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Africa

Botswana Travel Advisory

Gaborone

Exercise Caution
By TravelSafe Research TeamSource: U.S. State Department ↗
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CapitalGaborone
LanguageEnglish
CurrencyBWP · Botswana pula
TimezoneUTC+02:00
Exercise CautionUpdated 2026-06-17
Risk Level2 / 4
L1L2L3L4

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime . Advisory Summary Crime Petty crime and crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana. Potentially violent crimes are also common, including home invasions, break-ins, muggings, and “smash and grabs” from vehicles. If you decide to travel to Botswana: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Botswana. Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime . Stay aware of your surroundings. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible. Much of Botswana is remote and difficult to reach, even during an emergency. Ensure you have a contingency plan for emergency situations, and use the International Travel Checklist . We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. Bring enough prescription medications to complete your trip. Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you travel to Botswana. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Botswana. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Botswana.

Police

Police

Ambulance

Ambulance

Fire

Fire

Tap any number to call from a mobile device

General

Excuse me

ek-SKYOOZ mee

Excuse me

How much?

how MUCH

How much?

I want to buy

eye WANT too BUY

I want to buy

No

noh

No

Please

PLEEZ

Please

Where is?

WARE iz

Where is...?

Yes

yes

Yes

Greetings

Hello

HEL-oh

Hello

Thank you

THANK yoo

Thank you

Emergency

Help!

help

Help!

Is it safe to travel to Botswana right now?
The U.S. Department of State rates Botswana at Level 2 (Exercise Caution) as of the current advisory. There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Botswana?
Visa requirements depend on your passport and length of stay. Use TravelSafe's free Visa Checker (linked in the Visa Requirements section above) to see the latest entry rules, passport validity requirements, and any visa-on-arrival options.
What are the emergency numbers in Botswana?
Emergency services in Botswana: Police 997; Ambulance 998; Fire 999. Tap any number in the Emergency section above to call directly from a mobile device.
Is Botswana safe for solo travelers?
With the current advisory at Level 2 (Exercise Caution), Botswana is generally manageable for prepared solo travelers. Standard precautions apply: share your itinerary, keep digital copies of your passport, and register with STEP (step.state.gov).

Always cross-check with official sources: travel.state.gov · cdc.gov

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Data Sources

U.S. State DepartmentWHO Health NoticesTimatic VisaEmbassies Worldwide
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