Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers,

For more general information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

Attacks on tourists are rare, but petty and violent crime is increasing, particularly in the major towns of Gaborone, Francistown and Maun. House burglaries, often by armed gangs, are also increasing. There have been some cases of car jacking, particularly of four by four vehicles. If you are attacked, do not resist.  Theft from parked cars does occur. Take sensible precautions. Safeguard valuables and cash. Deposit them in hotel safes, where practical. Keep copies of important documents, including passports in a separate place to the documents themselves.

There have been incidences of rape and other sexual offences. Given the high level of HIV/AIDS in the country, you should seek immediate medical advice if you are sexually assaulted or otherwise injured. Women, in particular, should not walk alone at night. For more general information see rape and sexual assault abroad.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political situation

Botswana Country Profile

Local travel

Zimbabwe

You should avoid areas where War Veterans are active or where incidents of violence are taking place. There have been a number of serious and violent incidents in rural areas and it is dangerous for farmers or agricultural workers to visit former properties or other agricultural areas. We advise against travel by journalists intending to carry out any reporting or official photography without the proper accreditation. The situation remains unpredictable and there are isolated incidents of violence across the country: it could deteriorate further, without warning.

Botswana

Game reserves and other tourist areas are generally secure, but you should be alert to unpredictable behaviour by wild animals. You should follow park regulations and wardens' advice. You should not bathe in rivers and lakes, because of the dangers from both wildlife and water-borne diseases.

If you intend travelling to remote areas plan your trip with care, make transport and accommodation arrangements in advance and seek local advice on what precautions to take. Vehicles should be stocked with emergency supplies and be properly prepared for off-road driving conditions.

In major towns taxis are generally safe to take. You should agree a price before setting off.

Road travel

UK and International driving licences are acceptable in Botswana for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer you should apply for a Botswanan licence.

Botswana has good tarmac roads over most of the country but you should be careful when driving off-road. The standard of driving is lower than in the UK and many drivers ignore road safety rules. Dangerous driving, including speeding (the maximum speed limit is 120kph), and drink driving cause frequent serious and often fatal accidents.

Driving, particularly outside the major urban areas, is dangerous because wildlife and stray livestock can pose a serious hazard.

For more general information see driving abroad

Air travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see airline security.