Covid-19 Entry requirements for International Travelers
The Ministry of Health and Wellness informs members of the public and the international community that effective 14th February 2022, there will be some changes at all ports of entry in Botswana, for purposes of reducing the risk of imported COVID-19 cases into the country. The new changes include:a.
- That all persons entering Botswana should show proof that they have been fully vaccinated. When a person is not fully vaccinated, they will be required to present a 72 hour negative PCR COVID-19 test result and undergo COVID-19 vaccination at the port of entry, which will be facilitated by the ministry for free. After vaccination, they will be allowed into the country.
- The definition of being fully vaccinated in Botswana will no longer include a booster shot. Having completed the primary vaccine series will be considered sufficient for one to be allowed entry, without the need to present a negative PCR test result. For those who will be partially vaccinated, or not vaccinated at all, they will be required to present a negative 72 hour PCR test result and in addition, undergo COVID-19 testing at port of entry, at own cost. If negative, they will be allowed to proceed into the country. If positive, they will be isolated in the district of the port of entry, at own cost and allowed to proceed into the country only after recovery. Please note that these changes now allow partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people to enter the country, if they comply with the required testing requirements. It is only when one is not fully vaccinated and is also not willing to undergo COVID-19 testing at the port of entry, that they will be charged and fined or taken to a court of law.
- The ministry wishes to emphasize that the removal of boosters from the equation, does not mean that booster shots are no longer important. The ministry encourages all those eligible to take up boosters in order to keep their immunity against COVID-19 high. Members of the public are further encouraged to keep following all COVID-19 protocols since the pandemic is still with us. The ministry will from time to time advise on any new developments that may arise as the nation continues to battle with this pandemic.
Airlines/Scheduled Flights:
- Private charter flights
- Commercial flights – pending release