BOTSWANA

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including personal medical insurance with provision for medical evacuation, is obtained before travelling to Botswana. Travellers should note that the Irish Government is not responsible for any personal expenses incurred by medical treatment abroad, emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For entry requirements and immigration information, please contact the Embassy of Botswana to Ireland in advance of your trip. The Embassy is located in London and contact details are as follows:

• Address: 6 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AY, United Kingdom
• Telephone: 0044 207 499 0031

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Botswana. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

SAFETY & SECURITY

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. 

SAFETY & SECURITY

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. 

CRIME

Crime levels tend to be low in Botswana in comparison with its neighbours although there have been some increases of late. However, most visits to the country are trouble-free. Visitors should be aware that wildlife and livestock can make driving hazardous in rural areas. Driving at night in such areas should be avoided.  Please be particularly careful on busy public transport, in train stations, markets and other places frequented by tourists. 

LOCAL TRAVEL

If you intend travelling to remote areas you should plan your trip with care and seek and follow local advice, taking all necessary precautions.

ROAD SAFETY 

Botswana has good tarmac roads over most of the country but you should be careful when driving off-road. Please be aware that wildlife and stray livestock can pose a serious hazard. Botswana is a very large and under-populated country.  Thus, journeys from one urban centre to another can be very long with minimum services of any kind available en-route, including fuel, food, accommodation and mobile phone coverage. Ensure you carry enough drinking water, some food and a second spare tyre if travelling long distances on dirt roads.

HEALTH

Malaria exists in the northern parts of Botswana, particularly during the rainy season.  Before travelling to this area, you should consult your doctor about suitable medication, and on arrival ensure that you take adequate precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.  Southern Botswana is not affected by Malaria.

Botswana has one of the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates in the world. 

Anyone intending to camp or walk in the bush should be cautious of tick bites.

ASSISTANCE FOR IRISH CITIZENS IN BOTSWANA

The Embassy of Ireland to Botswana is located in Maputo, Mozambique. There is also an Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Gaborone, Botswana. Please click here for contact details.

All Irish citizens intending to travel to Botswana are strongly advised to register their details with the Department of Foreign Affairs. You can access the Travel Registration system here.