COVID-19 Information

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Last Update: (3/30/2020 – 23:00 CAT)

Country-Specific Information

  • Botswana has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.

International Travel

  • The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.  U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all unnecessary international travel.  Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice.  Airlines have cancelled many international flights.  If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.  Visit travel.state.gov for the latest guidance.
  • The Department of State has authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.  In response to the ongoing COVID-19 worldwide, the Peace Corps in Botswana has returned all volunteers to the United States

Travel to the United States

  • U.S. Citizens wishing to return to the United States should contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone using the following link to express interest in travel options if and when they become available: Botswana Repatriation Request Form
  • The border with Zambia via the Kazungula Ferry is still open for departing Botswana.  U.S. citizens may enter Zambia and pay for a visa upon entry.  For visa information, please see www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm.  There are flights from Livingstone, Zambia to Lusaka, where Ethiopian Airlines is still operating daily flights to the United States until further notice.  Travelers may also want to inquire with their lodges or hotels in northern Botswana to arrange a car from Kazungula to Lusaka.

Transit Through South Africa

  • The South African Government has suspended the entry of all non-citizens and non-residents through land border crossings.  U.S. citizens with transit flights through Johannesburg back to the United States may be able to transit without a visa while South African airspace remains open, but starting March 29 there will be no flights available departing Botswana.  Please visit the U.S. Embassy South Africa website for more information on entry and transit requirements.

Botswana Entry and Exit Requirements

  • The Government of Botswana has banned entry of all individuals (except Batswana and Botswana residents) from coming to Botswana.
  • Batswana and Botswana residents returning from high risk countries will be subjected to a 14-day mandatory quarantine at government-approved locations.
  • The Government of Botswana has implemented enhanced screening at ports of entry in response to the global public health threat posed by COVID-19.  This includes conducting health checks at all major land borders and airports.
  • Travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
  • Visit the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Facebook page for the latest information.

Botswana Quarantine Information

  • The Government of Botswana has quarantined several individuals with suspected cases at a hospital facility in Gaborone.  No cases have been confirmed.
  • Individuals arriving in Botswana will be required to go directly to a government-approved facility with food and sanitation provided for their 14 day quarantine.
  • S. citizens placed into government-approved quarantine facilities should attempt to contact the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone at ConsularGaborone@state.govor the phone numbers listed on this website.

Additional Information

  • Individuals who demonstrate specific symptoms related to COVID-19 should call their health care provider or the MoHWEmergency Operations line at 363-2273/2756/2757 for further instructions.

Actions to Take

Local Resources

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By | 28 March, 2020 | Topics: Alert, Exclude, Health Issues

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