Published: April 4, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Botswana Travel Advisory and Botswana Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Gaborone:
Embassy Drive, Government Enclave, Gaborone.
Tel: +267-395-7111, +267-373-2222, or +267-71-609-955 (cellular). After-hours emergencies: +267-71-754-585.
Hours of Operation: 0800-1700 Monday-Thursday; 0800-1330 Friday.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
Botswana does not have an active OSAC country chapter. Contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.
Botswana Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Gaborone as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Botswana, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Criminal incidents, particularly crimes of opportunity (e.g., purse snatchings, smash-and-grabs from parked cars and in traffic, residential burglaries), can occur regardless of location. There has been a recent increase in overall crime, with instances of armed robbery, murder, and theft occurring during night and day. Theft of mobile phones, laptop computers, and other mobile devices are common.
Criminals can be confrontational. Criminals often arm themselves with knives or blunt objects (e.g., tools, shovels, bats). Botswana has strict gun-control laws, but criminals reportedly smuggle firearms from neighboring countries where weapons are inexpensive and readily available. Armed robberies are more common due to the widespread availability of smuggled guns from South Africa. A public awareness campaign highlights this issue and requests the public report illegal firearms to the police.
Reporting indicates instances of non-violent residential burglaries and violent home invasions. Incidents affect locals, expatriates, and visitors alike. Robberies and burglaries tend to spike during the holiday seasons. Those living in Botswana, especially in major cities, should upgrade security at their residences to reduce vulnerability to home invasions. Intrusion alarms, electric fences, perimeter lighting, telephone/camera intercom systems, and window/door grilles are key components of a comprehensive, robust residential security program.
Recent reports suggest that criminals have used pellet guns, which look like pistols and rifles, as an intimidation factor to conduct home invasions during early morning curfew hours. The Botswana Police Service has increased patrols throughout Gaborone to thwart these activities. Monitor the Government of Botswana’s Facebook page for updates to the curfew.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Botswana.
U.S. Embassy Gaborone is not aware of any recent kidnapping cases impacting U.S. citizens in Botswana in 2024.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Gaborone as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Botswana. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Botswana.
Indigenous terrorism is not a known issue in the country. However, terrorist threats know no boundaries. The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Gaborone as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Botswana. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
General elections were held in October 2024. Botswana’s ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), lost the general election after being in power since independence in 1966. It was replaced by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). Then President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded the election shortly after results were confirmed. The transition of power from the BDP to UDC was peaceful.
The political environment in Botswana remains stable.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests and demonstrations do not frequently occur in Botswana. Typically, protests and other demonstration activities result in a low turnout and often target Government of Botswana policy. In September 2021, there was an increase of peaceful demonstrations for government corruption accountability. Protests in 2021 occurred at government ministries and on a university campus. Protests and demonstrations are typically peaceful.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Botswana is a Westerner-friendly country; anti-U.S. sentiment is not a concern.
Law Enforcement
The emergency lines in Botswana are 999 for police, and 998 for fire. The police are well-intentioned and active in their efforts to prevent and combat crime. However, personnel and resource shortages limit operational effectiveness. Vehicle and foot patrols in residential and commercial areas are infrequent. Mobile response capability is limited.
The Botswana Police Service is responsible for providing law enforcement service. The Botswana Police College outside of Gaborone hosts the U.S.-led International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), a focal point for education and development for law enforcement agencies across Africa. The Botswana Police Service has several district substations located throughout Botswana. The Botswana Police Service is professional, although limited in numbers and essential services to lessen crimes occurring in and around populated and rural areas.
The Botswana Defense Force, which reports to the president through the ministers of defense, justice, and security, is responsible for external security and has some domestic security responsibilities. The Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services, which reports to the Office of the President, collects and evaluates external and internal intelligence, provides personal protection to high-level government officials, and advises the presidency and government on matters of national security. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces.
Police Response
The Botswana Police is responsive to emergency calls, but response time to the scene of the incident is slow compared to the United States. In response to shortfalls, there are community policing programs in many neighborhoods in Gaborone and other major cities such as Maun and Francistown. Community Policing programs have been effective at deterring criminal elements when there is active support of private citizens, who report crimes through social media platforms, the Botswana Police Service monitor.
The Botswana Police Service also uses CCTV to monitor neighborhoods and major intersections through a program called the “Safe City Project.” The government has installed more than 500 surveillance cameras in Gaborone and Francistown to supplement police services. The program is effective, and the Government of Botswana has called for additional surveillance cameras to be installed. The Safe City Project’s CCTV capabilities are furnished in cooperation with the Chinese telecom company Huawei.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Botswana, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Botswana.
The constitution and law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention and provide for the right of any person to challenge his or her detention in court. The government generally observes these prohibitions.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government generally seeks to implement these laws effectively. Officials tasked with enforcement often lack adequate training and resources, however. Media reports of government corruption continue.
Cybersecurity
There is no documented cybersecurity concern domestic to Botswana.
Import/Export Restrictions
Refer to the Botswana Unified Revenue Service for import and export restrictions. Firearm importation is strictly controlled.
The issue of firearms licenses in Botswana is strictly controlled; all firearms imported under the authority of an import permit issued by the Central Arms Registry must be licensed immediately upon arrival in Botswana. The importation of firearms without the manufacturer’s serial number or other identification number stamped or engraved on a metal part of the weapon is prohibited.
Police permits for firearms are issued on a limited-quota basis. There can be a considerable delay in obtaining a permit, particularly on first importation. Interested importers should apply well in advance of dispatch so as to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and expenses.
Botswana strictly enforces its laws controlling trade in animal products, often by means of spot checks for illegal products on roadways or at airports. Violators are subject to arrest and may face a penalty of up to five years imprisonment and substantial fines. Authorities have arrested and prosecuted unwitting U.S. citizens under this law. Hunting in public and privately controlled areas is illegal. It is illegal to possess or remove any living or dead animal or animal trophy (i.e., any horn, ivory, tooth, tusk, bone, claw, hoof, hide, skin, hair, feather, egg, or other durable portion of an animal) without a government permit.
Travelers departing the country with a trophy must have a receipt from a store licensed to sell such items. No one may remove ivory or endangered rhinoceros horn products from the country under any circumstances. Removal of elephant hair jewelry is only legal with the appropriate license from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
The use of satellite phones is permitted in Botswana. They are regularly utilized and imported into the country.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
