Botswana Travel Information

Coronavirus has been detected in Botswana. The authorities have declared the state of emergency and have introduced a national lockdown (“lockdown”). Only life-saving excursions outside the home are allowed. for shopping foods. The curfew will initially last through the month of April. The country’s borders are closed to passenger traffic, and there are currently no commercial flights out of the country. For more information about coronavirus, see the section Health. According to Abbreviationfinder, BWA stands for Botswana in geography.

Safety

Most trips to Botswana are made without special problems. The greatest risk is related to poor infrastructure and transport safety.

Norway is represented by an honorary consulate general in Gaborone. Responsible Norwegian Embassy for Botswana is in Pretoria, South Africa.

The risk of terrorist acts in Botswana is considered low. Visitors are rarely exposed to violent crime, but caution must be exercised. By taking simple precautions one can significantly reduce the risk. Visitors should inform themselves locally about the security situation before entering the country.

It is important to exercise caution in traffic as traffic safety in Botswana is low. Car accidents affect tourists on a regular basis, especially due to roadway animals and negligent driving. It is a left-hand drive in Botswana.

The ban on gay practice was lifted by the judiciary in June 2019, but authorities have announced that they will appeal the decision. Attitudes towards LGBTI people may vary from different areas of the country, and tolerance may be particularly low in rural areas.

  • Countryaah: Gaborone is the capital of Botswana. Check to find information of population, geography, history, and economy about the capital city.

Heavy rain in the summer months (September to April) can cause flooding in parts of the country. In recent years, however, drought has become a growing problem.

Local emergency numbers: Ambulance 997, fire 998, police 999.

Major Landmarks in Botswana

Entry

Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible for whether the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is correct as this can be changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.

Norwegian citizens do not need a visa for travel to Botswana. However, the passport must be valid for at least six months after scheduled departure, and there must be at least two free pages in the passport.

Only machine-readable passports are accepted as valid identification documents. Emergency passports cannot therefore be used for travel to Botswana. It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that the passport is valid.

When entering Botswana, the following passports are also accepted: travel document for refugees (green travel document) or travel document for people on humanitarian grounds (blue travel document). Travelers with a green travel document or a blue travel document must apply for a visa in advance. The application process normally takes 15-21 days.

When entering and leaving Botswana it is required that a birth certificate with apostille can be presented for children under 18 years. If both parents do not travel with the minor, the consent of the person who does not travel with the child must be shown. For guidelines regarding legalization, cf. the Foreign Ministry’s website.

It is subject to change of entry rules at short notice. It is therefore recommended that the Botswana authorities be contacted when planning a trip. Norway is covered by the Botswana Embassy in Stockholm.

Most travelers to Botswana travel via South Africa, and must therefore comply with South African entry regulations (see separate article on South Africa).

If you arrive from another African country, evidence of yellow fever vaccine may be required.

Health

Coronavirus (covid-19): Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the development of the coronavirus. Feel free to follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation.

The authorities have declared the state of emergency and have introduced a national lockdown (“lockdown”). Only life-saving excursions outside the home are allowed. for shopping foods. The curfew will initially last through the month of April. The country’s borders are closed to passenger traffic, and there are currently no commercial flights out of the country.

You can find information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s website regarding the coronavirus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronaviruses and on the Embassy’s website.

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The health services in Botswana are concentrated on the largest cities and are consistently lower than the Norwegian standard.

For further advice and guidance on health and vaccines in Botswana, see the Institute of Public Health. There is no danger of yellow fever in the country. However, if you arrive in Botswana from a country at risk of yellow fever, a valid vaccine card will be required. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is very severe in Botswana. It is estimated that just over 18 percent of the population lives with the virus.

Practical information

According to allcitycodes, the area code for calls from Norway to Botswana is +267. The telephone network is relatively stable. Time difference: Botswana is one hour ahead at winter time in Norway. There is no time difference at daylight saving time.

The power grid in Botswana is 231v. 50 Hz. Norwegian plugs must use adapter.

Public transport is little developed. Air Botswana has domestic networks between the largest cities. Several charter companies cover the most popular tourist areas. Taxi services are available in the larger cities. Good opportunities for car hire. Good international bus connections to South Africa, Namibia and Zambia.

Internet domain:.by
Coin value: Pula (P)
Credit card: Can be used at most hotels, restaurants and shops in the cities. ATMs are found in most cities.
Normal business hours and business hours 08:30 – 17:00 on weekdays, and 09: 00-13: 00 on Saturdays. Many shops close for lunch from 1 pm to 3 pm.

National Holidays: First New Year’s Day, Easter (Easter Thursday to 2nd Easter), May 1, Ascension Day, July 1 (Sir Seretse Khama Day), May 21-22 July (President’s Day), September 30 (Botswana Day), and February 25-26. December (Christmas).

Ten percent tips on restaurants are normal, but can be adjusted depending on the quality of service.

Official languages ​​are English and setswana

Courtesy and respect are valued by the right hand greeting supported by the left hand. Give and receive gifts only with your right hand. Avoid staring with eyes.

Use of drugs and smuggling is prohibited and can result in severe penalties. Photography and use of camcorders are prohibited on military grounds. Always ask about the law before shooting people.