Maximum Alerts / Botswana

BotswanaLevel 2/4

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.

Four official readings
United StatesState Departmentsource ↗Our reference level — the one shown across this site
Is the whole country advised against?Nono restriction on the whole country
Level 2/4 — “Exercise Increased Caution”levels 1 and 2 are advice to be careful, not travel restrictions
FranceFrance Diplomatiesource ↗Added on top of the U.S. level, under its own rules: red or orange AREAS
Is the whole country advised against?Nono restriction on the whole country
our reading: no area of the country is classified red or orange
United KingdomFCDOsource ↗Added on top of the U.S. level, under its own rules: travel statuses
Is the whole country advised against?Nono restriction on the whole country
our reading: no travel advised against
source reviewed 1 June 2026
SwitzerlandFDFAsource ↗Advisory cited by the Maximum policy
Is the whole country advised against?Nono restriction on the whole country
our reading: the FDFA advises against no travel
The four readings on record agree: no restriction on the whole country.Our comparison reading: 27 September 2026

All 207 countries compared, advisory by advisory →

How we read these four advisories

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.

Get covered — $990/yr
Regional map…
Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution Checked on 13 October 2026 · U.S. State Department
Country briefing
Get the PDF

Where are you right now in Botswana?

Doctors — Gaborone21
DrBlood Transfusion Centre0.8 km

near Botswana Road

Google MapsDirections
DrBethesda Clinic0.9 km

near Kagisano Close

Google MapsDirections
DrAgape Dental Clinic1.0 km

near Independence Avenue

Google MapsDirections
DrMedi Cross1.1 km

near Kgengwe Mongawa Close

Google MapsDirections
DrPhase 2 Clinic1.3 km

near Hatsalatladi

Google MapsDirections
DrSurgery1.5 km

near Moeding Street

Google MapsDirections
DrGaborone Fertility Clinic1.8 km

near Nyerere Drive

Google MapsDirections
DrNational Tuberculose Clinic2.3 km

near Dithlakore Way

Google MapsDirections
DrGaborone West Clinic2.3 km

near Moshaoka Road

Google MapsDirections
Dr120 - Health Clinic2.7 km
Google MapsDirections
DrGaborone Extension 15 Clinic3.6 km

near Maratadiba

Google MapsDirections
DrJulia Molefhe Clinic3.8 km

near Kudumatse Road
24/7

002673909301Directions
DrEastery Health Clinic4.5 km

near Kgame

Google MapsDirections
DrEastery Health Clinic4.5 km

near Kgame

Google MapsDirections
DrMogoditshane Clinic4.8 km
Google MapsDirections
DrTlokweng Main Clinic5.1 km
Google MapsDirections
DrBlock 8 Clinic5.4 km

near Eersterus Road

Google MapsDirections
DrMédecin5.4 km

Kgame Gaborone

DrMafitlhakgosi Clinic6.3 km
Google MapsDirections
DrNkaikela Clinic7.0 km
Google MapsDirections
DrNkoyaphiri Clinic7.9 km
Google MapsDirections
Pharmacies — Gaborone7
+Clicks0.8 km
Google MapsDirections
+Noble Pharmacy0.9 km
Google MapsDirections
+Fine Pharmaceuticals1.1 km

17979 Ramagononwane Road
Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00; Sa 09:00-13:00

+Kalagadi2.8 km
Google MapsDirections
+Pharmacie3.8 km

54234 Magochanyama
Mo-Su 08:00-17:00

+Fine Pharmaceuticals3.8 km

Plot 54233 Magochanyama
Mo-Fr 08:00-05:00; Sa 09:00-12:30

+Clicks5.9 km

70665 Airport Road Gaborone
Mo-Fr 09:00-19:00; Sa 09:00-17:00; Su 09:00-15:00

Official — Gaborone10
Consulates and embassies 10
ABritish High Commission0.6 km

Main Mall Gaborone
"By appointment only";PH off

AGerman Embassy;Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany0.6 km

1079-1084 Queens Road Gaborone
Mo-Fr 09:00-12:00

ATurkish Embassy0.8 km

near Khama Crescent

AEmbassy of China0.9 km

near North Ring Road

Google MapsDirections
ABrazil Embassy1.0 km

Queens Gaborone

ANigeria House - Ambassador Residence1.0 km

near President's Drive

Google MapsDirections
AEuropean Union Delegation1.1 km

PLOT 758 Robinson Road Gaborone
Mo-Fr 07:30-16:30

AEuropean Union1.4 km

near Nyerere Drive

Google MapsDirections
AItalian embassy in Botswana3.0 km

near Lejara road

Google MapsDirections
AHonorary Consulate of Ireland4.5 km

near West Avenue

Police — Gaborone7
PCBD Police1.1 km

near 4th Commercial

Google MapsDirections
PUrban Police Station1.9 km

Malope Way
24/7

Google MapsDirections
PGaborone-West2.3 km
Google MapsDirections
Pblock5 Peni House3.6 km

near Bosupye Hill Road

Google MapsDirections
PBroadHurst Police Station3.9 km

near Mica Way

Google MapsDirections
PTlokweng Police Office7.5 km

near Mmaseroka Road

Google MapsDirections
PMogoditshane Police7.5 km
Google MapsDirections
Transport — Gaborone9
Airports 1
TMadikwe West Airstrip37.0 km
Google MapsDirections
Stations 1
TGaborone0.8 km

near Mmaraka Road

Bus 5
TGaborone Bus Rank0.6 km
Google MapsDirections
TKanye buses0.6 km

near Molepolole Road

Google MapsDirections
TRanaka buses0.6 km
Google MapsDirections
TCity Bus Office6.9 km
Google MapsDirections
TMogoditshane Route 4 Rank9.6 km
Google MapsDirections
Taxis 2
TSA Routes0.6 km

near Molepolole Road

Google MapsDirections
TTlokweng Route Combies1.1 km

near Station Road

Google MapsDirections

The next 7 days around Gaborone Africa/GaboroneMET Norway ↗read 13.10.2026

Wed 14 Oct17–30°showers · 13.4 mm
Thu 15 Oct16–31°clear
Fri 16 Oct19–33°mainly clear
Sat 17 Oct20–34°clear
Sun 18 Oct20–36°clear
Mon 19 Oct17–34°partly cloudy
Tue 20 Oct15–32°mainly clear

Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.

Nearest river dischargeOpen-Meteo ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026

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.

The country feed →

National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.

Recommended vaccines and medicines10

Routine vaccinesCDC ↗

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

COVID-19CDC ↗

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information.

Hepatitis ACDC ↗

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.

Hepatitis BCDC ↗

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Botswana.

MalariaCDC ↗

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.

MeaslesCDC ↗

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.

MonkeypoxCDC ↗

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…

RabiesCDC ↗

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.

TyphoidCDC ↗

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 .

Yellow FeverCDC ↗

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

Diseases without a vaccine — how they spread

Avoid contaminated food and water
  • Leptospirosis — Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud Drinking water or eating foo
  • Schistosomiasis — Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.
Avoid bugs
  • African Tick-Bite Fever — Tick bite
  • Dengue — Mosquito bite
Airborne & droplet
  • Hantavirus — Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents Bite from an infected rodent Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus
  • Tuberculosis (TB) — Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Risks in figures

Tuberculosis — cases per 100,000
Botswana143 2024
Switzerland5 2024
France8 2024

High incidence: a long stay or time in care settings warrants a test on return.

Children vaccinated against measles (%)
Botswana97 2024
Switzerland96 2024
France95 2024

High coverage.

Malaria — cases per 1,000 people at risk
Botswana0.2 2024

Very low or no transmission.

World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026

The official advice, in full

Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).

In brief
  • French nationals should consult their doctor or an international vaccination center for health advice and vaccinations, and check if their medications are permitted in the destination country.
  • Ensure all French vaccinations are up-to-date, especially for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and pertussis, as a vaccination booklet may be requested upon arrival.
  • Consider additional vaccinations such as yellow fever (mandatory for endemic areas), Hepatitis A, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, rabies, Hepatitis B, and Mpox based on your travel plans.
  • To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like Chikungunya and Dengue, wear long clothing, use repellent, protect accommodations, and eliminate stagnant water.
  • For French nationals, practice good food and water hygiene, including regular hand washing, thorough cooking of food, avoiding raw items, and drinking only bottled or purified water.
  • British nationals should confirm their destination can provide necessary healthcare and that their travel insurance covers local treatment and medical evacuation.

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

Medical care

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

Recommandations pour la santé

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 .

Vaccinations

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 :

  • Fièvre jaune : obligatoire pour les voyageurs en provenance de zones d’endémie ;
  • Hépatite A : en fonction des conditions et de la durée de séjour ;
  • Fièvre typhoïde : en fonction des conditions et de la durée de séjour ;
  • T uberculose : chez les enfants de moins de 15 ans en cas de séjours fréquents ou prolongés ;
  • Rage : notamment enfants en bas âge, séjour en milieu rural ou éloigné des villes principales ;
  • Hépatite B : en cas de séjours fréquents ou prolongés ;
  • Mpox : en cas d’exposition à risque.

Il est donc conseillé de consulter son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) suffisamment de temps avant le voyage.

Maladies transmises par les moustiques

Chikungunya

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 .

Dengue

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 .

Fièvre jaune

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…)…

Autres maladies

Fièvre typhoïde

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 .

Hépatite A

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.

P oliomyélite

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 .

Rage

La rage est une maladie virale mortelle…

Mesures générales de prévention des piqûres de moustiques
  • Porter des vêtements longs et couvrants ;
  • Appliquer des produits répulsifs cutanés sur les zones découvertes du corps ;
  • Protéger son logement (moustiquaires imprégnées d’insecticide, diffuseurs électriques, serpentins à l’extérieur, climatisation, etc.) ;
  • Détruire les sites potentiels de reproduction des moustiques (récipients d’eau stagnante comme les soucoupes sous les pots de fleurs, les gouttières, les pneus, etc.).

Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé et le site de l'Assurance Maladie .

Règles d'hygiène alimentaire
  • Se laver les mains régulièrement avec de l’eau et du savon ou des solutions de lavage hydroalcooliques, surtout avant et après les repas et le passage aux toilettes ;
  • Veiller à la qualité des aliments et surtout à leur bonne cuisson ;
  • Éviter la consommation de produits alimentaires (poisson, viande, volaille, lait) crus ou peu cuits ;
  • Peler les fruits et légumes ou les laver soigneusement (à l’eau saine) ;
  • Éviter les crudités, coquillages, plats réchauffés et buffets froids ;
  • Ne boire que de l’eau ou des boissons encapsulées ou de l’eau rendue potable (filtration, ébullition ou à défaut produit désinfectant).

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

Health — Foreign Office

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 997 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

  • check the latest vaccine recommendations for Botswana
  • see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Botswana including:

  • malaria, which is reported in April 2025 to have spread to areas where it is not usually present
  • schistosomiasis

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.

Medication

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 .

Healthcare in Botswana

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 .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

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.

The comparator

What is your current insurance?

The verdict
No area exclusion at this level — but three written limits: deductible and prior approval, 90-day cap, advance under conditions.
Exact wording (official French text): « Des Voyages vers des pays où Votre gouvernement a conseillé de ne pas voyager » — general exclusion n° 11, applying to ALL travel covers.
Line by line
Cover
With your Amex Platinum
Territorial exclusion at this level
No territorial exclusion at this level — the clause targets countries your government advised against travelling to
Covered — the core of the Maximum contract
Medical expenses cap abroad
€2M — but 10% deductible (€150–500), insurer's prior approval, trip paid with the Card
CHF 1.5M emergency medical expenses
Hospital deposit before admission
Advance possible — prior approval required before care
Direct payment guarantee: the insurer settles the hospital
Trip duration covered
Maximum 90 consecutive days per trip
12 months, unlimited trips
Visa certificate (incl. Schengen)
Not provided
Official named certificate, issued on payment

Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).

Where to go, where not to

No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.

In brief
  • National level “Exercise a high degree of caution”; no region named (advisory of 24.09.2026). Global Affairs Canada
  • Advises against neither the country nor any area (reviewed 01.06.2026). Foreign Office
  • The security page lists no red or orange area (page of 04.03.2026). France Diplomatie
  • Level 2 of 4: exercise increased caution (advisory of 16.06.2026). State Department

The levels each government publishes, unsummarised: their texts, linked below, prevail.

Gaborone is in no region these official readings advise against.The red dot on the map. Change the city at the top of the page to read the map from another point.
North-West — Country-wide vigilanceCentral — Country-wide vigilanceNorth-East — Country-wide vigilanceKgatleng — Country-wide vigilanceSouth-East — Country-wide vigilanceSouthern — Country-wide vigilanceKgalagadi — Country-wide vigilanceGhanzi — Country-wide vigilanceKweneng — Country-wide vigilanceGaborone — Country-wide vigilanceJwaneng — Country-wide vigilanceFrancistown — Country-wide vigilanceLobatse — Country-wide vigilanceSelebi-Phikwe — Country-wide vigilanceSowa — Country-wide vigilanceGaborone
Country-wide vigilanceGaboroneNone of the readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie) names a region: the whole country keeps the “country-wide vigilance” colour. Boundaries: Natural Earth.
Country-wide vigilance
the whole country, including Gaborone
So:

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.

US16.06.2026
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
FR04.03.2026
No red or orange areaThe security page lists no red or orange area.Your region (Gaborone): not covered
GB01.06.2026
No area coveredYour region (Gaborone): not covered
CA24.09.2026
Exercise a high degree of cautionYour region (Gaborone): not covered
Maximum excludes no area of the country.The VIP Pack covers care and repatriation there. Still enforceable: sanctions and embargoes, and a country already at war at departure. Extraction and security belong to the VIP Pack Extreme, upon eligibility. See My cover

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).

Botswana - Level 2: Exercise Increased CautionState Department ↗updated 16.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Updated 16.06.2026

Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime .

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

Nearest river dischargeOpen-Meteo ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026

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.

Where, exactly?

What the national level does not tell you

The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.

  • U.S. State Department — the full advisory details the regions concerned and the reasons (crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest) (read the advisory)
  • Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (United Kingdom) — the United Kingdom advises against no travel to this country · reviewed 1 June 2026
    Last announced change : « New information about entry requirements for those entering from Ebola-affected regions ('Entry requirements' page). » (read the advisory)
  • France Diplomatie — France classifies no area of this country as red or orange (see the Security page)

No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.

Safety in figures
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people
Botswana11.4 2021
Switzerland0.6 2023
France1.3 2023
Road traffic deaths per 100,000 people
Botswana26.4 2019
Switzerland2.2 2019
France5.1 2019

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.

I travel on a passportEach government writes for its own nationals. The advisory that counts for you — and for your policy's clauses — is your country's.

French passport — France Diplomatie

In brief
  • French nationals travelling to Botswana are responsible for their own safety due to limited emergency services and healthcare capacity.
  • French citizens should ensure they have adequate financial means for potential hospitalisation or evacuation costs.
  • French nationals should avoid displaying valuables and carrying large sums of money in Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun.
  • Driving at night is strongly discouraged for all travellers due to numerous traffic accidents and the presence of animals on roads.
  • Travellers venturing outside major cities should carry a GPS, satellite phone, water reserves, food, and a first-aid kit.
  • Swimming in lakes and rivers is not recommended due to the presence of bacteria and potentially dangerous animals.

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

Botswana

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Zones de vigilance

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.

Criminalité

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).

Risques liés aux transports

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.

Risques climatiques

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.

Recommandations générales

De manière générale, il est recommandé de :

  • ne pas porter d’objets de valeur et ne pas se déplacer avec d’importantes sommes d’argent ;
  • laisser ses documents de voyages (billets d’avion, passeport) dans des endroits sécurisés comme les coffres des hôtels ;
  • circuler avec les vitres fermées et les portières verrouillées ;
  • ne pas prendre d’auto-stoppeur ;
  • en cas de déplacement en voiture : se munir d’un GPS, d’un téléphone satellitaire, de réserves d’eau (5 litres par personne), de nourriture, d’une trousse de premiers soins, d’une seconde roue de secours ; vérifier que l’on dispose de suffisamment de carburant (les stations-service peuvent être très éloignées les unes des autres) ; organiser ses déplacements à deux véhicules et décrire son itinéraire à un tiers (proche, agence de voyage) ;
  • éviter de circuler de nuit.
Parcs naturels

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.

Baignade

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

In brief
  • Avoid all demonstrations as disturbances are possible, and plan travel carefully due to long distances and isolated regions.
  • Guided tours are recommended for national parks and remote areas, as mobile and internet networks are often limited outside urban centers.
  • Be aware of potential terrorist attacks and take usual precautions against theft and burglaries, especially in large cities.
  • Do not drive at night due to unpredictable road behavior, unlit vehicles, animals, and poor road conditions in remote areas.
  • Internal flights may not meet European or international maintenance standards, and power/water outages can occur.
  • Check with local authorities about border crossing status, as they can close unexpectedly due to disease or flooding.

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)

General assessment

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

Crime

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.

Natural hazards

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)

In brief
  • British nationals face a high global threat of terrorist attack; be aware of your surroundings at all times. Foreign Office
  • Violent crime is increasing in Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun, with criminals targeting cars and restaurants. Foreign Office
  • House burglaries by armed gangs are common; lock your room at all times and secure valuables. Foreign Office
  • Botswana has a high number of sexual assaults; women should take care when walking alone at night. Foreign Office
  • Always carry identification, such as a copy of your passport photo page, and produce the original if required. Foreign Office
  • Drug offences carry severe penalties, including fines up to 500,000 pulas and prison sentences up to 25 years. Foreign Office

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 01.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

  • see general advice for women travellers
  • read our guide on disability and travel abroad
  • see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
  • read about safety for solo and independent travel
  • see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance

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

Terrorism

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 .

Terrorism in Botswana

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Botswana, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

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.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Criminals may target cars waiting at traffic lights. To reduce the risk of attack:

  • keep doors locked and windows closed
  • keep handbags, phones and laptops out of sight
  • avoid carrying luggage in your vehicle whenever possible
  • do not stop for people at the roadside hitchhiking

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:

  • lock your room at all times
  • speak to your travel operator if your accommodation does not seem secure
  • secure valuables in a hotel safe or other safe place
Sexual assault

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.

Personal ID

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.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

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.

Using cameras in secure areas

It is illegal to take photographs or use video equipment near military and government installations. Always ask permission before photographing people in Botswana.

LGBT+ travellers

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 .

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

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.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

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

In brief
  • U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime. State Department
  • Petty crime, such as the theft of money and personal property, is common. State Department
  • Crimes of opportunity are prevalent, targeting unattended belongings. State Department
  • Potentially violent crimes, including home invasions and muggings, are also common. State Department
  • Be aware of "smash and grab" incidents targeting vehicles. State Department

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

Advisory summary

Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime .

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

In brief
  • You must carry photo identification, such as a photocopy of your passport, and keep another copy safe. Global Affairs Canada
  • Penalties for drug possession, use, or trafficking are severe, with potential fines and lengthy jail sentences. Global Affairs Canada
  • You must obtain permission from Botswanan authorities to import firearms and ammunition. Global Affairs Canada
  • Photographing military installations is prohibited, and you should seek permission before photographing official buildings or individuals. Global Affairs Canada
  • It is illegal to hunt in controlled areas without prior authorization and to trade in animal parts without a government permit. Global Affairs Canada
  • You must declare foreign currency equal to or greater than the equivalent of 10,000 BWP. Global Affairs Canada

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all

Local laws

You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Identification

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.

International Child Abduction

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:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Botswana to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

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.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders face fines and lengthy jail sentences. Drugs, alcohol and travel

Firearms

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

Pornography

You could face a fine or a jail sentence if you access, produce and/or publish pornographic material.

Photography

Photographing military installations is prohibited. Seek permission before taking photos of official buildings or individuals.

Wildlife hunting

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:

  • horns
  • tusks
  • bones
Driving

Traffic drives on the left. To drive in Botswana, you must have:

  • a valid Canadian driver’s licence
  • an international driving permit

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%.

Money

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

Personal ID

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.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

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.

Using cameras in secure areas

It is illegal to take photographs or use video equipment near military and government installations. Always ask permission before photographing people in Botswana.

LGBT+ travellers

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.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

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

Specific legal provisions

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.

Cultural specificities

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

Air: Fair 32/100PM2.5 7.3 µg/m³ · PM10 7.5 µg/m³
UV extreme today max 11.7Right now 0.0 · WHO scale 0–11+

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.

Physicians per 1,000 people
Botswana0.4 2023
Switzerland4.5 2022
France3.3 2022
Hospital beds per 1,000 people
Botswana2.4 2022
Switzerland4.4 2023
France5.7 2022
Health spending per person (USD)
Botswana490 2023
Switzerland11,784 2023
France5,327 2024
Life expectancy (years)
Botswana69.3 2024
Switzerland84.4 2024
France83.0 2024

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

I travel on a passportVisa, passport validity, entry form: the rules depend on your passport. Each government describes them for its own nationals.

French passport — France Diplomatie

In brief
  • All COVID-19 entry restrictions for Botswana have been lifted. France Diplomatie
  • French nationals do not require a visa for Botswana. France Diplomatie
  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. France Diplomatie
  • A stay permit, valid for up to three months, is issued at border posts free of charge. France Diplomatie
  • Immigration officers determine the length of stay; verify it is sufficient for your trip. France Diplomatie
  • Travelers with a minor must present a certified birth certificate and, if applicable, a notarized consent letter from the absent parent. France Diplomatie

Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.

Botswana

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Mesures liées à la Covid-19

Toutes les mesures de restrictions sanitaires pour l’entrée sur le territoire ont été levées.

Formalités d’entrée

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)

In brief
  • British citizens must ensure their passport has at least six months' validity beyond arrival and three blank pages.
  • Entry to Botswana is permitted for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism purposes.
  • Travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk must present a valid vaccination certificate.
  • Original or certified copies of a child's birth certificate are required, along with an affidavit from an absent parent.
  • Declare cash currency exceeding 10,000 Botswana pula upon entry or exit to avoid prosecution.

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

Entry requirements — rules for a British passport

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

Passport validity requirements

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

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 .

Visa requirements

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 .

Travelling with children

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 .

Vaccine requirements

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 .

Ebola

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 .

Customs rules

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.

Taking money into Botswana

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

Living on site

For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.

CrimeMODERATE

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 they advise:
  • Do not resist an attack.
  • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily.
Foreign Office · Global Affairs Canada · State Department
TransportMODERATE

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 they advise:
  • You should only use taxis from reputable and licensed companies.
  • This is a particular risk at night, so take extra care if you’re driving after dark.
  • Criminals may target cars waiting at traffic lights.
Foreign Office · Global Affairs Canada
Nature and climateMODERATE

What the texts say · Botswana’s rainy season, runs from November to March, bringing heavy rainfalls and risk of flash flooding.

What they advise:
  • Stay away from flooded areas.
  • Follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders.
Foreign Office · Global Affairs Canada
Laws and customsTO KNOW

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 they advise:
  • You must carry photo identification, such as a photocopy of your passport.
  • It is illegal to take photographs or use video equipment near military and government installations.
Foreign Office · Global Affairs Canada
Crowds and calendarLOW

What the texts say · Although rare, demonstrations may occur, especially in Gaborone and around elections.

What they advise: Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place.
Global Affairs Canada

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)

Safety in figures
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people
Botswana11.4 2021
Switzerland0.6 2023
France1.3 2023
Road traffic deaths per 100,000 people
Botswana26.4 2019
Switzerland2.2 2019
France5.1 2019

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

—:—Local time · Africa/Gaborone ·
911Local emergency numbers · Single number 911 · Police 999 · Ambulance 997 · Fire 998
BS 546, BS 1363, Fiches et prises de courant alternatif : types britanniques et apparentés230 V
Drivingon the left

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

Transport and infrastructure

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.

Specific remarks

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

Public holidaysNager.Date ↗read 25.09.2026

  • Fri 25 Dec — Christmas Day
  • Sat 26 Dec — St. Stephen's Day
ESSENTIAL

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 area

The hospitals to know — Gaborone

The 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 ↗

7pharmacies21doctorsFull map and list ↗

Before you go

  • Routine vaccinesup to date
  • Yellow feverrequired if arriving from a risk area
  • Hepatitis Arecommended
  • Hepatitis Brecommended
  • Malariadepending on the area
  • Mpoxdepending on the trip
  • Rabiesdepending on the trip

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

On site

DengueMosquitoes bite by day: repellent, long sleeves.
MalariaPresent in some areas: talk to a doctor before leaving.
ChikungunyaMosquito-borne: same protection as for dengue.
SunUV extreme (12): hat, sunscreen, water.
MedicationIn their box, with the prescription — in English if possible.

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.

The next 7 days Africa/GaboroneMET Norway ↗read 13.10.2026

Wed 14 Oct17–30°showers · 13.4 mm
Thu 15 Oct16–31°clear
Fri 16 Oct19–33°mainly clear
Sat 17 Oct20–34°clear
Sun 18 Oct20–36°clear
Mon 19 Oct17–34°partly cloudy
Tue 20 Oct15–32°mainly clear

Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.

I travel on a passportYour embassy, and the service to register with, depend on your passport.

Your country, 24/7, from abroad

FR
Crisis and Support Centre — French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs+33 1 53 59 11 0024/7 emergency line, standard rate. First contact abroad: the French embassy or consulate.www.diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
CH
FDFA Helpline+41 58 465 33 33+41 800 24 7 36524/7, 365 days a year — helpline@eda.admin.ch. Beware of scam calls spoofing these numbers.www.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 14.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
GB
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office+44 20 7008 500024 hours, for British nationals.www.gov.uk ↗updated 01.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026
US
Overseas Citizens Services — U.S. Department of State+1 202 501 4444+1 888 407 4747From abroad; the second number from the U.S. and Canada.travel.state.gov ↗updated 16.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026

French passport — French embassy and consulates

FR
Ambassade de Franceembassy · nearest · 1.1 km

+267 397 38 63 · France Diplomatie

FR
Résidence de l'Ambassadeur de Franceembassy · 1.2 km

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

Useful addresses — FDFA, in French

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

OpenStreetMap

American passport — U.S. embassy and consulates

OpenStreetMap

Police

  • CBD Police · 1.1 km
  • Urban Police Station · 1.9 km
    Malope Way
  • Gaborone-West · 2.3 km
  • block5 Peni House · 3.6 km

OpenStreetMap

Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 01.06.2026 · read 13.10.2026

Getting help — Foreign Office

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.

Emergency services in Botswana

Ambulance: 997

Fire: 998

Police: 999

Contact your travel provider and insurer

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.

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

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

Useful phrases

English is an official language in Botswana: no translated phrases here.

  • Keep the entry stamp, hospital invoices and the medical report. Without them a claim cannot be rebuilt.
  • File it from the claim form, once back, with those papers.
  • The France Diplomatie health page mentions dengue and malaria and chikungunya. A fever in the weeks after return should be told to a doctor, naming the country.

Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.

1Once — the framework
2For each departure
3During the mission, and after

What is happening in Botswana right now

Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.

What governments have just written

UpdateGlobal Affairs Canada

Health – editorial change

September 24, 2026 08:53 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 24.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026

No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.

⚡ The world feed — every country →

Frequently asked questions — travel insurance Botswana

24/7 support number — +41 22 ••• •• ••An adviser goes through each question with you until you have an actionable answer: cover, hospital, entry rules, claims. Full number in your client area. You can also ask Maximum directly, just below these questions.
What is the official risk level in Botswana today?

Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 13 October 2026.

  • Is the whole country advised against? United States: no · France: no · United Kingdom: no · Switzerland: no (reading of 27 September 2026).
  • Contractually, only an FDFA, FOPH or WHO advisory against the trip opens Module A (art. 18.1) — that is not the case today.
  • International medical cover, 24/7 number saved, and a read of the areas named under Safety & risks before booking the itinerary.
  • We check these sources every morning and e-mail you the day one changes (Alerts button).

Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 16.06 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10DFAE · updated 14.09 · read 13.10207-country comparison

Is the whole of Botswana advised against, or only some areas?

An area advised against does not rule out the country.

  • Official answers: United States: no · France: no · United Kingdom: no · Switzerland: no.
  • Keep your country of residence's advisory on booking day and on departure day: that is what your policy's clauses cite.

SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 01.06 · read 13.10State Department · updated 16.06 · read 13.10

What are the entry requirements for Botswana with my passport?

The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.

  • French passport (France Diplomatie): All COVID-19 entry restrictions for Botswana have been lifted. French nationals do not require a visa for Botswana. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.
  • British passport (Foreign Office): British citizens must ensure their passport has at least six months' validity beyond arrival and three blank pages. Entry to Botswana is permitted for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism purposes. Travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk must present a valid vaccination certificate.
  • American passport: the requirements are on the State Department country page (travel.state.gov).
  • Swiss passport: the FDFA refers you to the destination's embassy in Switzerland.
  • Pick your passport at the top of Before you go › Entry: the official text that concerns you comes first, with its “In brief” summary.

SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 01.06 · read 13.10State Department · updated 16.06 · read 13.10

Do I need an insurance certificate for a Botswana visa?

For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).

  • Many other countries ask for it on entry or for a visa, case by case: check Before you go › Entry, with your passport.
  • Subscribe: the named certificate arrives by e-mail on payment, with your name, dates and limits (CHF 1.5M medical expenses, unlimited evacuation and repatriation) — the ones consulates check.
  • Attach it to the visa file; if in doubt about the format, write to us.

SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479

What does Maximum Insurance do in Botswana, concretely?

VIP Pack — $990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.

  • CHF 1.5M emergency medical expenses, unlimited medical evacuation and repatriation, search and rescue CHF 50,000, cancellation or change CHF 5,000.
  • One 24/7 number, +41 22 ••• •• ••: Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).
  • Network of 45,000 providers (art. 6.9); evacuation is decided, organised and paid by Maximum's medical team if the local facility is not enough (art. 6.2.2).
  • Named certificate by e-mail on payment, no medical questionnaire.

SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 13.10

What should I do if hospitalised in Botswana?

Six steps, in this order.

  • 1. Call +41 22 ••• •• •• before paying anything, or have the front desk call: it is the condition for full cover (otherwise: reduced or refused benefits).
  • 2. Ask for a hospital in the Maximum network (art. 6.9).
  • 3. See a doctor the same day and leave with the certificate: without an on-the-spot finding, nothing is covered (art. 33).
  • 4. Admitted for more than 24 h? The front desk calls Maximum: direct payment guarantee, no deposit (art. 2.12).
  • 5. Book no ambulance or flight yourself (art. 6.2.2).
  • 6. Once home, file within 30 days (art. 35.7).
  • Local emergency services: single number 911 · police 999 · ambulance 997 · fire 998.

SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479

Which emergency numbers in Botswana?

Local emergency services: single number 911 · police 999 · ambulance 997 · fire 998

  • Maximum, 24/7, before any payment: +41 22 ••• •• ••.
  • France — Ambassade de France (1.1 km) · +267 397 38 63
  • United Kingdom — Haut-commissariat du Royaume-Uni (0.6 km) · +267 395 2841
  • United States — Ambassade des États-Unis (0.7 km) · (+267) 395-3982
  • Save these numbers before leaving; in immediate danger, call local emergency services first, then Maximum.

SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 13.10

Is an Amex, Visa or Mastercard enough in Botswana?

At today's level 2/4, card by card:

  • Amex Platinum — No area exclusion at this level — but three written limits: deductible and prior approval, 90-day cap, advance under conditions.
  • Visa — No express area exclusion — but a €156,000 cap, 90 days, and the war/instability exclusion in the background.
  • Mastercard — No exclusion in play at this level — but a €155,000 cap and 90 covered days.
  • Three lines to read in your notice: the duration (often 90 days per trip), the settlement (reimbursement afterwards or direct payment of the hospital) and the area exclusion at level 4/4.

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 '

Are a health plan or a travel policy enough in Botswana?

A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.

  • Health plan — A health plan treats you at home. Here the hospital asks for a guarantee before admission — not a later reimbursement.
  • Travel policy — No area exclusion at this level — compare cap, deductible and covered duration.
  • A travel policy often has a territorial clause at level 4/4 and a 90-day limit per trip.
  • Have your IPID number or the PDF of the terms and ask an expert to call you back: the answer is in the document, not in the brochure.

SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479

How do I use the medical network on this page?

The page reads hospitals, pharmacies and doctors from OpenStreetMap, around the point you choose.

  • Type your city, hotel or beach: the map re-centres, 24/7 emergency rooms come first.
  • Each row gives the phone when the source publishes it, the nearest street, directions and the Google Maps listing.
  • The PDF briefing repeats the same places, numbered on a printable map.
  • No customer reviews: OpenStreetMap has none, and we invent none.

SourcesOpenStreetMap (ODbL) · read 13.10

Which vaccines and health precautions for Botswana?

The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.

  • CDC (Travelers' Health), depending on the trip: Routine vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Measles, Monkeypox.
  • France Diplomatie reports in the country: dengue, malaria, chikungunya — mosquito protection day and night.
  • See a doctor or a travel clinic 8 weeks before departure (Foreign Office).
  • Carry your medicines in their packaging, with a prescription using international non-proprietary names (France Diplomatie).

SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10OMS · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 01.06 · read 13.10

Can I be treated in Botswana, or will I be evacuated?

0.4 physicians per 1,000 people (2023) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.

  • 2.4 hospital beds per 1,000 people versus 4.4 in Switzerland (World Bank).
  • 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.
  • When the local facility is not enough, Maximum's medical team decides the evacuation to a suitable centre, and pays for it (art. 6.2.2).

SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479

Botswana: safety, in figures?

11.4 homicides per 100,000 people (2021) versus 0.6 in Switzerland and 1.3 in France.

  • 26.4 road deaths per 100,000 people versus 2.2 in Switzerland (World Bank, WHO).
  • 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.

SourcesWorld Bank (UNODC, WHO) · read 10.10UCDP

Where is my embassy in Botswana, and why register?

The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):

  • France — Ambassade de France (1.1 km) · +267 397 38 63
  • United Kingdom — Haut-commissariat du Royaume-Uni (0.6 km) · +267 395 2841
  • United States — Ambassade des États-Unis (0.7 km) · (+267) 395-3982
  • Register before leaving: France: Ariane · Switzerland: Travel Admin · United Kingdom: Foreign Office alerts · United States: STEP.
  • Two minutes, and in a crisis your country's authorities can reach you and count you in an evacuation.
  • Pick your passport at the top of Contacts: your embassy comes first.

SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 13.10DFAE · updated 14.09 · read 13.10

Which regions of Botswana should I avoid, precisely?

No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.

  • Your point (Gaborone): country-wide vigilance.
  • Maximum does not exclude these areas: the VIP Pack covers care and repatriation there (sanctions, embargoes and a country already at war at departure remain enforceable).

SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 01.06 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10

Which laws and customs should I know in Botswana?

Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.

  • You must carry photo identification, such as a photocopy of your passport, and keep another copy safe.
  • Penalties for drug possession, use, or trafficking are severe, with potential fines and lengthy jail sentences.
  • You must obtain permission from Botswanan authorities to import firearms and ammunition.
  • Photographing military installations is prohibited, and you should seek permission before photographing official buildings or individuals.
  • It is illegal to hunt in controlled areas without prior authorization and to trade in animal parts without a government permit.

SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 24.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 01.06 · read 13.10

Who can I call at any hour from Botswana?

Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.

  • France — Crisis and Support Centre — French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs: +33 1 53 59 11 00. 24/7 emergency line, standard rate. First contact abroad: the French embassy or consulate.
  • Switzerland — FDFA Helpline: +41 58 465 33 33 · +41 800 24 7 365. 24/7, 365 days a year — helpline@eda.admin.ch. Beware of scam calls spoofing these numbers.
  • United Kingdom — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: +44 20 7008 5000. 24 hours, for British nationals.
  • United States — Overseas Citizens Services — U.S. Department of State: +1 202 501 4444 · +1 888 407 4747. From abroad; the second number from the U.S. and Canada.
  • On site, Ambassade de France: +267 397 38 63.

Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 13.10eda.admin.ch · updated 14.09 · read 13.10

What should I keep after leaving Botswana, and how do I file a claim?

Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.

  • File within 30 days (art. 35.7) from your client area, with the documents; the official forms are pre-filled.
  • Costs advanced on site are reimbursed against receipts.
  • Fever, persistent diarrhoea or a rash in the following weeks? See a doctor and say where you have been — dengue, malaria, chikungunya circulate in the country (France Diplomatie).

SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479

What does the Pack VIP Extreme add?

Cancellation or change up to CHF 20,000, special risk CHF 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.

  • Special risk (Module A): political event, attack, epidemic, natural disaster — opens when the FDFA, the FOPH or WHO advise against the trip (art. 18.1).
  • Epidemic: assistance must be requested within 7 days of the WHO or FDFA qualification (art. 36.2).
  • Crisis management and security: trip registration, monitoring, extraction, evacuation in case of riot, war, terrorism or disaster; Kidnap & Ransom subject to eligibility (art. 18.4).
  • $2,290 a year, unlimited trips.

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.

A question? Maximum answers.Answers built from the Botswana file and your policy.

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.

What Maximum knows

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

Cross-check with official sources
U.S. State Department → UK FCDO → France Diplomatie → DFAE (Suisse) →

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.

Travel covered to Botswana
Get the Pack VIP — $990/yr Cover a team
Check my current cover in Botswana

The destination is already Gaborone. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.

Go further
Insured in an advised-against country →What a repatriation really costs →Who pays the hospital abroad →Where the United States, France and the United Kingdom disagree →What insurance do you need for an assignment abroad? →Insuring a team that travels: you cover a headcount, not names →

All 13 files, together → · All 207 countries →

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