19 May 2026

All Botswana points of entry will now conduct fever screening and require health declaration forms for travellers arriving from or transiting through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda within the previous 21 days.

This follows a World Health Organisation declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern over an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the DRC and Uganda.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Health, Botswana has no suspected or confirmed cases of Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD), but remains at risk because of its position as a regional truck transit corridor linking the DRC and South Africa, as well as international air travel connections through regional hubs linked to Kampala and Kinshasa.

Ebola disease causes severe haemorrhagic fever and spreads through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected person or a deceased patient.

Symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after exposure. Previous outbreaks have recorded fatality rates of between 30 and 50 per cent.

As such, the release advises the public to avoid contact with blood or other bodily fluids, refrain from handling bodies of people who died from unexplained febrile illnesses, avoid unverified traditional remedies, and not consume bush meat imported from affected regions.

The release also states that there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for BVD, although early supportive care improves survival rates.

Therefore, the ministry urges the public to remain calm but vigilant, avoid non-essential travel to affected areas, and monitor themselves for symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting or bleeding for 21 days after returning from Uganda or the DRC. ENDS