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Botswana - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Photography of airports, official residences and defence establishments is prohibited. It is good practice to seek permission before photographing local people. Drug-taking and smuggling is an offence, and punishments can be severe.

Most people in Botswana follow traditional life patterns.

Casual clothing is acceptable but not worn for meetings. Office hours are Apr–Oct: Mon–Fri 0800–1700; Oct–Apr: Mon–Fri 0730–1630.

Immigration and customs: Passports are required by all and must be valid for at least six months after the intended departure date. Visitors must also have outgoing travel documents and sufficient funds to finance their stay.

Visas are not required for most Commonwealth and EU countries, nor for the USA. For those wishing to stay longer than three months, applications must be made to the Chief Immigration Officer prior to arrival.

Visitors are advised to have some sort of identification on them at all times. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all those travelling from an infected area.

A permit is needed for the importation of firearms and ammunition, boats and aquatic equipment. All animal souvenirs or ‘trophies’ are subject to National Trophy Law, which strictly regulates the sale, possession or export of animals or their durable parts. Travellers carrying such items will need to present a government permit or receipt from a licensed store on departure.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left and car hire is available in the larger cities. An international driving permit is recommended. The speed limit is 60kph in urban areas and 120kph in rural areas. Particular care must be taken if driving after dark (wildlife and stray livestock) and during the rainy season. In rural areas, there are long distances between petrol stations, and reserve fuel and water and emergency supplies are recommended on longer journeys.

Flying is an efficient way to travel around the country and chartered flights are available.

A bus service links Gaborone, Francistown and Maun. Taxis are found in most major towns, but visitors must agree on the tariff before getting into a taxi. Botswana Railway (BR) runs a daily service between Francistown, Gaborone and Lobatse.

Travel health: The public health system is good. All main towns have chemists, and pharmaceutical supplies are readily available. Comprehensive health insurance is essential, however, and should include cover for evacuation to South Africa for serious medical treatment. Malaria, Hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. There is a risk of rabies, and to prevent bilharzia visitors should only swim in well-chlorinated pools. Tick bite fever can be a problem and regular checks must be taken after rural walks.

Tap water is considered safe, but outside of cities visitors should observe routine precautions and drink either boiled or bottled water. Milk is pasteurised.

Money: Local currency is the pula (1 pula = 100 thebe). American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are available in larger cities and towns, and travellers cheques should be in pounds sterling or US dollars to avoid extra exchange rate charges. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 0800–1700 and Sat 0815–1045.

There were 975,000 tourist arrivals in 2003.