Press Release: Botswana Introduces New COVID-19 Requirements at Ports of Entry

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:

1. That all persons entering Botswana should show proof that they have been fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated means having taken two doses of a two dose vaccine regimen or single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. If one has taken any of the two and is overdue for booster shots, they are no longer regarded as fully vaccinated, until they have taken the booster shot.
2. 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.
3. Alternatively, if one has no proof of being fully vaccinated and has no 72 hour negative PCR test result, they will be required to undergo PCR testing at ports of entry, at their own cost and where necessary quarantine at own cost, while waiting for results. If results are negative they will be allowed into the country. If results are positive, they will be allowed to isolate within the district of port of entry, at own cost.
4. If one has no proof of being fully vaccinated, is not willing to be vaccinated at the port of entry, has no 72 hour negative PCR test result and is not willing to be tested at own cost, they will not be allowed entry into Botswana, if they are foreigners. If they are citizens, they will be liable to a fine of P5 000.00 or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both.

In short, proof of being fully vaccinated is now the most important requirement for entry into Botswana.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully

[Signed]

Dr Christopher Nyanga

For Permanent Secretary