20 Mar 2022

Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people will now enter the country, if they comply with the required testing requirements effective March 18. 

A press release from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, says only when a person is not fully vaccinated and also not willing to undergo COVID-19 testing at the port of entry, will they be charged and fined or taken to a court of law. 

“Due to discordant periods for taking booster shots between Botswana and other countries, and for purposes of smoothening international travel, the definition of being fully vaccinated in Botswana will no longer include a booster shot,” the release says. It also says having completed the primary vaccine series, one will be allowed entry without the need to present a negative PCR test result. 

Further, it says those who are partially vaccinated or not vaccinated at all, will be required to present a negative 72-hour PCR test result and undergo COVID-19 testing at port of entry, at own cost. 

“If negative, they will be allowed to proceed into the country. If positive, they will be isolated in the district of the port of entry, at own cost and allowed to proceed into the country only after recovery.” 

It also says the ministry will continue to advise on any new developments that may arise as the nation continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Meanwhile, the ministry encourages all that are eligible, to take their booster shot in order to keep their immunity against COVID-19 high. The public is also encouraged to keep following all COVID-19 protocols. ends