This is an annual
report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S.
Embassy in Gaborone. OSAC encourages travelers to use
this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Botswana.
For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Botswana country page
for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some
of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC
password.
Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at
the date of this report’s publication assesses Botswana at Level 1, indicating
travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
Crime Threats
The
U.S. Department of State has assessed Gaborone as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official
U.S. government interests. 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. Theft of mobile phones, laptop computers, and
other mobile devices are common. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.
Criminals can be confrontational. Criminals
often armed themselves with knives or blunt objects (e.g. tools, shovels,
bats). Botswana has strict gun-control laws; however, criminals reportedly
smuggle firearms from neighboring countries where weapons are inexpensive and
readily available. A public awareness campaign highlights this
issue and requests reporting of illegal firearms to the
police.
Reporting indicates instances of non-violent
residential burglaries and violent home invasions. Incidents affect the local
population, 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 invasion. Intrusion alarms, electric
fences, perimeter lighting, telephone/camera intercom systems, and window/door
grilles are key components of a comprehensive, robust residential security
program. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.
Exercise caution near the Gaborone Dam and
Kgale Hill areas during times when there are few hikers. Avoid Kgale Hill
before sunrise and after sunset, peak times for criminal activity.
Review
OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers &
Fraud and Taking Credit.
Cybersecurity Issues
Review
OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public
Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best
Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?
Transportation-Safety Situation
Road Safety and Road Conditions
Botswana is a left-side drive
country. Authorities require a valid international driver’s license,
along with vehicle registration documents, to drive in
Botswana. Report traffic accidents to the Botswana Police Service.
Major roads are paved and in good condition,
but some lack a substantial shoulder for emergency pull-offs. Most secondary
roads are gravel or hard-packed earth. Vegetation can grow up to/over the edges
of roads, particularly during the rainy season (November through March),
causing a lack of visibility and concealing hazards at the side of the
road. Intoxicated drivers and large numbers of pedestrians and hitchhikers in
the roadways make fatal accidents a frequent occurrence, especially on weekends
and end-of-month Friday paydays.
Driving can be challenging and sometimes
dangerous. There are a high number of traffic accidents often due to poor driving
habits, long stretches of two-lane highways (often without shoulders),
excessive speeds, poor/non-existent street lighting, non-functioning
traffic signals, and animals (e.g. cows, donkeys, goats) often found
feeding alongside, crossing, or standing in the road. On some stretches of
highway, drivers may also encounter elephants and other wildlife. Calves,
foals, and young goats present a particular danger, as they are skittish and
may suddenly rush onto the road. Approach traffic lights with caution, as
opposing traffic frequently continues well after a red light.
Alcohol and excessive speed are significant
contributing factors in many accidents. The maximum speed limit outside of
cities/towns is 120 kph (75 mph).
Drive defensively, and keep your car doors
locked and windows up. Thieves have repeatedly snatched
valuables, including mobile phones in use, through open car windows.
Carry a mobile phone and pre-program emergency numbers. Talking and texting on
a mobile phone while driving is illegal in Botswana. If you carry
valuables in your car, keep them out of sight. Do not get out of your car if
someone is trying to coax you out of your vehicle; leave the area. Be
suspicious of anyone who tries to get your attention while you are in or near
your car.
Due to road conditions and poor
visibility, do not drive after dark outside of major cities. Use a
GPS navigation system outfitted with the locations of police stations,
hospitals, shops, and gas stations. However, when traveling long distances or
to remote locations, always have an area map and consider bringing a satellite
phone. Plan a trip so that you leave and arrive during daylight hours. Dusk and
dawn are hazardous due to a low-setting sun and the contrast between a dark
road/landscape and a bright sky. Livestock are particularly hard to spot at
these times.
Review
OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the
State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety
abroad.
Public Transportation Conditions
Buses, minivans, and taxis are popular means
of transportation, as they are relatively inexpensive and plentiful. However,
take care if you board a bus or minivan (combi).
Many combis are overloaded and may not be roadworthy. Incidents of
pickpocketing of foreigners in taxis have been reported, as has overcharging by
taxi drivers. Make sure you have appropriate change ahead of time. If there is no
meter, negotiate the fare ahead of time. All combis and licensed
taxis should have a blue license plate.
Ensure you have appropriate travel documents,
to include a driver’s license, if renting a car. Carry medical
evacuation (medevac) insurance and certified copies of unabridged
birth certificates for children. Authorities require additional certified
forms for children traveling with only one parent; failure to have
required forms can cause long delays or even denial of transit.
Scheduled coach bus service is available
between Botswana and South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia, and is
generally a safe mode of transport. Internal bus services, typically used by
local citizens, link many towns and villages across Botswana.
Aviation/Airport Conditions
Travelers arriving in Botswana via South
Africa should be aware of serious and continuing baggage pilferage problems at
OR Tambo (Johannesburg, JHB) and Cape Town (CPT) International Airports. Never
place any high-value items or medicines in your checked baggage. Bring a small
bag or backpack to transfer items if ground staff determines your carry-on
suitcase is too large. There have been several incidents of items going missing
after gate check. Criminals can easily defeat traditional suitcase locks.
If you must place valuable items in checked baggage, plastic wrap your
bags.
Review
OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport,
and Overnights.
Terrorism Threat
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. 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, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence
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.
Post-specific Concerns
Environmental Hazards
The central and southern portions of Botswana
are in a desert or semi-arid environment. Drought conditions have on occasion
caused water and power outages.
Critical Infrastructure Concerns
Power outages can leave areas without
electricity for several hours, and may affect home security systems, garage
doors and gates, and kitchen equipment. Power surges may harm computers,
televisions, or other electrical appliances. In times of drought, the Water
Utilities Corporation may ration water.
If you do not have roaming capability, it is
worth unblocking your mobile phone so that you can buy a local SIM
card. They are inexpensive, and network coverage is good on major routes
and in most towns. Use a local number; rates are cheaper, and
your number will display on the cell phone of the person you are calling,
allowing them to reply. Satellite phones are useful when visiting remote
areas beyond the range of normal mobile phones.
Personal Identity Concerns
The
law does not explicitly criminalize consensual same-sex sexual acts, but it
includes language criminalizing some aspects of same-sex sexual activity. What
the law describes as “unnatural acts” is illegal, with penalties up to seven
years’ imprisonment. There are no reports of police targeting persons suspected
of same-sex sexual activity. There is stigma and
discrimination against LGBTI+ persons, particularly in villages and rural areas
outside the capital. LGBTI+ travelers should exercise caution with regard
public displays of affection. Review the
State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.
The government mandates access to public
buildings and transportation for persons with disabilities, but civil society
sources report access for persons with disabilities is limited. Many privately
owned buildings and business, and older government buildings remain
inaccessible. The law does not specifically include air travel with other modes
of transportation but in general, persons with
disabilities receive access to air transportation. Review the
State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.
Review
the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.
Review
OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State
Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.
Other Issues
Review
OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.
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 (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 and 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. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import
restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of
other countries.
Police Response
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.
In response to shortfalls,
there are community-policing programs in many neighborhoods.
These have been effective at deterring criminals when they have the active
support of private citizens.
If police cite you for a
traffic violation, ensure they provide you with an
official government receipt. Keep some form of official identification
on you in the event law enforcement officials stop or question you.
Be respectful and courteous in your interaction.
Download
the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Medical Emergencies
The
medical emergency line in Botswana is 992. Adequately equipped
private medical facilities, emergency rooms, and trained physicians are
available in Gaborone for simple medical problems, but services are rudimentary
elsewhere. More advanced care is available in South Africa. Many
South African manufactured prescription drugs are available in Gaborone. Gaborone has a number of large pharmacies that carry
prescription medications. Find contact information for available
medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.
The
U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health
insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments
webpage on insurance overseas.
Avoid
drinking tap water and ice made from tap water. Many restaurants and hotels
serve tap water unless patrons specifically request bottled water. Bottled
water and beverages are generally safe to drink. Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
The
following diseases are prevalent: HIV/AIDS, Malaria (only in the north of the
country), and Tuberculosis. More than 20% of Batswana adults age 15-49 are
living with HIV; this is the fourth-highest rate in the world. If you are the
victim of sexual assault, see your doctor immediately to ask about the
availability of post-exposure HIV prophylaxis or seek medical care outside of Botswana
if needed. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health
guidance for Botswana.
Review
OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health
101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.
OSAC Country Council Information
Gaborone
has an active Country Council. Contact OSAC’s Africa
team for more information or to join.
U.S. Embassy Contact Information
Embassy
Drive, Government Enclave, Gaborone
Hours
of Operation: 0800-1700 Monday-Thursday; 0800-1330 Friday
MSG
Post One: +267-395-7111 267-373-2222 or 71-609-955 (cellular)
U.S.
Embassy Duty Officer: +267-71-754-585
Website: https://bw.usembassy.gov/
Helpful Information
Before
you travel, consider the following resources:
