Botswana is one of the safest destinations in Africa, and one of the most traveller friendly. This guide sets out the latest Botswana travel advice for all visitors to Botswana.

As the longest continuous multi-party democracy, Botswana is one of the most stable countries in Africa. In 2024 Botswana was ranked one of the most peaceful countries in Africa, and number 50 in the world on the Global Peace Index, equal to that of most European countries. With a peaceful history, low crime, modern infrastructure and welcoming people it is consistently regarded as one of the safest countries in Africa.

Establishing all travel, health and entry requirements when visiting a foreign country can be a daunting task so we have provided a useful summary of the regular entry requirements for visiting Botswana. We recommend checking with your embassy to check the latest Botswana travel advice and contacting us with any questions.

Regular entry requirements 

Below are the standard entry requirements to be considered:

Passports

The following standard entry requirements should be noted.

• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to Botswana
• Passports must include at least three blank pages, with two clear pages facing each other
• Dual nationals using two different passports can only enter the country on the same passport they used to exit the previous country

Botswana Travel Advice – Travelling with children

As part of the regional anti child trafficking measures the Botswana government requires all children (under 18 years of age) who are travelling into or through Botswana to provide a certified copy of their full unabridged birth certificate (or the original) as well as a valid passport. An abridged (short) birth certificate won’t be accepted. If only one parent is travelling with the child an affidavit from the other parent consenting to the travel should be presented. If both parents are not travelling then temporary guardianship must be given.

Botswana Travel Advice – Health Requirements

No vaccinations or immunisations are required to enter Botswana or South Africa.

There is no Yellow Fever in Botswana, however travellers who have previously been to a country designated as ‘at risk’ of yellow fever, will need to show proof of immunisation in order to enter Botswana. This is to prevent the introduction of Yellow Fever to Botswana. The WHO site provides a complete list of countries at risk of Yellow Fever.

Malaria is present in the north of Botswana from November through to May or June, however this may vary depending on the arrival of the rainy season. It is predominantly found in Ngamiland (Okavango), however it is also in other regions such as Chobe, Boteti, Tutume and even as far south as Bobirwa. As such, all travellers to these regions during the high risk months should consult with their own Medical Doctor, or national health advisory regarding the use of anti-malarial tablets prior to departure to access which brand is most suitable for their needs. For example, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA, and in the UK; Fit for Travel and Travel Health Pro as recommended by the National Health Service.

Botswana Travel Advice- Visas

The majority of visitors to Botswana do not require a visa for tourism and can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Those who do require a visa can apply through the new online visa system.  A list of countries whose citizens do require a visa to enter Botswana can also be found on the Botswana Government evisa website, with additional information available on Botswana Tourism Page.

A summary is provided below though travellers should always check the latest travel advisory as well.

List of countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Botswana:

List of countries whose citizens do require a visa to enter Botswana:

It is strongly recommend that visitors allow a month to process their Visa.