COVID-19 Information
Last updated: 12/04/2021
*** Effective December 6, 2021, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within one calendar day of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
Country-Specific Information
- Botswana exited the State of Emergency as of October 1, 2021.
- Botswana has a Level 4 Travel Advisory.
- Suspension for all gatherings have been lifted but safety protocols remain (wearing of masks, social distancing, and frequent sanitizing).
- Funeral services are permitted, with normal safety protocols.
- Religious services may be held with safety protocols.
- Weddings may be held following safety protocols.
- Cultural or traditional occasions have also resumed with safety protocols being adhered to.
- Meetings or workshops have been resumed with the host ensuring safety measures are in-place.
- Restaurants may operate at full capacity within the confines of their trading licenses.
- All sports and recreational activities have resumed.
- Alcohol sales and consumption is now allowed.
- All schools have been opened and follow safety protocols.
- Charter flights may be available for tourists into Kasane and Maun. Please check directly with charter companies and tour companies regarding the most current schedules and regulations.
- Commercial flights into Botswana are operating through South Africa and Ethiopia, though additional restrictions for U.S. citizens traveling from high-risk countries may be in place for some transit countries. All incoming travelers require a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their arrival in Botswana. Please note that enforcement of regulations may not be consistent.
- Medical evacuations for serious injury and illness are typically organized to South Africa by tourist agencies and safari companies. However, due to current COVID conditions in South Africa, patients may be routed to Gaborone for care if beds are available. Please check the U.S. Embassy in South Africa’s COVID page for the latest details on border closures at https://za.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/.
All land border crossings to South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia are open. Please check the respective embassy websites for the latest on transit, testing, and border crossing availability at https://zm.usembassy.gov/, https://zw.usembassy.gov/, and https://na.usembassy.gov/.
COVID-19 Testing
- Are either PCR or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Botswana? Yes.
- If so, are test results reliably available within one calendar day? Yes.
- Same day test results are available and are widely available through private clinics such as Diagnofirm. Cost for testing at Diagnofirm is BWP750 (USD74). The costs are borne by the individual being tested; payment can be made by cash or credit card.
- Test results are normally returned by email and text message.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
- Has the government of Botswana approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
- Are vaccines available in Botswana for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes
- Which vaccines are available in Botswana? both FDA approved and WHO emergency Use listed vaccine products are available in Botswana.
- Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
- The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
Entry and Exit Requirements
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
PCR test is required within 72 hours of arrival in Botswana.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes; the PCR test is required.
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
- Travelers are granted visa-free entry for 60 days at the Port of Entry.
Movement Restrictions
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
Quarantine Information
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
- Is quarantine required (or recommended) for arriving international travelers? No
Transportation Options
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
- Mask wear is mandated in all public spaces
Fines for Non-Compliance (if applicable)
- None.
Consular Operations
- Routine citizen services are performed on an appointment basis. Email ConsularGaborone@state.gov for appointment requests.
- Routine visa services are suspended. Only visas permitted under the November 26 Presidential Proclamation (see here) are processed..
Local Resources:
- Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Gaborone
- Phone number: 395-3982- business hours; 373-2222 – after hours
- Email Address: ConsularGaborone@state.gov
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
- State Department – Consular Affairs
- 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Botswana Country Information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Botswana.html
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
- Other links:
COVID-19 Traveler Information page on travel.state.gov
