COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Botswana (20 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents with valid residency visas are allowed entry into Botswana.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreigners are allowed to enter.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• No

• Transit services through Botswana are currently not available.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• Everyone arriving in Botswana must go through health screening.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All arriving and departing travellers must have a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued no more than 72 hours prior to departure. The certificate must be in English. Travellers aged below five years are exempted from this requirement.

• All arrivals by private charter flights must have a COVID-19 test certificate.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Foreigners will have to remain in contact with the local health authority for a period of 14 days for self-monitoring.

• Returning residents/citizens will be subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine period in government facilities at their own expense and compulsory COVID-19 testing.

Insurance required?

• No with exceptions

• All arrivals by private charter flights will need to have travel insurance which covers COVID-19 treatment expenses.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• Travellers are advised to use the mobile app ‘bSafe’ for contact tracing.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• International commercial flights have resumed from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Kasane International Airport, and Maun International Airport.

• PHILIP G Matante International Airport will be operational from 1 December.

• Charter flights are allowed to land at land at two airports in Maun and Kasane, prime tourist resorts in vast Okavango Delta.

• Air Botswana resumed domestic flights.

• Health screenings before boarding flights are mandatory.

Border restrictions

• Total

• All land borders remain closed. Authorities continue to permit the transport of essential goods and humanitarian and foreign national repatriation flights.

• From 1 December, ground crossings will resume at the commercial border points of Kazungula Road, Kazungula Ferry, Ngoma, Ramokgwebana, Martins Drift, Ramatlabama, Tlokweng, Mamuno, Pioneer and Mohembo.

• South African citizens wishing to depart Botswana while borders are closed must apply for an exit permit from Botswana’s Ministry of Health and Wellness. Email Mrs. OT Morapedi ([email protected]) with a copy of a passport, bio, data page, and the flight details for departure. Travellers will also need to provide a short formal letter to apply for a permit to exit the country, which can be scanned and attached to the email. There is no pre-approved format for the letter.

• Issuance of visas remains suspended.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• The State of Public Emergency has been extended until March 2021.

• There is no curfew in place.

• Lockdown in the capital Gaborone was lifted. Most of the restrictions are being lifted gradually.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Violators of the public health guidelines could be fined or imprisoned.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Masks are required for transport.

• The country has been divided into nine coronavirus zones based on the number of COVID-19 cases. Travellers will need to apply for an inter-zonal travel permit to travel between the coronavirus zones. Those who apply for an inter-zonal travel permit may be required to have a COVID-19 test if travelling from, returning from, or transiting through a COVID-19 high-risk zone or area.

• Residents may travel within their zone without permits.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Non-essential businesses are open.

• Agricultural shops, bakeries, butchers, funeral parlours, and supermarkets are allowed to operate.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Most hotels and other accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Tourism sites are gradually reopening.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Places of worship may open twice a week. Gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are mandatory in public places.

Other

• Schools are allowed to reopen.

建议

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.