Location: Botswana
Event:
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Botswana.
On March 19, the Department of State advised all U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. 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. Travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline. If you choose to travel internationally you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe. U.S. Citizens wishing to return to the United States should make immediate arrangements with their airlines while commercial options remain available.
On March 14, the Department of State 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 outbreak the Peace Corps suspended activities and is evacuating Peace Corps Volunteers globally with the intention of resuming activities at some point in the future.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and released a Public Notice banning travelers arriving from certain countries. The ban includes all travelers (except Batswana citizens and Botswana residents) originating from or transiting through the following high-risk countries: the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and India. The language of the notice is available on their Facebook page. Batswana and residents returning from high-risk countries will be subject to 14-day mandatory quarantine.
Issuance of Botswana visas at ports of entry for any person from a high-risk area has been suspended. Those traveling to, but who have not entered, Botswana no longer have valid visas, nor will they receive visas on arrival. Those visa holders from high-risk countries already in Botswana should consider their visas valid.
Travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
Individuals who demonstrate specific symptoms related to COVID-19 should call their health care provider or the MoHW Emergency Operations line at 363-2273/2756/2757 for further instructions.
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 page for 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
- Botswana Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
