Health Alert: Botswana, Phase 3 Re-Opening Permits and Requirements

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Gaborone, Botswana (5/15/2020)  

Location:  Botswana  

Event:  Phase 3 Re-Opening Permits and Requirements 

The Government of Botswana has moved to Phase 3 in its gradual re-opening of the economy.  Phase 3 provisionally lasts from May 15 through May 22, during which a whole range of shops and industries may re-open. 

The best place to find the latest updates, lists, regulations, and maps is at https://twitter.com/BWGovernment.  

All business will require temperature screening, face coverings for entry, cleaning and disinfection two to three times per day, hand sanitizing upon entry and throughout the establishment, and a register of all who enter.  We recommend bringing your own pen when you plan to shop or enter other businesses.  Keep in mind you may be refused entry if you do not comply with all of the restrictions listed. 

Botswana is now divided into nine geographical zones (see map below).  Travel within the zones still requires an individual permit acquired online through Phase 3 (ends provisionally on May 22).  Travel between zones is restricted to essential services and employer-submitted work permits (pink and green permits).  All permits are found online at https://www.gov.bw 

If the threat eases, the restrictions may be lifted more quickly.  If the threat exceeds the current level at any point, the original 28-day lockdown rules, or stricter rules, will be put back in place.  Please continue to check the Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness' Facebook page and https://twitter.com/BWGovernment for the latest information. 

There are currently no commercial flights, special flights or government charters available, and borders are still closed for regular travel.  Be prepared to shelter in place until commercial flights resume or borders open, which could be several months. 

U.S. citizens who remain interested in returning home should contact us at the following link and fill out the form carefully, then submit:  

Botswana Repatriation Request Form  

If you are travelling with others, you must complete the form for each person in your group. Entering your data into this form will add you to a list to get separate emails with flight information and logistics.  If you have already completed this form, please do not complete it again.  If you have previously completed the form and no longer wish to depart Botswana, please contact us at ConsularGaborone@state.gov so we can remove you from the list. 

Repatriation requests can also be made through our website at https://bw.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/. 

In the meantime, please do not forget to register in STEP for the latest alerts and information from the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone at https://step.state.gov.