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12/27/2019 | Report
Health Alert: Botswana, Government Announces Travel Bans and Border Closings
3/18/2020 |
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Health Alert: Botswana, Government Announces Travel Bans and Border Closings
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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Gaborone, Botswana (3/18/2020)
Location: Botswana
Event:
On March 16, the Government of Botswana announced a ban on all travelers (except Batswana citizens and Botswana residents) originating from or transiting through the following countries: the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and India. Batswana and residents returning from high-risk countries will be subjected to 14-day mandatory quarantine. Issuance of Botswana visas at ports of entry for any person from these countries has been suspended. Those traveling to, but who have not entered, Botswana no longer have valid visas, nor will they receive visas on arrival. Those visa holders from these countries already in Botswana should consider their visas valid.
As of March 16, all but four land border posts with South Africa are closed. Border posts with Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia currently remain open. There are currently no restrictions on outbound travel from Botswana. Travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.
The Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) requests individuals who demonstrate symptoms related to COVID-19 should call their health care provider or the MoHW Emergency Operations line at 363-2273/2756/2757 for further instructions.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 3 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
Actions to Take:
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Check with your airlines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Botswana.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Gaborone, Botswana
Embassy Drive
Government Enclave
Gaborone, Botswana
(+267) 373-2322
ConsularGaborone@state.gov
https://bw.usembassy.gov/
State Department - Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
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