Traveling To
Botswana: Health Guide
If you’re traveling directly from the US, Botswana does not require any vaccines to enter.
This changes if your itinerary includes a visit to or a 12+ hour layover in another country before you make it to Botswana. A Yellow Fever vaccine and proof of vaccination may be required to enter. Check here to see if you are traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic area.
Always recommended:
Excluding COVID-19, these vaccines are all recommended during childhood. If you received them as a child, you are all set.
Conditionally recommended:
Botswana has too many adventures and places to explore for sickness to ruin your plans. Runway can prescribe these trip-saving medications in minutes:
Malaria Medication
is recommended for all travelers visiting Botswana. Malaria is a risk in the most visited destinations, including the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, the Linyanti region and beyond.
Traveler’s Diarrhea Antibiotics
help alleviate an intestinal infection that occurs as a result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Traveler’s Diarrhea is common, so it’s a good idea to have medication on hand just in case.
Motion Sickness Medication
is recommended for all the bumps and curves along your journey. Whether traveling by land or water, your safari game drive or boat trip in the Delta will be more enjoyable without nausea and dizziness tagging along.
Sleep Aid
is a great addition to your packing list if you struggle with jet lag or sleeplessness due to travel stress or long journeys.
Add medication to your treatment plan in the section below.
(Required to enter country)
If you’re traveling directly from the US, Botswana does not require any vaccines to enter.
This changes if your itinerary includes a visit to or a 12+ hour layover in another country before you make it to Botswana. A Yellow Fever vaccine and proof of vaccination may be required to enter. Check here to see if you are traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic area.
Botswana has too many adventures and places to explore for sickness to ruin your plans. Runway can prescribe these trip-saving medications in minutes:
Malaria Medication
is recommended for all travelers visiting Botswana. Malaria is a risk in the most visited destinations, including the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, the Linyanti region and beyond.
Traveler’s Diarrhea Antibiotics
help alleviate an intestinal infection that occurs as a result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Traveler’s Diarrhea is common, so it’s a good idea to have medication on hand just in case.
Motion Sickness Medication
is recommended for all the bumps and curves along your journey. Whether traveling by land or water, your safari game drive or boat trip in the Delta will be more enjoyable without nausea and dizziness tagging along.
Sleep Aid
is a great addition to your packing list if you struggle with jet lag or sleeplessness due to travel stress or long journeys.
Add medication to your treatment plan in the section below.
Always recommended:
Excluding COVID-19, these vaccines are all recommended during childhood. If you received them as a child, you are all set.
Conditionally recommended:
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From vaccination requirements to best health practices, all your Botswana travel questions answered.
Botswana does not currently require any vaccines for travel from the United States.
A yellow fever vaccination is required at least 10 days prior to arrival in Botswana if traveling (including passing through an airport for greater than 12 hours) from a yellow fever risk country designated by the World Health Organization (WHO):Â
Travel with your proof of vaccination card to enter Botswana.Â
Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Botswana.html
There are several common health conditions to consider when traveling to Botswana. Runway can help you prepare by prescribing the medication you need before you depart, so you can worry less and explore more while you’re away.
Yes. You can carry pills or solid medications in labeled bottles on international flights. If you have liquid medication that exceeds 3.4 ounces, you may need to pack it in your checked luggage versus being able to put it in your carry-on bag, so make sure to plan accordingly.Â
Medications you procure in Botswana may not always be manufactured in an FDA approved facility and pharmacies may not always be in close proximity while on safari. Planning in advance with Runway allows you peace of mind of having the medications you need so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Make sure you’re up to date on any routine and recommended vaccinations weeks in advance of your trip to Botswana.Â
Make sure you’re up to date on any routine and recommended vaccinations weeks in advance of your trip to Botswana.Â
While there are no required vaccines for Argentina for those traveling from the US, the lists below include recommended vaccines that you might need based on your personal history and trip activities. Â
Recommended Vaccines for Traveling to Botswana
The list below includes the routine childhood vaccinations that are recommended for traveling to Botswana. If you received vaccines as a child, you likely received the following and are ready to go:
Other Vaccine Considerations for Travel To Botswana
Here is a list of additional vaccines for preventable diseases that you may want to consider based on your trip itinerary:
Sources: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-related-infectious-diseases/yellow-fever
Proper preventative and proactive care can reduce the need to find healthcare in Botswana. However, we recommend making a list of local doctors and hospitals near the destination you’re staying, in advance of your trip. If you are going on safari in Botswana, you may not always have quick access to hospitals.Â
Because of this, we strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance with emergency medical evacuations coverage. Also,most traditional healthcare coverage doesn’t extend internationally, but travel insurance will keep you covered. Fill all prescriptions prior to embarking on your trip to ensure you have enough with you for the duration of your travels plus a few extra days in case of delays.
Botswana offers a number of private doctors and healthcare facilities, but options are generally limited to large cities, which can make them difficult to access. For emergency or specialized treatment, medical evacuation to South Africa may be recommended. The Joint Commission International website and the U.S. Embassy can also be resources to locate healthcare organizations in or near the city where you’re staying.
Availability of quality healthcare varies depending on your location and needs.  We recommend you procure the recommended medications and vaccines before you travel and obtain travel insurance. These providers can assist with additional information and support about costs of services, coverage, and areas of available care. Check your emergency medical evacuation coverage to understand your options of getting you from remote areas to a doctor in the most efficient way possible, in case of emergency.Â
A hospital stay in Botswana can vary in costs, especially as economic environments change. However, costs are low when compared to medical costs in the US. There is no set intake fee, so it’s best to confirm costs in advance to avoid unexpected expenses. Keep in mind, there are several factors that will contribute to the hospital cost, such as emergency services, x-rays, hospital location, and the duration of the stay.Â
Prevention is key. Be aware of certain high-risk areas and environments and take proper precautions for each. Take heed of destination updates with regards to weather, vaccination recommendations, and other safety advisories. If you are prone to jet lag, motion sickness, or traveler’s diarrhea get preventative medication from Runway to help keep symptoms at bay.Â
Warm temperatures, time zone differences, and varying levels of activity can all result in health conditions when traveling to Botswana. Here are common ones to be aware of and prepare for to ensure an optimal trip experience.
Here are a few other things to be mindful of as you plan your trip.
Prepare for every adventure with trip-saving medications from Runway.
Runway offers travelers like you, the medications you may need before you go.