COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Botswana (2 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents with valid residency visas are allowed entry into Botswana.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreigners are allowed to enter.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• No

• Transit services through Botswana are currently not available.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No

• Everyone arriving in Botswana must go through health screening.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All arriving and departing travellers must have a printed negative COVID-19 test certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior to departure. The certificate must be in English. Travellers aged below five years are exempted from this requirement.

• All arrivals by private charter flights must have a COVID-19 test certificate.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Foreigners will have to remain in contact with the local health authority for a period of 14 days for self-monitoring.

• Returning residents/citizens will be subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine period in government facilities at their own expense and compulsory COVID-19 testing.

• Ahead of the upcoming Christmas holiday season, travellers are being advised to avoid non-essential travel and visiting elderly who are at the risk of developing COVID-19 symptoms. Those who are travelling through private cars to visit their loved ones should go through self-isolation for 14-days prior to departure, and those travelling through public transport should quarantine for 14-days after arrival.

Insurance required?

• No with exceptions

• All arrivals by private charter flights will need to have travel insurance which covers COVID-19 treatment expenses.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• Travellers are advised to use the mobile app ‘bSafe’ for contact tracing.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• International commercial flights have resumed from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Kasane International Airport, Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport, and Maun International Airport.

• Charter flights are allowed to land at two airports in Maun and Kasane, prime tourist resorts in vast Okavango Delta.

• Air Botswana resumed domestic flights.

• Health screenings before boarding flights are mandatory.

Border restrictions

• Total

• The borders crossings of Ngoma, Mohembo and Mamuno with Namibia; Kazungula with Zambia; Martins Drift, Ramatlabama, Tlokweng and Pioneer with South Africa; and Ramokgwebana with Zimbabwe have reopened to international travellers.

• Issuance of visas remains suspended.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• The State of Public Emergency has been extended until March 2021.

• There is no curfew in place.

• Most of the restrictions are being lifted gradually.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Violators of the public health guidelines could be fined or imprisoned.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Masks are required for transport.

• The country has been divided into nine coronavirus zones based on the number of COVID-19 cases. Travellers will need to apply for an inter-zonal travel permit to travel between the coronavirus zones. Those who apply for an inter-zonal travel permit may be required to have a COVID-19 test if travelling from, returning from, or transiting through a COVID-19 high-risk zone or area.

• Residents may travel within their zone without permits.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Non-essential businesses are open.

• Agricultural shops, bakeries, butchers, funeral parlours, and supermarkets are allowed to operate.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Most hotels and other accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Tourism sites are gradually reopening.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Places of worship may open twice a week. Gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are mandatory in public places.

Other

• Schools are allowed to reopen.

Advies

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.