Botswana Travel Risk Level

Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution

Botswana faces a moderate risk from violent crime and crime, with the US State Department issuing a Level 2 advisory. Updated to include information on crime.

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Government travel advisories

US State Department

Level 2

Updated to include information on crime. Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime. Country Summary: Crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana. Potentially violent crimes, such as home invasions, break-ins, “smash and grabs” from vehicles stopped at intersections and from locked cars in shopping mall parking lots, cell phone thefts, and muggings are routinely reported to police. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Botswana. If you decide to travel to Botswana: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and leave originals in your hotel safe. Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter . Review the Country Security Report for Botswana. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist . Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

View full US advisory →

UK FCDO

Level 1

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 . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram

View full UK advisory →

Active disaster alerts (GDACS)

No active GDACS disaster events for Botswana at this time.

Health alerts (WHO)

No active WHO health alerts for Botswana at this time.

Global & regional health alerts (WHO)

Cross-border outbreaks and pandemic-scale alerts that affect travellers regardless of destination.

Global · Chikungunya

Chikungunya virus disease- Global situation

2025-10-03T11:25:30Z

Regional · Diphtheria

Diphtheria - African Region (AFRO)

2025-11-21T19:00:00Z

Global · Mpox

Broader transmission of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV – Global situation

2025-12-05T19:00:00Z

Global

Seasonal influenza - Global situation

2025-12-10T19:00:00Z

Global

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus - Global update

2025-12-24T05:38:07Z

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to travel to Botswana?

Botswana is currently assessed at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) based on US State Department and UK FCDO advisories. Updated to include information on crime.

What is the current US State Department travel advisory for Botswana?

The US State Department currently rates Botswana at Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution. Updated to include information on crime.

What is the current UK FCDO advice for Botswana?

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office currently advises at Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions — for Botswana. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.