£1 BWP 18.21
Today
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Weather & climate
Weather in Botswana
Botswana
24°
Slight rain showers
Thu
15°
24°
Fri
17°
25°
Sat
17°
23°
Sun
17°
24°
Mon
17°
24°
Tue
18°
24°
Wed
18°
20°
SPF level in Botswana
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Botswana
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Botswana for up to 90 days without a visa.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and have at least 3 blank pages.
Ensure your passport is stamped on entry to record your date and port of arrival.
You must carry an original or certified copy of the full birth certificate for any child aged 17 or under travelling with you.
If arriving from a country with a yellow fever transmission risk, you must have a certificate proving you've had the vaccination.
Good to know:
Declare foreign or local cash currency if the value is 10,000 Botswana pula or more.
Any parent not travelling must sign an affidavit giving consent for the child to travel.
Safety in Botswana
Tips when travelling
Botswana is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
When driving, keep car doors locked and windows closed, and do not stop for hitchhikers to reduce the risk of attack.
Lock your hotel or lodge room at all times and secure valuables in a safe place, particularly in the Chobe area.
Women should take care when walking and avoid walking alone at night due to a high number of sexual assaults.
Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page as identification, and be ready to show the original if required.
It is illegal to take photographs near military and government installations, and you should always ask permission before photographing people.
Bonus tips:
Bathing in rivers and lakes is not advised due to the risk of attack from wild animals and water-borne diseases.
Road conditions can become unsafe due to flooding during the rainy season from November to March, so follow local weather and authority advice.
More information
Driving in Botswana
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Botswana for up to 90 days. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Health in Botswana
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities can be limited in some areas. Check that your insurance covers all planned activities, such as safaris or adventure sports.
Malaria is a risk in northern Botswana. Consult your doctor about appropriate prophylaxis. HIV/AIDS is prevalent; take necessary precautions. Drink bottled or boiled water. Seek medical advice regarding vaccinations and necessary precautions before travelling.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments in urban areas and tourist locations. However, cash is still widely used and recommended, particularly in smaller towns, rural areas, and for smaller transactions.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
Tipping in Botswana
Tipping is appreciated in Botswana for good service, but it is not mandatory. It's a way to show gratitude for exceptional service.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or a small amount
Taxi
Round up the fare
Hotel Porter
5-10 BWP per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
10-20 BWP per day
Tour Guide
50-100 BWP per day, depending on the tour length and quality
Mobile & roaming
Post-Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for specific Botswana roaming charges. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM
5 GB for 150 BWP (~£9)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Botswana
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G, Type M
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and some restaurants in major cities and tourist areas, but availability can be limited in more rural areas.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Mobile data or hotel Wi-Fi are your easiest options. Expect to pay additionally for either.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Botswana
Country code
+267
00 267 391 2345
To call Botswana from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 267 (Botswana's country code), followed by the local number. Omit the leading zero if there is one in the local number.
UK Embassy
British High Commission Gaborone
Plot 1079 Sekgoma Road Gaborone
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.