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Botswana

Standard Coverage

Southern Africa • BWA

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

Botswana is a premier African safari destination known for its pristine wilderness, massive elephant populations, and exclusive high-end lodges. It offers unparalleled wildlife viewing experiences, particularly in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Visa Requirements

Visa-Free for Many Nationalities

Many Western nationals can enter Botswana for tourism purposes for up to 90 days per year without needing to apply for a visa in advance.

Typically Required Documents

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • Return or onward travel ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
  • Empty pages in passport for entry stamps

Popular Attractions

1

The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering unique water-based safaris through a lush inland river delta.

2

Chobe National Park is world-famous for its incredible density of wildlife, especially large herds of elephants visible along the riverbanks.

3

Moremi Game Reserve provides a diverse landscape of mopane woodland and acacia forests, known for being one of the best areas for big cat sightings.

4

The Makgadikgadi Pans are vast salt flats that offer surreal, stark landscapes and are home to fascinating meerkat colonies.

5

Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest protected areas in the world, perfect for those seeking remote desert scenery and rare wildlife.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Always greet people with a handshake and a polite inquiry about their wellbeing, as social politeness is highly valued.

When offering or receiving items, use both hands or your right hand, as using only the left hand is considered disrespectful.

Dress modestly when visiting rural villages or local communities to show respect for local cultural norms.

Ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially in more remote or traditional areas.

Avoid public displays of affection as Botswana is a culturally conservative society.

Safety Tips

Always listen to your safari guide's instructions regarding wildlife, especially when on foot or near water.

Keep your vehicle doors locked while driving and do not leave valuables visible, even in remote areas.

Ensure you stay hydrated and use sun protection, as the sun in Botswana can be extremely intense throughout the year.

Consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis, as Botswana is a malaria-risk area, particularly in the northern regions.

Carry a reliable map or GPS device if you are self-driving, as road signage can be sparse in remote wilderness parks.

AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.

Entry Requirements

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required

Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.

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Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Required

A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with risk of YF transmission.

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Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required
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Recommended Vaccines & Precautions

Core Vaccines

Routine Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to provide general immunity.

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Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.

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Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Polio, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip.

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Tdap

Source: CDC

All ages

Make sure you are up to date with tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations.

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MMR

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure routine vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella.

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Routine vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations before your trip.

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COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Stay updated on COVID-19 vaccinations as recommended.

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Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure through contaminated food or water.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

These vaccines are recommended for all travelers to protect against common diseases.

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Rabies exposure prevention

Source: CDC

children

For those traveling to remote areas where rabies is prevalent.

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Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for adults and children.

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MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

Source: CDC

All ages

Required for all travelers, especially those traveling abroad.

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For Most Travelers

Insect Bite Prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Essential to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases.

Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets.

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Food and Water Safety

Source: CDC

All ages

Prevent gastrointestinal illnesses by consuming only safe food and water.

Drink bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

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Malaria prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Prevention is advised in areas with known malaria risk.

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COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before travel.

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Insect bite prevention (repellents, nets)

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent insect-borne diseases.

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Rabies (if exposure to bats or dogs expected)

Source: CDC

All ages

Rabies vaccination is recommended for individuals involved in outdoor activities or if in contact with animals.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider vaccination based on activity and potential exposure to blood and body fluids.

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Malaria prevention (consult local health authorities)

Source: CDC

adult

Depending on travel itinerary, malaria prophylaxis may be recommended.

Consult with healthcare providers for the most appropriate medication.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Tdap, Varicella)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure routine vaccines are up-to-date before travel.

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Food and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

Prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses by consuming only safe food and beverages.

Drink only bottled, sealed, or treated water; avoid undercooked food.

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Malaria Prevention Measures

Source: CDC

All ages

Travelers to certain areas should take preventive measures against malaria.

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Routine Vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccines are up to date before traveling.

View source

Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

adult

Recommended for travelers who may need medical care or have intimate contact.

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Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities and rural areas.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers due to the risk of exposure through contaminated food or water.

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Itinerary-Specific

Rabies

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers involved in outdoor or other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or undergo medical procedures.

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Rabies vaccine

Source: CDC

infant

For travelers who may have exposure to animals (e.g., stray dogs, bats).

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Travel insurance

Source: CDC

adult

Important for protection against unexpected health issues while abroad.

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COVID-19 vaccine

Source: CDC

adult

To protect against COVID-19 while traveling to Botswana.

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Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Source: CDC

child

Recommended for children traveling internationally who may not be fully vaccinated.

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Malaria preventive measures

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers to areas with malaria risk during peak transmission seasons.

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Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Insect repellent and protective clothing are advised to prevent mosquito bites, especially as malaria may be present.

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Malaria Information

Risk Area: Central and Southern Botswana

Chemoprophylaxis: None recommended

Seasonality: No malaria risk

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Risk Area: Northern parts of Botswana (including Chobe, Ngamiland, Okavango, and Boteti districts)

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: November-June

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Risk Area: Central and Southern regions

Chemoprophylaxis: None (low to no risk)

Seasonality: No malaria risk

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Risk Area: Northern regions, including Okavango Delta, Chobe, and Ngamiland

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round, with peak risk November to May

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Risk Area: Southern regions

Chemoprophylaxis: No malaria risk

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Risk Area: Northern regions (including Chobe, Ngamiland, Okavango, and Central districts)

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: November-June

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Risk Area: No malaria risk

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Official Sources

Authoritative Resources:

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