Botswana Covid19 Requirements

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8th September 2021

These are the details that we are aware of regarding travel to Botswana, during Covid-19. We will update this page with any amendments that we become aware of.

• All scheduled and non-scheduled international flights to major Airports are open, i.e. Gaborone, Kasane and Maun airports.
• Land borders are open between Botswana and South Africa, Namibia and Zambia. The Kazungula Bridge is now open connecting Botswana with Zambia.
• All passengers coming into Botswana need to present a negative SARS CoV-2 PCR test result in hard copy. The test should be conducted within the previous 72 hours.
• Entry screening will be conducted at all ports of entry. All travellers will need to take a Covid-19 Rapid Test (free of charge) on arrival.
• Restaurants will operate at half capacity, with a maximum of 50 people (excluding staff) at any given time.
• The sale of alcohol is banned

Upon Arrival

Travellers arriving in Botswana will need to meet the following:
• Present a valid 72-hour negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) result from the time of testing.
• All travellers will be required to undergo a cost-free COVID-19 rapid test to gain entry into Botswana. If the test is positive or you show COVID-19 symptoms, you may need to undergo 14 days isolation or quarantine at your own expense.
• Travellers not meeting the above requirements will not be allowed entry into Botswana.
• For all Safari Air flights departing Maun or Kasane destined to lodges in the Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi or Chobe, etc., a valid 72-hour negative COVID-19 PCR certificate OR a valid 72-hour negative RAPID Antigen test is required to board the flight into the camps.

Travellers arriving into Namibia (Chobe Princess, Zambezi Queen, Ichingo Lodge, Chobe Savanna Lodge) will need to meet the following:
• Present a valid negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result no older than 72 hours from time of arrival in Namibia.
• Relevant temperature checks at ports of entry.

• Children below the age of 5 years will not be required to produce a PCR test.
• Travellers are to adhere to WHO COVID-19 standard practices at all times, such as maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask in public and practicing personal hygiene.

While In Botswana

• The wearing of masks in public places, physical distancing and sanitising are mandatory.
• Inter-zonal permits are required if travelling across the country on a self-drive basis. They can be applied for online - https://covid19.gov.bw/

On Departure

• Guests departing Botswana and Namibia (returning to Botswana) will be required to present a Negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) result no older than 72 hours.

Concerning Travellers From India

ALL travellers originating from or transiting through India will be required to:
• Undertake mandatory quarantine at a site selected by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, for a period not exceeding 10 days at their own cost, with immediate effect.
• Further required to undertake an exit COVID-19 test from day 5-7, at their own cost to determine whether they are released from quarantine/isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does one have to go into mandatory quarantine on arrival?
This is a requirement if your Rapid Test comes out positive on arrival. Otherwise, you only have to go into isolation if you are tested positive whilst in Botswana, or coming from India.

Can one get a PCR test done in Botswana?
Yes, PCR tests are available at Lancet, Pharma Group and Diagnofirm Labs. Some of the hotels/lodges and even safari camps in areas like the Okavango Delta can arrange PCR tests for their clients. Testing has a 24 hour turn around time.

How much does a PCR test cost?
The average price for a PCR test is $100. However, those arranged through remote safari camps can run up to $450 in order to fly the testing administrator into and out of the area.

What will happen if a traveller gets infected while in the country?
They are required to go into an isolation centre for 14 days. This will be at the traveller's own expense.

Does Botswana have a high rate of Corona virus infections?
The death rate attributed to the corona virus in Botswana is about 0.096% of the population as of the date of this article.

Is there a curfew in Botswana?
Yes. Curfew is between 8pm and 4am.

Flight Schedule to Botswana

International Flights to Gaborone
• Air Botswana – flies Johannesburg to Gaborone Monday to Saturday, and an afternoon flight daily.
• SA Airlink – flies Johannesburg every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and an afternoon one Sunday to Friday.
• Ethiopian Airlines – Victoria Falls to Gaborone on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

International Flights to Maun
• SA Airlink – flies Johannesburg to Maun daily.
• SA Airlink – flies Cape Town to Maun on Tuesday and Saturday.

International Flights to Kasane
• SA Airlink – flies Johannesburg to Kasane daily.
• MackAir –  flies Victoria Falls to Kasane daily.

Domestic Flights
• Air Botswana – flies Maun to Gaborone Sunday to Friday.
• Air Botswana –  flies Maun to Kasane on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Here's information on Zambia's Covid-19 Updates

Here's information on Zimbabwe's Covid-19 Updates

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