Briefing d'orientation au Botswana

Au début du XIXe siècle, plusieurs entités politiques situées dans l'actuel Botswana ont été déstabilisées ou détruites par une série de conflits et de mouvements de population en Afrique australe. À la fin de cette période, le groupe ethnique tswana, qui vit également de l'autre côté de la frontière, en Afrique du Sud, était devenu le groupe le plus important de la région. En 1852, les forces tswana ont stoppé l'expansion des colons boers afrikaners, qui cherchaient à étendre leur territoire vers le nord, dans l'actuel Botswana. En 1885, la Grande-Bretagne a revendiqué un territoire correspondant approximativement au Botswana actuel, sous le nom de protectorat de Bechuanaland. À l'indépendance, en 1966, le protectorat britannique du Bechuanaland a adopté le nouveau nom de Botswana, qui signifie « terre des Tswana ».

Plus de cinq décennies de direction civile ininterrompue, de politiques sociales progressistes et d'investissements en capital importants ont permis l'instauration d'une démocratie durable et d'une économie à revenu intermédiaire supérieur. Le Parti démocratique du Botswana, au pouvoir, a remporté toutes les élections nationales depuis l'indépendance ; le président Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe MASISI a accédé à la présidence en 2018, après le retrait de l'ancien président Ian KHAMA, en raison des limites de mandats fixées par la Constitution. M. MASISI a remporté sa première élection présidentielle en 2019 ; il est le cinquième président du Botswana depuis l'indépendance. L'extraction minière, principalement l'exploitation du diamant, domine l'activité économique, bien que le tourisme soit un secteur en croissance grâce aux pratiques de conservation du pays et à ses vastes réserves naturelles. Le Botswana présente l'un des taux d'infection par le VIH/SIDA les plus élevés au monde, mais dispose également de l'un des programmes de lutte contre cette maladie les plus progressistes et les plus complets d'Afrique.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Botswana

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Botswana, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Attacks on tourists are rare, but violent crime is increasing particularly in the major towns of Gaborone, Francistown and Maun. Criminals have also carried out hold-ups and robberies of restaurants during peak hours.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Criminals may target cars waiting at traffic lights. To reduce the risk of attack:

• keep doors locked and windows closed
• keep handbags, phones and laptops out of sight
• avoid carrying luggage in your vehicle whenever possible
• do not stop for people at the roadside hitchhiking

House burglaries, often by armed gangs, are common. They do not often target tourists, but there have been isolated room break-ins and theft from lodges in the Chobe area, particularly river-fronting lodges. To reduce the risk of burglary or home invasion:

• lock your room at all times
• speak to your travel operator if your accommodation does not seem secure
• secure valuables in a hotel safe or other safe place

Sexual assault

Botswana has a high number of sexual assaults. While foreign visitors are unlikely to be targeted, women should take care when walking and avoid walking alone at night.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry some identification. A copy of the photo page in your passport is usually enough as long as you can produce the original if required.

If you send your passport for renewal, make sure you have a certified copy that you can present in its place.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Drug taking and trafficking are illegal. If you’re convicted of a drug-related offence, you can get a fine of up to 500,000 pulas (about £30,000) or a prison sentence of up to 25 years, or both. Prison conditions are generally poor.

Using cameras in secure areas

It is illegal to take photographs or use video equipment near military and government installations. Always ask permission before photographing people in Botswana.

LGBT+ travellers

Although same-sex sexual activity is no longer prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and displaying affection in public may attract negative attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts. If you’re caught hunting, buying or trafficking these goods you will be prosecuted. If you’re convicted, sentences can be severe.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  

If you travel to remote areas, make transport and accommodation arrangements in advance and seek local security advice. Take emergency supplies, including water and fuel, and be prepared for off-road driving conditions. In very remote areas, travel in convoy or with a satellite phone in case of breakdown.

On open highways, inside or outside wildlife reserves, there could be dangerous animals roaming that may behave unpredictably. Always follow park regulations and advice from park wardens.   

Do not bathe in rivers and lakes. You could be attacked by wild animals and you risk catching water-borne diseases.

Transport risks

Road travel

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Botswana. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. 

You can drive with a UK driving licence for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer than 90 days, apply for a Botswana driving licence.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. 

Driving conditions

Botswana has good tarmac roads covering most of the country, but driving outside the major urban areas can be dangerous due to stray wildlife and livestock. This is a particular risk at night, so take extra care if you’re driving after dark.

The standard of driving is lower than in the UK. Many drivers ignore rules of the road. Speeding and drink-driving, or driving on drugs, cause frequent and often fatal accidents.

Taxis

To reduce risk of crime when using taxis, look for licensed taxis with blue plate numbers. Cabs run by a recognised taxi company will usually have branding and can be pre-booked.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

Botswana’s rainy season, runs from November to March, bringing heavy rainfalls and risk of flash flooding. Road conditions throughout the country may be unsafe. Follow the advice of Botswana’s Meteorological Services and from the local authorities at Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

Floodings may also impact border crossings with closure at short notice. Follow the advice of Botswana’s Unified Revenue Services for latest updates on road accessibility and border opening and closure status.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 997 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Botswana
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Botswana including:

• malaria, which is reported in April 2025 to have spread to areas where it is not usually present
• schistosomiasis

There are occasional outbreaks of anthrax among wild animals. Do not touch dead animals or carcases. If you suspect that you have come into contact with anthrax, seek urgent medical advice.

If you intend to camp or walk in the bush, take precautions to avoid tick bites, as they can cause several dangerous diseases.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Botswana

The State of Public Health Emergency is now over. Despite this, medicine and medical supply shortages remain widespread across public health facilities nationwide. Private healthcare remains largely unaffected.

Healthcare in Botswana is usually good in major towns, but medical facilities and communications are limited in rural areas. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to the UK or South Africa may be necessary.

Private hospitals will not treat you unless you can pay, and the cost may be high. Public hospitals will only take you as an emergency patient if you have full insurance. For outpatient treatment, you will need to pay up front.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Botswana.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.