Botswana

Översikt

Capital: Gaborone (pop. 269,000)
Population: 2,562,122 (2025 est.)
Religions: Christian, Badimo, other, none, unspecified
Languages: Setswana, Sekalanga, Shekgalagadi, English, Zezuru/Shona, Sesarwa, Sembukushu, Ndebele
Time Zone: UTC+2
Driving side: Left
Calling code: +267
Electrical plug(s): Type D, Type G and Type M

Pengar

The local currency in Botswana is Botswana pulas (BWP). As of 6 October 2026 100 BWP is equal to 7.42 USD.

Currency exchange can be done at airports, banks, exchange offices and hotels. The US Dollar, Euro, British Pound and South African Rand are the most easily convertible currencies.

Travellers should be prepared to use credit or debit card payments in urban areas and cash in rural areas. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are only available in urban and/or tourist areas.

Banking hours usually run from 08:30 until 15:30 Monday to Friday, and from 08:30 until 10:45 on Saturdays. All sums of foreign currency in excess of 10,000 Pula must be declared upon arrival and departure.

Tip $1-2 (USD) per bag for porters to bring luggage to your room. A $1-2 (USD) tip for hotel staff is also common. A $10 (USD) per day tip is average for guides.

El

The power supply in Botswana is less than reliable. Electricity operates on 230V at 50Hz using plug type(s) D, G and M. Erratic power supply can leave areas without electricity for several hours each week. Visitors are encouraged to bring flash-lights. They are also advised to be aware of how power surges may affect electrical devices and should consider bringing surge protection equipment.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Botswana. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have three blank pages.

Nationals of Namibia and Zimbabwe can enter Botswana with a valid ID, via mutual land border crossings.

Visum

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-free travel to Botswana: Travellers from select countries can enter Botswana visa-free. Authorities did not specify the maximum period of stay. For nationals from Samoa, it is unclear if entry is visa-free or if a visa is required. Travellers are advised to check via their local embassy the necessary requirements prior to arrival.

e-Visas

Single-entry e-visa: Foreign nationals from select countries wishing to enter Botswana as tourists can apply for a single-entry e-visa (0-30 days).

Multiple-entry e-visa: Foreign nationals from select countries wishing to enter Botswana can apply for a multiple-entry e-visa (0-90 days).

Lokal resor

Overview

The main airport is Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE/FBSK) in Gaborone. The majority of roads in Botswana are paved and generally safe to travel. Buses and minibuses are available between towns. Licensed taxis are common and reliable.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Botswana's main airport is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE/FBSK), located 15 km (nine miles) north of central Gaborone. The airport is the main hub of Air Botswana, the national airline of Botswana, which operates flights to several domestic and international destinations, including routes to South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It complies with international safety standards. Multiple airlines operate international flights to the country, also through Francistown’s Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport (FRW/FBFT), Maun’s Maun International Airport (MUB/FBMN) and Kasane’s Kasane International Airport (BBK/FBKE). A well-established private air charter network connects all areas in Botswana and the southern African region. Transfers to central Gaborone and hotels are available via minibuses and taxis, which take around 15 minutes to reach the city centre. Car rental is available on-site.

Borders and Entry

Health-related surveillance measures:

• Authorities implemented mpox-related surveillance measures at entry points across the country until further notice to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Authorities implemented Ebola surveillance measures at the country’s entry points, effective until further notice, to prevent the entry of the disease.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Botswana. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have three blank pages.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Botswana might face legal and social difficulties.

Exit

There are no exit testing requirements.

Road Travel

Traffic moves on the left in Botswana. The speed limit is 60 kph (37 mph) in towns and villages and 120 kph (75mph) outside centres. The legal threshold for driving under the influence of alcohol is 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood. All of Botswana's major roads are well paved and maintained and travel along these roads by car is usually not a problem. However, drivers should be aware of wildlife and livestock. Visitors should avoid driving in rural areas at night as roads are unlit. Caution should also be exercised on gravel roads, as during the rainy season (November to March) some roads wash away completely. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially to visit game reserves.

Rail Travel

Botswana Railways (BR) operates trains between major cities. The trains also go beyond the borders of South Africa and Zimbabwe. BR also have a commuter line between Lobatse and Gaborone. The trains are a viable and relatively safe means of transport. Tickets can be purchased online or at the railway station.

Public Transport

There are no passenger train services in Botswana, thus connections between major cities rely on buses and minibuses. The safest way to travel in the country is to hire a car or take a taxi.

Buses: There are bus services between major towns in Botswana. Outside large towns and cities, services are generally unscheduled and run according to demand. Bus stations do suffer from petty theft but more serious crime is rare. Taxi ranks serve as bus stations in the main towns.

Minibuses: Minibus taxis or kombis provide long-distance and in-town services but are poorly maintained and generally not safe.

Taxis: In major towns, taxis are generally safe and can be hailed on the street. They can be identified by blue-background number plates. It’s better to agree on prices before departure. Ride-sharing with strangers is quite common, so travellers are advised to be aware of this, or inquire in advance if looking for a private option. Some ride-hailing apps such as Mpitsa are available.

Vehicle Hire: A number of local and international vehicle rental firms are available in Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane and Maun. It is a recommended means of transport inside these cities as it is much safer and more convenient. Travel outside cities using 4x4 vehicles is advised. An International Driver's Licence is necessary to hire a vehicle.