in your possession equal to or greater than the equivalent of 10,000 BWP.
Open Government Licence – Canada · September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
Always carry some identification. A copy of the photo page in your passport is usually enough as long as you can produce the original if required. If you send your passport for renewal, make sure you have a certified copy that you can present in its place.
Drug taking and trafficking are illegal. If you’re convicted of a drug-related offence, you can get a fine of up to 500,000 pulas (about £30,000) or a prison sentence of up to 25 years, or both. Prison conditions are generally poor.
It is illegal to take photographs or use video equipment near military and government installations. Always ask permission before photographing people in Botswana.
Although same-sex sexual activity is no longer prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and displaying affection in public may attract negative attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts. If you’re caught hunting, buying or trafficking these goods you will be prosecuted. If you’re convicted, sentences can be severe.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 01.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — laws and customs, in French
Il est interdit de photographier des installations de l'armée ou de la police, ainsi que des personnes en uniforme. Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants, y compris la détention de minimes quantités de drogue quelle qu'elle soit, sont durement réprimées. Les conditions de détention sont précaires.
Des personnes peuvent se heurter à des préjugés sociaux en raison de leur orientation sexuelle ou de leur identité de genre.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 14.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan. Very high UV: sunscreen, hat and shade between 11 am and 4 pm; sunstroke and dehydration are travellers' first reasons to see a doctor.
Reading 00:00 (Africa/Gaborone)Open-Meteo ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Reading: With 0.4 physicians per 1,000 people (91% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 490 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
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Toutes les mesures de restrictions sanitaires pour l’entrée sur le territoire ont été levées.
Le visa n’est pas obligatoire pour les ressortissants français. Le passeport doit être valable au moins six mois après l’entrée au Botswana. Une autorisation de séjour dont la validité ne peut excéder trois mois est délivrée aux postes frontières sans paiement de droits.
La durée de séjour autorisée est à l’entière discrétion de l’agent de l’immigration qui appose le tampon sur le passeport du voyageur. Il convient donc de vérifier que la durée de séjour octroyée est suffisante pour permettre d’effectuer son voyage. Si ce n’est pas le cas, il y a lieu d’expliquer les raisons qui poussent à solliciter une durée plus longue (dans la limite de 90 jours/an).
Au-delà de trois mois de séjour, un permis de résidence soumis à la présentation d’un contrat de travail pour soi ou son conjoint est obligatoire.
Toute personne voyageant au Botswana avec un enfant mineur doit être en mesure de fournir une copie intégrale et certifiée du certificat de naissance de l’enfant ou un acte de naissance plurilingue en plus de son passeport en cours de validité. Si l’enfant voyage avec un seul de ses parents, celui-ci devra présenter une autorisation de voyage signée par le parent absent.
Entry and stay pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland)
The FDFA does not publish entry requirements: they are set out by the destination's embassy or consulate in Switzerland — check them before booking, passport in hand. As a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 14.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Entry requirements — rules for a British passportForeign Office ↗updated 01.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Botswana’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Botswana set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Botswana High Commission in the UK .
Telephone: 0207 499 0031
Email: bohico@govbw.com
To enter Botswana, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 3 blank pages.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
This will record your date and port of entry. Unstamped passports will raise suspicions of illegal entry.
Dual nationals must enter Botswana on the same passport they used to exit the previous country.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement . See Dual citizenship .
You can visit Botswana for up to 90 days without a visa.
If you want to work, study or volunteer in Botswana, see the requirements for business, study and employment visas .
Overstaying a visa or a permitted visit can cause a delay to your departure. If you want to extend your stay, contact Botswana’s Department of Immigration .
You must have an original or certified copy of the full birth certificate of any child aged 17 or under when you enter or leave the country.
Any parent not present must sign an affidavit giving their consent for the child to travel. For more information contact the Botswana High Commission in the UK .
To enter Botswana, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk .
For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Botswana guide .
As a public health measure, Botswana has introduced entry restrictions including health screening for travellers arriving from affected regions. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern .
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Botswana. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Declare foreign or local cash currency if the value is 10,000 Botswana pula or more. If you do not, you could be liable to prosecution.
American passport — U.S. Department of State
The State Department publishes the requirements ("Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements") on its country page, which our servers cannot read. Read it before you go; as a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.travel.state.gov ↗updated 16.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026
For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.
What the texts say · Attacks on tourists are rare, but violent crime is increasing particularly in the major towns of Gaborone, Francistown and Maun. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs frequently.
What the texts say · To reduce risk of crime when using taxis, look for licensed taxis with blue plate numbers. Botswana has good tarmac roads covering most of the country, but driving outside the major urban areas can be dangerous due to stray wildlife and livestock.
What the texts say · Botswana’s rainy season, runs from November to March, bringing heavy rainfalls and risk of flash flooding.
What the texts say · If you’re convicted of a drug-related offence, you can get a fine of up to 500,000 pulas (about £30,000) or a prison sentence of up to 25 years, or both. If you’re involved in an accident, you must report it to the police by calling or going to the nearest police station.
What the texts say · Although rare, demonstrations may occur, especially in Gaborone and around elections.
Sentences copied word for word from the official texts cited, chosen for the destination; the level is our reading. The full texts, at each source:Foreign Office ↗updated 01.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026 (updated 01.06.2026 · read 28.09.2026)Global Affairs Canada ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026 (updated 24.09.2026 · read 28.09.2026)State Department ↗updated 16.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026 (updated 16.06.2026 · read 28.09.2026)
Reading: The homicide rate is 19 times Switzerland's: violence is a real risk there, concentrated in the areas named by the official advisories. On the road, 12 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Time zone: IANA and timezone-boundary-builder (ODbL) · RESTCountries · EmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · European Central Bank
Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Photon search by komoot.
FDFA (Switzerland) — transport and specific advice, in French
La conduite s'effectue à gauche. Le réseau routier principal du pays est en bon état. Les autres routes traversent des régions désertiques ou très peu peuplées. Celles-ci sont souvent détériorées ou impraticables (sable, inondations, etc.). Pour emprunter ces itinéraires, un véhicule 4x4 est indispensable. Les comportements parfois imprévisibles sur les routes, les véhicules non éclairés et les animaux augmentent les risques d'accident. La nuit, renoncez aux déplacements à travers le pays. L’entretien des avions pour les vols internes ne correspond pas toujours aux normes européennes et internationales. Des coupures d'électricité et des pénuries d'eau peuvent survenir. Les points de passage des frontières peuvent être fermés à court terme, par exemple afin d’endiguer la propagation de maladies ou à la suite d’inondations. Informez-vous auprès des autorités locales ou directement auprès des postes-frontières.
Personnes mineures: Veuillez-vous informer par avance auprès de l’Ambassade de la République du Botswana à Genève au sujet des prescriptions d’entrée particulières pour les personnes mineures. Ambassade de la République du Botswana
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 14.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Maximum policyholder: before paying anything, call the 24/7 number. If you are admitted for more than 24 h, Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).
+41 22 ••• •• •• — Full number in your client areaThe hospital list has not been read from OpenStreetMap for this page yet: the medical-network map loads it when opened. Maximum's assistance directs you to the right facility, 24/7. The medical-network map ↗
CDC Travelers' Health recommendations, most important first. They depend on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm them with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Details, disease by disease ↗cdc.gov ↗read 10.10.2026
The health system — With 0.4 physicians per 1,000 people (91% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 490 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
Back home — a fever in the following weeks should be told to a doctor, naming the country.
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
French passport — French embassy and consulates
+267 397 38 63 · France Diplomatie
phone not published
Useful contacts listed by France Diplomatie (in French)diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Updated: 15 September 2026
OpenStreetMap
Swiss passport — Swiss embassy and consulates
Numéro d'urgence de la police: 999 Numéro d'urgence du service d'ambulance: 997 et 911 Dispositions douanières du Botswana Représentations suisses à l’étranger: En cas de situation d’urgence à l’étranger, vous pouvez vous adresser à la représentation suisse la plus proche ou à la Helpline DFAE. Centre consulaire régional pour l’Afrique australe à Pretoria, Afrique du Sud Helpline DFAE Représentations étrangères en Suisse: Pour obtenir des informations sur les prescriptions d’entrée (documents d’identité admis, visa, etc.), veuillez-vous adresser aux ambassades et consulats étrangers compétents. Ceux-ci peuvent également vous renseigner sur les dispositions douanières pour l’importation et l’exportation d’animaux et de marchandises: appareils électroniques, souvenirs, médicaments, etc. Représentations étrangères en Suisse
OpenStreetMap · DFAE
British passport — British embassy and consulates
Main Mall, Gaborone
+267 395 2841
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/bri ↗updated 01.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
American passport — U.S. embassy and consulates
Embassy Drive, Gaborone
(+267) 395-3982
https://bw.usembassy.gov/ ↗updated 16.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap
Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 01.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Ambulance: 997
Fire: 998
Police: 999
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
English is an official language in Botswana: no translated phrases here.
Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
Health – editorial change
September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 13 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 16.06 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10DFAE · updated 14.09 · read 13.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 01.06 · read 13.10State Department · updated 16.06 · read 13.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 01.06 · read 13.10State Department · updated 16.06 · read 13.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — $990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 13.10
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: single number 911 · police 999 · ambulance 997 · fire 998
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 13.10
At today's level 2/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
The page reads hospitals, pharmacies and doctors from OpenStreetMap, around the point you choose.
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10OMS · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 01.06 · read 13.10
0.4 physicians per 1,000 people (2023) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
11.4 homicides per 100,000 people (2021) versus 0.6 in Switzerland and 1.3 in France.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 13.10DFAE · updated 14.09 · read 13.10
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 01.06 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 01.06 · read 13.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 13.10eda.admin.ch · updated 14.09 · read 13.10
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to CHF 20,000, special risk CHF 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
A question not answered here? Ask Maximum below, or call the support number: every question gets a clear, actionable answer.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
Same advisory level: Ghana · Grenada · Greenland · Guinea · Equatorial Guinea · Hong Kong
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
The destination is already Gaborone. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Gaborone
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