Last update: 09/16/2023
Botswana reopened its borders to international travel on November 9, 2020. Although Botswana was closed to tourism for quite a while, it is now one of the countries that are open for tourism from all countries.
All travelers must have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure for Botswana. They may be required to get tested for COVID-19 and isolate in Botswana.
Travelers from India must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival in Botswana. They will undergo testing between days 5 and 7 of the quarantine period to determine whether they can end their quarantine period.
All travelers must also present a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure in order to leave Botswana.
Can I travel to Botswana right now?
You can travel to Botswana from any country right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit Botswana at the moment.
Botswana - EN
- Botswana
- Countries allowed to travel to Botswana
Botswana has reopened borders to tourists from these countries
Travelers from all countries can currently visit Botswana.
Botswana travel ban is in place for these countries
Botswana has not banned travelers from any country.
Botswana COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
Botswana’s entry requirements for travelers are very straightforward.
Botswana COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
All travelers must have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure for Botswana. They may also be required to get tested and isolate at a site selected by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
All travelers from India must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival at a site selected by the Ministry of Health and Wellness at their own expense. They must also undergo testing between days 5 and 7 of their quarantine period. If they receive a negative result on that test, they will be allowed to end their quarantine period.
Botswana is pretty unique in that it also requires travelers to present proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure in order to leave Botswana.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Botswana?
All travelers must present proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure for Botswana. Travelers may also be required to get tested in Botswana.
Travelers who have been in India in the last 14 days must also get tested between days 5 and 7 of their 10-day quarantine period.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Botswana?
You must also get a PCR test in order to leave Botswana. All travelers must have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure in order to exit Botswana.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Botswana?
There is generally no requirement to quarantine upon arrival in Botswana as long as you have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure and you do not exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.
However, you may be required to isolate at a site selected by the Ministry of Health and Wellness if you test positive for COVID-19.
Travelers who have been in India in the last 14 days must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival at their own expense at a site selected by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Botswana
It is not an entry requirement to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to enter Botswana. However, you should always travel with some kind of insurance coverage. Anything can happen while you’re traveling, so the best way to travel safely and securely is to make sure that you’re covered no matter what happens.
Looking for travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage? Heymondo is a great option. When we compared travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, Heymondo was the clear winner because of their policies’ extensive coverage at an affordable price. If you want to get your Heymondo insurance for an even more affordable price, you can use the 5% discount link below.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Botswana
The government of Botswana has not confirmed whether it is mandatory to present a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter Botswana.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Botswana
If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to Botswana, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case Botswana changes its travel restrictions.
Other travel restrictions for Botswana during COVID-19
Botswana has a few other travel restrictions in place:
- All travelers must complete a self-declaration form.
- All travelers will undergo health screenings upon arrival in Botswana.
- Travelers may be subject to COVID-19 testing upon arrival.
- Face masks are required in all public areas.
- Social distancing rules must be observed.
- You may need a tourist visa to visit Botswana. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in Botswana
Lots of places are open in Botswana right now, including hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Tours and safaris are operating as well. Increased health and safety measures have been introduced for the tourism industry so as to help keep everyone safe and healthy.
Hotels that are open in Botswana
Hotels and accommodations in Botswana are currently open for visitors. Of the many fantastic accommodations Botswana has to offer, we highly recommend these ones:
- Omogolo Bush Lodges (South Okavango)
- The Waterfront (Maun)
- Protea Hotel by Marriott (Gaborone)
- Mogotlho Safari Lodge (Mababe)
Guests must wear masks and keep a distance of at least 1 meter away from others who are not in their household. They will also have their temperatures taken twice daily at the entrance to the accommodation.
Hand sanitizer will be available for guests to disinfect their hands. Frequently touched areas will be disinfected twice a day. Bed linens will be cleaned and changed daily.
More information on hotel regulations is available here.
Safaris in Botswana that are currently running
Attractions are open and tours, including safaris, are operating in Botswana right now. These are our absolute favorite safaris in Botswana:
- 5-day Safari Tour – Wilderness Of Okavango Game Reserve
- 8-day Safari Tour – Venture Into The Untamed Wilderness Of Africa
- 10-day Elephant Trail Experience
- 15-day Wilderness, Desert and Culture Trail
Guests will have their temperatures taken at the start. Handwashing facilities and/or hand sanitizer will be available at entrances and exits. Guests must keep a distance of at least 1 meter away from others who are not in their household.
More details on attraction and tour regulations can be found here.
Restaurants that are open in Botswana
Trying new food can be a big adventure in and of itself. Luckily, Botswana’s restaurants are open so you can sample the local cuisine.
Restaurants that are open in Botswana
Restaurants are currently limited to 50% capacity and can have no more than 50 guests at a time, so you may want to make reservations ahead of time.
Guests will not be allowed to stay for more than two hours. They must keep a distance of at least 1 meter away from others who are not in their household. Guests will have their temperatures checked at the entrance and must provide their personal details for contact tracing purposes. Tables will be spaced at least 1 meter apart.
More details on restaurant regulations can be found here.
Airports that are open in Botswana
Four of Botswana’s airports, Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Kasane International Airport, Maun International Airport, and PG Matante International Airport, are all open. Limited commercial flights are operating via South Africa and Ethiopia.
Travelers must abide by social distancing rules and wear face masks at all times. They will be subject to health screenings and potential COVID-19 testing on arrival.
Curfew in Botswana
There is currently a nightly curfew from 8 PM to 4 AM in Gaborone.
Interregional and intercity travel restrictions in Botswana
Botswana is divided into 9 zones. Anyone who wants to travel between zones must obtain a permit. However, a permit is not needed to travel within a zone.
Permits are restricted to essential travel, but tourism is considered essential travel, so tourists should still be able to travel within Botswana. Permits can be acquired here.
Where to get a PCR test in Botswana
You must get a PCR test in Botswana in order to leave the country. All travelers must have a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of departure in order to exit Botswana. You can find more information on testing here.
Botswana reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to Botswana reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Can I travel to Botswana right now?
Yes, anyone can travel to Botswana right now.
Is it safe to travel to Botswana during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Is there a travel ban in Botswana?
No, no travelers are currently banned from entering Botswana.
Is quarantine required to visit Botswana?
No, you do not need to quarantine upon arrival as long as you have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure for Botswana and you do not have COVID-19 symptoms. If you have been in India in the last 14 days, you will have to quarantine for 10 days from your arrival.
Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Botswana?
Yes, you must have proof of a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to your departure for Botswana.
Is a curfew in place?
Yes, there is a nightly curfew from 8 PM to 4 AM in Gaborone.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel?
Yes, Botswana is divided into 9 geographical zones, and you must apply for an interzonal travel permit to travel between zones. You do not need a permit to travel within the same zone.
Are hotels open in Botswana?
Yes, Botswana’s hotels are open.
Are airports open in Botswana?
Yes, Botswana’s Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Kasane International Airport, Maun International Airport, and PG Matante International Airport are all open, and limited commercial flights are operating.
Are restaurants open in Botswana?
Yes, restaurants in Botswana are open.
Are safaris operating in Botswana?
Yes, safaris in Botswana are operating.
Are tours and excursions operating in Botswana?
Yes, tours and excursions are currently operating.
Are attractions open in Botswana?
Yes, attractions are open.
Is Botswana open to American tourists?
Yes, American tourists can travel to Botswana.
Is Botswana open to Canadian tourists?
Yes, Canadians can visit Botswana.
Sources
We will update this guide on Botswana reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Botswana, you can check these official sources:
