Entry requirements to Botswana have been amended in a first for Africa. Perhaps it’s time for a visit? The Botswana government deems full vaccination as the most important requirement for entry to the country and a PCR test is no longer required for vaccinated visitors.
Revised entry requirements for travellers to Botswana was announced and gazetted on 11 February 2022, then further revised on 18 March 2022.
Effective as of 14 February 2022: Fully vaccinated travellers against COVID-19 entering Botswana do not need a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from departure of country of origin, provided proof of vaccination is provided via a vaccination certificate in English at the port of entry to Botswana.
This is excellent news to ease travel costs and logistics for fully vaccinated travellers.
How to visit Botswana if you are fully vaccinated
What is a fully vaccinated profile?
You will be fully vaccinated if you fit the following terms (and thus a negative PCR test not required):
- You have received two doses of a two-dose primary series vaccine.
- You have received one dose of a single dose primary series vaccine.
- As of the most recent government gazette on 18 March 2022, you no longer require a booster shot to be regarded as fully vaccinated.
What if the traveller is partially vaccinated?
Partially vaccinated travellers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken within 72 hours from the departure of the country of origin.
The traveller may also be vaccinated if they are due for their second dose at the port of entry to Botswana.
A Partially Vaccinated traveller profile is one of the following (a negative PCR test is thus required and a second dose or booster will be administered at the port of entry):
- You have received one dose of a two-dose primary series vaccine and not yet due for a second dose (vaccine not administered at port of entry)
- You have received one dose of a two-dose primary series vaccine and are due for a second dose.
Unvaccinated travellers will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken within 72 hours from departure of country of origin, and will be vaccinated with their first dose, at the port of entry to Botswana.
What if the traveller to Botswana is unvaccinated?
If one has no proof of being fully vaccinated, is not willing to be vaccinated at the port of entry, has no negative COVID-19 test result taken 72 hours from departure country of origin, is not willing to be tested at own cost, entry to Botswana will be denied.
Departure requirements (a negative result on a COVID-19 PCR test) remain unchanged.
What are the best places to visit in Botswana?
1. Check into Chobe!
The Chobe National Park became Botswana’s first national park in 1968. Chobe is all about the river and is home to some of Botswana’s best, most varied sightings plus dense concentrations of game.
Our renowned riverside stay, Chobe Safari Lodge, sits closest to this enchanting game park entrance, making for easy access via both river and road.
That means you’ll be the first in and last out to make the most of those precious twilight hours!
To make a reservation at Chobe Safari Lodge call +2676250336 or mail diane@chobesafarilodge.com
2. Marvel at the Makgadikgadi
Botswana’s very own ‘moonscape’. The Makgadikgadi is famous for its white, dry and surreal salt crust. The Nata Bird Sanctuary provides the easiest access to this iconic destination and Nata Lodge blends seamlessly into this surrounding landscape of desert sand, salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands.
The lodge caters for all travelling styles with 22 thatched chalets and 10 safari tents (both types are en-suite) built on raised wooden platforms as well as a camping site.
Call +2672471112 or email reservations@natalodge.com to book a Makgadikgadi Pans adventure.
3. Explore the Okavango Delta
Think intoxicating sunsets, tranquillity and endless horizons. Your safari at one of Kwando Safaris camps is immersed in the remoteness that is the hallmark of a high-quality wildlife experience.
With a range of camps in different locations, you can explore the boundaries of Moremi Game Reserve, mokoro along the serpentine waters of the Okavango Delta and navigate the abundant plains home to lions, leopards, cheetah and so much more.
Mail info@kwando.co.bw for the latest rates and availability.
4. Discover the Kalahari Desert
This is the largest, most remotely situated reserve in Southern Africa, offering almost exclusive wildlife sightings. Tau Pan Camp is the first semi-permanent camp inside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and offers truly incredible views from the elevated ridge of an ancient sand dune.
Mail info@kwando.co.bw for the latest rates and availability.
