Botswana Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime.

Crime

Petty crime and crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana. Potentially violent crimes are also common, including home invasions, break-ins, muggings, and “smash and grabs” from vehicles.

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.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Botswana

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Botswana, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Attacks on tourists are rare, but violent crime is increasing particularly in the major towns of Gaborone, Francistown and Maun. Criminals have also carried out hold-ups and robberies of restaurants during peak hours.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Criminals may target cars waiting at traffic lights. To reduce the risk of attack:

• keep doors locked and windows closed
• keep handbags, phones and laptops out of sight
• avoid carrying luggage in your vehicle whenever possible
• do not stop for people at the roadside hitchhiking

House burglaries, often by armed gangs, are common. They do not often target tourists, but there have been isolated room break-ins and theft from lodges in the Chobe area, particularly river-fronting lodges. To reduce the risk of burglary or home invasion:

• lock your room at all times
• speak to your travel operator if your accommodation does not seem secure
• secure valuables in a hotel safe or other safe place

Sexual assault

Botswana has a high number of sexual assaults. While foreign visitors are unlikely to be targeted, women should take care when walking and avoid walking alone at night.

Risk level

Botswana - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Botswana due to crime.

Crime

Crime occurs throughout the country, including in Gaborone, but especially in border areas with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs frequently.

The following crimes are also common:

• theft, including of cars
• “smash-and-grabs” from parked cars and those stopped in traffic

Police may take longer than expected to respond. Police services may be below Canadian standards.

During your stay:

• keep doors and windows locked at all times
• avoid isolated areas
• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place and out of sight
• do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
• do not show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery

Violent and organized crime

Organized criminal networks smuggle weapons into Botswana. Illegal arms trafficking and use lead to violent spillovers and crime.

Violent crime occurs, including home burglaries and carjackings. Tourists are not usually targeted. However, you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times
• Avoid walking alone after dark
• Do not resist an attack

博茨瓦纳风险等级为蓝色（低风险）