{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624893,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:33"}},"data":{"country-iso":"BW","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Botswana","url-slug":"botswana","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 11:54 ","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions","recent-updates":"An editorial change has been made.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Botswana. Exercise normal safety precautions.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.<\/p>\n
Most Canadian visitors to Botswana do not experience problems, as Botswana is politically and economically stable, with no recent violent civil disturbances.<\/p>\n
Pickpocketing, thefts and “smash and grab” robberies are on the rise in the country. You should not show signs of affluence and should remain aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.<\/p>\n
Carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times, and keep your original document in safekeeping facilities. It is also advisable to leave a photocopy of your travel documents with a relative or a friend at home.<\/p>\n
Demonstrations occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.<\/p>\n
Wild animals can pose risks. Observe all local or park regulations and instructions given by tour guides. Wildlife areas are not fenced and warning signs are few. Do not swim in rivers or lakes as wildlife attacks are possible, particularly from crocodiles and hippopotamus. Do not walk alone or unescorted after dark because of the threat from nocturnal predators, particularly lion, hyena or leopard.<\/p>\n
Road conditions are generally good in major towns, but overland travel outside major centres can be dangerous. Driving standards, high speed limits, long stretches of highway and poor lighting pose hazards, particularly at night. A reliable private roadside assistance service called Medical Rescue International is available by calling 390-1601.<\/p>\n
Failure to obey traffic signs, driving while intoxicated or not being in possession of a valid driver’s licence may result in arrest and heavy fines.<\/p>\n
Pedestrians and roaming livestock or wild animals may pose a hazard on rural roadways, particularly in the Okavango, Chobe, Savuti, Pandamatenga and Ghanzi districts.<\/p>\n
Desert conditions and conditions in remote areas are harsh. Travel to these areas should not be undertaken without a guide if possible nor without serious planning in advance, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle well equipped with provisions, fuel and water.<\/p>\n
When you travel by road, for example, if you have hired an Avis 4 x 4 vehicle, you will be entirely responsible for your safety as there are generally no guides provided then or when you enter the parks. You should ensure that friends or relatives are aware of your travel itinerary so that they can keep in contact with you. Guides are provided by private camps or mobile safaris when you fly directly into the Delta or similar conservancy areas, as they are part of the commercial or guided safari packages. This is not necessarily the case with self-drive travel.<\/p>\n
Some hotels operate a minibus service between the airport and Gaborone. You should verify whether your hotel provides this service and reserve the transfer in advance. Vehicles can be rented at the airport in Gaborone. In major towns, taxis are generally safe, but the fare should be determined before departure.<\/p>\n
Domestic air services are available. Consult our Transportation FAQ<\/a> in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards. Passenger train service in Botswana has been discontinued. There are reliable buses for long distance journeys to Johannesburg, Lusaka, Harare, which can be found at the main Bus Rank in Gaborone. Mini buses leave at hourly intervals to Johannesburg from the main Bus Rank in Gaborone. Long distance buses normally leave in the early hours, around 6 a.m. For reliable transportation to Johannesburg from Gaborone, you must book at least one day before the travel date. Reliable operators used for the Johannesburg-Gaborone\/Gaborone-Johannesburg Routes are:<\/p>\n InterCape Bus Service – telephone +267 3974294<\/p>\n T. J. Motlogelwa’s Express – telephone +267 3190395<\/p>\n In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, 998 for fire, and 997 for ambulance services.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Botswana authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Republic of Botswana<\/a> and its consulate<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a valid passport<\/a> to visit Botswana. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from that country.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days) Canadians who stay in the country for more than 90 days should request an extension.<\/p>\n Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTyphoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Emergency assistance<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visa<\/h3>\n
Business visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days)
Student visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days)<\/p>\nSame-sex marriages<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Rabies<\/summary>
Typhoid<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>