Botswana
Country data
Capital: Gaborone
Population: 2,155,000
Area:581,730 km2
Time zone: 1 h compared to Italy; same time when Italy has daylight saving time
Languages:: The official languages are English and Tswana.
Religions: Christian, animist.
Currency: Pula (BWP)
Prefix for Italy: 0039
Prefix from Italy: 00267
Telephony: There are three cellular network companies: ORANGE, MASCOM, BEMOBILE.
Italian mobile phones can generally be used in Botswana.
Climate: Very hot from October to March, especially in desert areas, temperate in other months. Short rainy season in the hot months. Embassy and Consulates
Italian Embassy not present in the country. The Italian Embassy in Zambia is responsible
Italian Embassy in Lusaka (Zambia)
Plot No. 5211, Embassy Park
Diplomatic Triangle
Lusaka, Zambia
Tel:260 1 250781 / 250755
Fax: .260 1 254929
Source: 00260 966250755
Email: ambasciata.lusaka@esteri.it – consolare.lusaka@esteri.it
Website: http://www.amblusaka.esteri.it
CONSULAR OFFICES
Honorary Vice Consulate of Italy in GABORONE
P.O. Box 495, Gaborone (BOTSWANA)
Plot No. 5624, Lejara Road.
Tel: 00267 3901654 / 3912641
Cell.: 00267 72300110
Fax: 00267 3973441
Email: gaborone.onorario@esteri.itDirections for economic operators
Italian entrepreneurs interested in starting business and investing can contact the Italian Embassy in Zambia and/or the relevant I.C.E. Agency in South Africa at:
ICE – Italian Trade Commission
42, CHESTER ROAD
2193 PARKWOOD JOHANNESBURG
2121 PARKLANDS
E-mail: johannesburg@ice.it
Website: http://www.ice.gov.it/paesi/africa/repsudafricana/ufficio.htm?sede
Tel: (002711) 8808383 – Fax: (002711) 8809040
Ente governativo che cura gli investimenti esteri
BITC (Botswana Investment & Trade Centre)
New Central Business Centre
Private Bag 00445, Gaborone (BOTSWANA)
Tel. 00267 3633456
Fax. 00267 317 0452
Email: greend@bitc.co.bw
Sito Web: www.bitc.co.bwInformazioni utili
In the country
First aid: 997 / 112
Police: 999 / 112
Ente per il Turismo locale
Department of Tourism
Tel: 00267 3953024
Sito web: www.botswana-tourism.org
E-mail: botswanatourism@gov.bw
In Italy
For addresses and contact details of the country's embassies and consulates accredited in Italy, see the website:https://www.esteri.it/MAE/it/servizi/stranieri/rapprstraniereDocumentation required to enter the country
Passport: required with at least 6 months of validity remaining. For any changes to this policy, it is advisable to inquire in advance at the Embassy or Consulate of the country present in Italy or with your Travel Agent.
Entry visa: not required; with a tourist visa of up to 90 days per year.
Children's foreign trips: From 1 October 2016, the Botswana Authorities apply new legislation on the entry into the country of minors, under which every child, accompanied by both parents, arriving, transit or departure from the territory of Botswana must travel with their own electronic passport and an authenticated and translated copy of the Unabridged Birth Certificate (Unabridged Birth Certificate) from which the data can be deducted. In the case of the child travelling accompanied by a single parent, a guardian, or unaccompanied, in addition to the aforementioned birth certificate, an affidavit (in the form of an affidavit) is required showing the consent of the merchants parental or guardianship.
General information, public order and criminality
So far, there have been no particular security concerns in cities and along major roads.
However, it is advisable to take normal precautions against petty crime and take the precautions in the "Warnings" section.
It is also recommended to be cautious in the circular at night, avoiding going to the most popular neighborhoods. Terrorism risk
The country shares with the rest of the world its exposure to the phenomenon of international terrorism. Warnings
Compatriots are advised to:
– Record your travel data on WHERENELMONDO;;
– avoid venturing without proper equipment and specialized guides in the desert areas that cover much of Botswana's territory;
– avoid driving after dark, both because of the presence of vehicles without headlights and trucks that, in the event of a breakdown, are left in place without any reports or for the crossing of wild animals (in particular elephants, gazelles, buffaloes and giraffes);
– avoid getting wet in ponds and waterways, both because of the risk of contracting bilarity and other endemic diseases, and because of the presence of crocodiles and hippos;
– have a radio or satellite phone for excursions to isolated areas;
– If you are travelling by road in the Okavango Delta, check from time to time, with the Botswana Tourism Authority, the walkability of the slopes. The region is, in fact, characterized by routes that are poorly usable, at certain times of the year, due to heavy rains;
– carefully consider offers to organize "safaris" that do not come from well-known and specialized agencies in the field, as well as ensure that rented off-road vehicles (generally in South Africa) are appropriately equipped to tackle treacherous and isolated routes (spare wheels, petrol canisters, shovels, winch, sand plates, etc.). Relevant local regulations
Currency formalities: none in particular.
Regulation for drug use and/or dealing: the local legislation for the possession, use and distribution of drugs provides for strict penalties applied, regardless of locals and foreigners.
For possession and trade of drugs, a prison sentence of a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 15 years is imposed and a fine of 15,000 Pula (about 1,800 euros).
For possession and trade of cannabis the penalty varies according to the quantity recorded:
less than 60: imprisonment of up to 3 years and fine of 1,000 Pula (approximately 250 euros);
b) more than 60: imprisonment of 1 to 5 years and fine from 1,500 to 5,000 Pula (from Euro 300 to Euro 600 about).
In the case of non-payment, the prison sentence is increased from 1 to 5 years.
These punishments are imposed on both locals and tourists. The latter rarely obtain probation because of the danger of escape.
Local rules for sexual abuse or violence against minors:it should be remembered that those who commit crimes against minors abroad (sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution) are prosecuted on their return to Italy on the basis of the laws in force in our country.
Homosexuality is considered in Botswana a crime punishable by 7 years imprisonment.
In case of problems with the local authorities of police (state of detention or arrest) it is advisable to inform the Italian Embassy in Zambia or the Italian Honorary Vice Consulate in Gaborone for the necessary assistance.Information for companies
Italian companies that send technicians or workers are advised to carry out specific security measures and to comply with the provisions of the local authorities regarding the transfer of foreign personnel. Italian companies are invited to register the presence of their own workers on DOVESIAMONELMONDO and report them to the Italian Embassy in Zambia.
Healthcare facilities
– Life Gaborone Private Hospital
Plot 8448
Segoditshane Road
Mica Way
Private Bag BR130
Gaborone
Tel 00267 368 5600/5765/
Fax 09267 390 2804/1998
Email Tonic.Rindo@lifehealthcare.co.za
Public hospitals offer totally inadequate care. There are good health facilities in the capital.
Prior to departure, it is recommended to take out an insurance policy that provides for the coverage of medical expenses and possible evacuation and/or medical repatriation. Present diseases
In major cities such as Gaborone and Francistown there are no particular risks of contracting diseases except AIDS, which is widespread throughout southern Africa as well as in Botswana, where it has affected the population with particular virulence.
In the north of the country, malaria is present in the Okavango and Chobe areas, which is accentuated especially after the rainy season. It is therefore advisable to take preventive measures against mosquito bites during your stay in the country. Please also consult the section Health on the road – Precautions during the trip – Preventive measures against diseases transmitted by mosquito bites. Warnings
It is recommended that you take out an insurance policy prior to departure that provides for the coverage of medical expenses and the possible repatriation of the patient (or transfer to another country). Vaccinations
The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for all travellers over the age of 1 year from countries at risk of disease transmission, as well as for travellers who have even only passed through the airport of a country at risk of transmission of the disease for more than 12 hours.
Mobility
License
International (1949 Geneva Convention model or Vienna 1968) required for rental cars.
Car insurance
Mandatory Rc at the border.
Temporary import of vehicles
It is necessary to have the meat passing through customs. Learn more about the www.aci.it/index.php?id=2090 site
Driving standards
Circulation on the left, overtaking on the right.
Internal transport
Connections between major cities are secured by sufficiently reliable private bus companies.
Links with Europe
There are no direct flights to Europe and therefore from Botswana it is mandatory to stop in Johannesburg or Cape Town (South Africa), Nairobi (Kenya), Lusaka (Zambia) or Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).
For general information on flight safety and airlines in countries prohibited from operating in EU airspace as it does not meet the safety standards of the European Air Safety Agency, we recommend that you consult the "Air Safety" section in collaboration with Enac, on the home page of this website and on that of the European Commission.