VaccineChecking
Back to all destinations

Botswana

Standard Coverage

Southern Africa • BWA

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

Botswana is a premier safari destination renowned for its vast, unspoiled wilderness and high concentration of wildlife. It offers an exclusive experience for travelers seeking to explore the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert, and numerous protected national parks.

Visa Requirements

Visa-Free for Many Nationalities

Many Western nationals can enter Botswana for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 90 days per calendar year.

Typically Required Documents

  • Passport valid for at least six months
  • Return or onward travel tickets
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay

Popular Attractions

1

Okavango Delta: This unique inland river delta offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities via traditional mokoro canoes or game drives.

2

Chobe National Park: Famous for its massive herds of elephants and high density of lions and leopards along the riverfront.

3

Moremi Game Reserve: Located on the eastern side of the Okavango, it is home to a diverse array of species and offers stunning landscape photography.

4

Makgadikgadi Pans: These massive salt pans are the remains of an ancient lake and provide a surreal, starkly beautiful landscape for explorers.

5

Tsodilo Hills: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of ancient San rock paintings that offer deep cultural and historical insight.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Always greet people with a handshake and use your right hand when giving or receiving items to show respect.

Dress modestly when visiting villages or rural areas to respect local cultural norms.

It is customary to ask for permission before taking photographs of local people or their property.

Tipping is appreciated in the tourism and service industry, though not always mandatory.

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

Punctuality is not always strictly followed, so embrace the relaxed pace of life often referred to as 'African time'.

Safety Tips

Never approach or attempt to feed wild animals, as they are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Stay inside your vehicle during game drives unless your guide specifically indicates it is safe to exit.

Drink bottled or treated water to avoid waterborne illnesses common in some rural areas.

Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry in public.

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.

Take necessary precautions against malaria, such as using repellent and taking prescribed prophylactic medication.

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.

View source

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Required

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

View source

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required
View source
Recommended Vaccines & Precautions

Core Vaccines

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

Source: CDC

All ages

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

View source

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

Source: CDC

All ages

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

View source

Tdap

Source: CDC

All ages

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

View source

MMR

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure routine vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella.

View source

Routine vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

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

View source

COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Stay updated on COVID-19 vaccinations as recommended.

View source

Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

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

View source

Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

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

View source

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

Source: CDC

All ages

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

View source

Rabies exposure prevention

Source: CDC

children

For those traveling to remote areas where rabies is prevalent.

View source

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for adults and children.

View source

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)

Source: CDC

All ages

Required for all travelers, especially those traveling abroad.

View source

For Most Travelers

Insect Bite Prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent diseases such as Malaria and other mosquito-borne infections.

Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use permethrin-treated gear.

View source

Food and Water Safety

Source: CDC

All ages

Precautions to prevent diarrheal diseases and other foodborne illnesses.

Eat and drink safely by consuming only bottled or boiled water and eating properly cooked foods.

View source

Malaria prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

Prevention is advised in areas with known malaria risk.

View source

COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

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

View source

Insect bite prevention (repellents, nets)

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent insect-borne diseases.

View source

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.

View source

Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

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

View source

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.

View source

Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Tdap, Varicella)

Source: CDC

All ages

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

View source

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.

View source

Malaria Prevention Measures

Source: CDC

All ages

Travelers to certain areas should take preventive measures against malaria.

View source

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.

View source

Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

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

Recommended due to potential for contaminated food and water.

View source

Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers due to risk through food or water.

View source

Itinerary-Specific

Rabies

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals.

View source

Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider based on activities or potential medical care needs.

View source

Rabies vaccine

Source: CDC

infant

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

View source

Travel insurance

Source: CDC

adult

Important for protection against unexpected health issues while abroad.

View source

COVID-19 vaccine

Source: CDC

adult

To protect against COVID-19 while traveling to Botswana.

View source

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Source: CDC

child

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

View source

Malaria preventive measures

Source: CDC

All ages

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

View source

Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

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

View source
Malaria Information

Risk Area: Central and Southern regions

Chemoprophylaxis: None (low to no risk)

Seasonality: No malaria risk

View source

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

View source

Risk Area: Southern regions

Chemoprophylaxis: No malaria risk

View source

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

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: November-June

View source

Risk Area: No malaria risk

View source
Official Sources

Authoritative Resources:

View our data sources and disclaimer →