Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[267] 395-3982; US Embassy Gaborone, Embassy Drive, Government Enclave, (off Khama Crescent), Gaborone, Botswana; https://bw.usembassy.gov/; ConsularGabarone@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
267
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance 997; Police 999; Medical Rescue 911
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Botswana: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Semiarid; warm winters and hot summers
Currency (Code)
Botswana pulas (BWP)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G
Major Languages
Setswana, Sekalanga, Shekgalagadi, English, Zezuru/Shona, Sesarwa, Sembukushu, Ndebele
Major Religions
Christian, Badimo, other, none, unspecified
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Chobe National Park; Okavango Delta; Tsodilo Hills; Nxai Pan National Park; Tuli Block; Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park; Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Major Sports
Soccer, boxing, softball, cricket, rugby
Cultural Practices
Handshakes, in Botswana, are more intricate than in western countries and involve the left hand placed under the right elbow.
Tipping Guidelines
Tip $1-2 (USD) per bag for porters to bring luggage to your room. A $1-2 (USD) tip for hotel staff is also common. A $10 (USD) per day tip is average for guides.
Souvenirs
Woven baskets, native dolls, leather and textile items, wood carvings, jewelry and ostrich shell items
Traditional Cuisine
Seswaa (or loswao) — beef or goat meat boiled with salt until tender and sometimes pounded; often served with maize meal, ground corn, or sorghum
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024
