Travel Requirements: Botswana, Africa

Travel Requirements: Botswana, Africa

VISA Requirements

A valid travel document and visa is required for entry into Botswana. For a complete list of countries which require visas to enter Botswana, please click here. Nationals of these countries, do not requirement a visa provided they have a valid travel document.

For more information on the visa application process and visa requirements based on nationalities, please visit www.botswanaembassy.org

VISA fee of US$107.00 applies to those nationals for whom a visa is needed.

Medical Requirements

The risks to health whilst travelling will vary between individuals and many issues need to be taken into account, e.g. activities abroad, length of stay and general health of the traveller. It is recommended that you consult with your General Practitioner or Practice Nurse 6-8 weeks in advance of travel. They will assess your particular health risks before recommending vaccines and /or antimalarial tablets. This is also a good opportunity to discuss important travel health issues including safe food and water, accidents, sun exposure and insect bites. Many of the problems experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccinations and other preventive measures need to be taken.

Malaria is prevalent, therefore while traveling in Botswana, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside.

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so its recommended to have this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Botswana, so its recommended to have this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Botswana
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.

There is no risk of yellow fever in Botswana. The government of Botswana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.

Snakes are common in the bush, and most bites are on the foot or lower leg. If walking, particularly in long grass, wear proper boots and either long, loose trousers or thick, concertinaed hiking socks. Shake out boots and shoes in the morning, in case you have a guest. These precautions also reduce the chance of scorpion sting. If you do get bitten or stung, stay calm. Try to identify the exact culprit, but get to medical assistance as rapidly as you can without undue exertion. Many bites and stings are non-fatal even if not treated, but it is safer to seek treatment, which is very effective these days.

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