Traveling Luck for Botswana. Botswana, Africa

Crime

Attacks on tourists are rare but petty and violent crime is increasing, particularly in the major towns of Gaborone, Francistown and Maun.  There has been an increase in the number of house burglaries, often by armed gangs. There have been some cases of car jacking, particularly of four by four vehicles.  If you are attacked, do not resist.  Theft from parked cars does occur.  Take sensible precautions.  Safeguard valuables and cash.  Deposit them in hotel safes, where practical.  Keep copies of important documents, including passports in a separate place to the documents themselves.

There have been incidences of rape and other sexual offences.  Given the high level of HIV/AIDS in the country, you should seek immediate medical advice if you are sexually assaulted or otherwise injured.  Women, in particular, should not walk alone at night.

 
Political Situation

Botswana Country Profile.

Local Travel

Game reserves and other tourist areas are generally secure, but you should be alert to unpredictable behaviour by wild animals.  You should follow closely park regulations and wardens’ advice.  You should not bathe in rivers and lakes,  because of the dangers from both wildlife and water-borne diseases.

If you intend travelling to remote areas you should plan your trip with care, making transport and accommodation arrangements in advance and seek local advice on what precautions to take.  Vehicles should be stocked with emergency supplies and be properly prepared for off-road driving conditions.

In major towns taxis are generally safe to take.  You should agree a price before setting off on a journey.

UK and International driving licences are acceptable in Botswana for up to 90 days. Those intending to stay longer should apply for a Botswana licence.

Botswana has good tarmac roads over most of the country but you should be careful when driving off-road.  The standard of driving is lower than in the UK and many drivers ignore road safety rules.  Dangerous driving, including speeding (the maximum speed limit is 120kph), and driving under the influence of alcohol causes frequent serious and often fatal accidents and deaths all over the country on Botswana’s roads.  Driving, particularly outside the major urban areas, is dangerous because wildlife and stray livestock can pose a serious hazard.

Air Safety

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel:  http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm

Drug taking and smuggling is an offence.  The punishments can be severe.

Taking photographs or using video equipment near military and government installations is prohibited.  Always ask permission before taking photographs of people in Botswana.

Homosexuality is illegal in Botswana.

You should carry some form of identification with you at all times.

British nationals do not require visas to enter Botswana and can stay a maximum of 90 days.  Overstaying can cause delays on departure.  If you wish to extend your stay, you should seek an extension from the Department of Immigration.  For further information on entry requirements, you should contact:  Botswana High Commission, London

British visitors do not need visas for South Africa.  But if you are planning to enter the country before or after you visit Botswana you must have one clear blank page in your passport for the South African entry stamp otherwise entry will be denied.

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Botswana High Commission, London.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, including cover for medical evacuation.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  Please see:  Travel Insurance.

Health care in Botswana is good in the major towns but medical facilities and communications are limited in rural areas.  For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to the UK or South Africa may be necessary.  Private hospitals will not treat patients unless you can pay and health care may be expensive.  Outpatients must pay cash before receiving treatment.  Emergency patients will only be accepted if you have full insurance cover.

Malaria is prevalent in the northern parts of Botswana, particularly during the rainy season (November-April).  Before travelling to this area, you should consult your doctor about suitable anti-malarial medication, and on arrival ensure that you take adequate precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.  More than three-quarters of British travellers who contracted malaria in 2005 did not take preventive measures, such as malaria prevention tablets.  However, malaria can occur despite appropriate prevention, and therefore you should promptly seek medical care in the event of a fever or flu-like illness in the first year following your return from travelling to a malaria risk country.  Before travelling you should seek medical advice about the malaria risk in Botswana. Southern Botswana is not affected by Malaria.

Botswana has one of the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates in the world.  You should be alert to the dangers of unprotected sex.  You should also seek immediate medical advice if you are sexually assaulted or otherwise injured.

There are occasional outbreaks of anthrax amongst wild animals. You should seek advice locally from park officials and not touch dead animals or carcasses.  If you suspect that you have come into contact with anthrax you should seek urgent medical advice.

Anyone intending to camp or walk in the bush should be aware of the risk of tick bites.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on health, check the Department of Health website at:  www.dh.gov.uk.

If things go wrong when overseas, please see:  What We Can Do To Help.

You should register with the British High Commission Consular Section in Gaborone on arrival, either in person or by email bhc@botsnet.bw if you intend to stay in Botswana for more than a few days.

Travellers' cheques are accepted at banks, hotels and the airport.  ATMs are available in the major towns, but only accept bankers cards showing the Visa sign.  ATMs do not accept Maestro cards. Major credit cards are accepted at many shops and restaurants.

You cannot exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes in Botswana.