Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Gaborone, Botswana (3/31/2020)
Location: Botswana
Event: U.S. State Department Charter Plane to Southern Africa
Because there are currently no commercial flights entering or departing Botswana or many of its neighbors, the U.S. Department of State is strongly considering sending a charter plane that will stop in several locations across Southern Africa, including Botswana, in the very near future. The exact dates, pricing, and other details will be shared as soon as they are available. 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. Please also note that evacuation flights are not free-of-charge and are, in fact, frequently more expensive than regular commercial travel.
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 in northern Botswana, Ethiopian Airlines is still operating daily flights out of Lusaka, Zambia through Addis Ababa to the United States until further notice. U.S. citizens may exit Botswana using the Kazungula ferry crossing of the Zambezi River, and can apply for a visa upon entry into Zambia. Many hotels and lodges can help arrange travel from the border to Lusaka upon request.
Botswana’s Ministry of Health has confirmed four cases of COVID-19 and one death. President Masisi declared a state of emergency nationwide beginning midnight on April 2 until further notice. He will also request approval from Parliament for 28 days of extreme social distancing, or “lock-down”:
- All individuals are expected to remain in their homes unless performing essential services or transporting essential goods.
- Those performing such services or transportation will be issued a COVID-19 Travel Permit by the Government of Botswana.
- All individuals are expected to continue to practice social distancing during this time.
- The Government of Botswana will announce details on fiscal and social measures enacted to reduce the impact of the lock-down on individuals and businesses.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Botswana.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
- Visit the Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Facebook pagefor latest travel restrictions.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Gaborone, Botswana
Embassy Drive
Government Enclave
Gaborone, Botswana
(+267) 373-2322
ConsularGaborone@state.gov - https://bw.usembassy.gov/
- State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts.
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