Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Gaborone, Botswana

Location:  Botswana 

Event:  Lockdown Regulations and Evacuation Flight Registration

The U.S. Department of State has arranged a flight from Gaborone (Sir Seretse Khama Airport) to Washington, DC (IAD) on Friday, April 10, 2020.  U.S. citizens should seriously consider this option for returning to the United States, as there are no guarantees that another flight will be possible and those who remain may have to stay for several months.  Please carefully weigh the anticipated conditions in Botswana and in the United States over the next 60-90 days when making this decision.  

 

U.S. citizens who are interested in taking this opportunity to return home should contact the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone at the following link and fill out the form carefully, then submit: 

 

Botswana Repatriation Request Form 

 

The U.S. Embassy will use this form to send details about the flight to those who have registered.

 

For those outside Gaborone, the evacuation flight will stop in Gaborone only.  Please contact ConsularGaborone@state.gov for assistance or the numbers listed below if you are outside of Gaborone and are seeking evacuation.

 

The Government of Botswana has published regulations regarding the COVID-19 state of emergency declaration.  The regulations can be found on the U.S. Embassy in Botswana COVID-19 page at https://bw.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/.  

  • The Government of Botswana has declared a State of Emergency until further notice.

  • All individuals are expected to remain in their homes unless procuring or performing essential services.

  • All individuals require a new permit developed April 5.  The permit lasts five days. Call 997 for further information on getting the permit for your movements.

  • All individuals are expected to continue to practice social distancing during this time.

  • If your visa was granted prior to the state of emergency and expires during the state of   emergency, you are deemed to have a valid visa for the duration. The Government of Botswana will not process any requests for extensions during the lock-down.

 

 Actions to Take:  

Assistance: 

  • State Department – Consular Affairs
    888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444