There are many reasons to visit, stay or live in Botswana. It’s one of the least corrupt countries on the continent, economically very dynamic and nicknamed “The Switzerland of Africa”. It offers many professional opportunities and tourist attractions. Whatever the case, it’s essential to take out travel or expatriate health insurance for you and your family. That way, you can leave with peace of mind and avoid any unexpected financial, health or legal risks. The quality of health infrastructures and medical care is improving, but in the event of a serious accident, it’s best to take out repatriation cover.
- Political system : Republic
- Capital : Gaborone
- Surface area : 581,730 Km²
- Population : 2.2 million
- Languages spoken: English, Tswana
- Currency : Pula
Botswana Visa
If you are a national of France or one of the EU member states, you do not need a visa for a tourist or business stay of less than 90 days. All you need is a passport valid for at least six months. For longer stays, however, you will need to obtain a residence permit, which will be issued if you can produce a work contract. In France, there is only one Honorary Consulate of Botswana, while the Consulate General is located in Brussels.
French Embassy in Gaborone
761 Robinson Road
PO Box 1424 -Gaborone
Tel: +267 397 38 63 or +267 368 08 00
E-mail: cad.gaborone-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Consulate of Botswana in Paris
88, avenue d’Iéna – 75116 Paris
Tel: 01.47.20.08.23
Fax: 01.47.20.42.58
E-mail: botswana@brutele.be
Vaccines and safety in Botswana
Vaccines and local diseases
No vaccinations are compulsory, but make sure you’re up to date with your regular booster shots. In particular, we advise you to check your vaccinations against :
- diphtheria-tetanus-polio (DTP)
- rubella-mumps-measles (MMR) for children
- tuberculosis
If you have spent more than twelve hours in a yellow fever zone, you will need to provide the appropriate vaccination certificate. In addition, health risks in Botswana are concentrated around mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, chikungunya and dengue fever. In addition, take precautions regarding food hygiene to avoid the risk of typhoid fever.
Safety in Botswana
Robberies and assaults are relatively rare in Botswana, but it’s best to remain vigilant in the big cities. Driving is generally not recommended due to frequent reckless behavior and disregard for traffic regulations. Please note that the French Embassy in Botswana has limited capacity to assist French nationals in the event of a crisis, so be all the more vigilant. For further information on safety in Botswana, please consult the France Diplomatie website.
Health and repatriation insurance in Botswana
Why purchase international health insurance when traveling or living in Botswana? Because even if the quality of care in the public sector is acceptable, it’s better to go private, which inevitably means higher medical costs. But the main drawback of Botswana’s healthcare system is the low density of facilities. In an emergency, it may take a long time to reach a hospital or find a doctor. That’s why repatriation cover is an essential criterion. Depending on where you are at the time of the accident, and the medical prognosis, it may be necessary to charter a helicopter or medical aircraft.
Mondassur can help you choose an international health insurance policy by helping you compare the different offers on the market. Depending on your profile, we can offer you different types of travel insurance, international student insurance and expatriate insurance. Get a free quote online now, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!
