Botswana
Last update 15 October 2025Travel advice
Risk index
Level 2: Increased cauion (Be informed on the current situation in the country beforehand)
2
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Bulgarian nationals do not need visa for visits up to 90 days.
Republic of Botswana
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have an embassy in Gaborone. The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Pretoria, South Africa, is accredited to Botswana.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
Address: 1071 Stanza Bopape Str, 0083 Hatfield, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
Telephone:+27 012 342 37 20; +27 012 342 79 41
Fax:+27 012 342 37 21
Working hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 12:00
In case of emergency and urgent cases in out-of-hours, holidays and weekends: mobile telephone: +27 79 893 7336
E-mail: Embassy.Pretoria@mfa.bg
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/southafrica
Bulgarian citizens travelling to Botswana should contact the Permanent Mission of Botswana to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
Permanent mission of the Republic of Botswana to the United Nations Office
1202, Geneva, Switzerland, 10 Allee David Morse
Telephone: +41 22 906 10 60
Fax: +41 22 906 10 61
E-mail: botgen@botswanamission.ch
Website: https://botswanamission.ch/contact-us/
General information
General Information
Security level
Botswana in general, and especially the northern part of the country, offers good opportunities for tourism. It should be noted that there has been a recent increase in robberies and armed attacks in urban areas. In the capital Gaborone, the usual security measures are recommended for foreign visitors. Crimes are also observed in safari parks, where foreign tourists predominate. It is recommended that you carry photocopies of your personal documents with you and keep the originals at the hotel. Do not carry large sums of money and keep your personal belongings carefully.
Healthcare
There is no specific vaccine requirement when entering the country. Some countries recommend a combined diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and tetanus vaccine. Service in the hospitals does not meet the European standards.
For up-to-date information on mandatory and/or recommended vaccines you may contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in the country.
Specifics of the local legislation
Homosexuality is prohibited in the Republic of Botswana and is punishable by up to seven years in prison under local law.
Customs requirements
The import of an unlimited amount of foreign currency is allowed, but it must be declared upon entry into the country. Items for personal use are not taxed. Export of local currency up to Pula 50 (P) is allowed. The foreign currency exported may not exceed the amount imported on entry.
Road traffic
No specifics. International driving licence is required.
Practical advice
It is advisable to carry photocopies of your personal documents and keep the originals at the hotel.
Good personal hygiene is recommended, including frequent hand washing with warm water. Particular caution is advised when consuming fresh fruit and vegetables. Water must be boiled before use.
Local currency
The local currency is Pula (P) It is advisable to carry euros, US dollars, cheques or credit cards.
Travel papers and visas
An international passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country. Visa is not required for Bulgarian citizens on short-term visits to the Republic of Botswana of up to 90 days.
Effective 1 October 2016, minors crossing into Botswana must present certified copies of a birth certificate showing the names of the mother and father, in addition to a valid passport. If one of the parents does not travel with the child, it is necessary to provide a certified statement from the parent that he/she agrees to the child travelling with the other parent. Such a declaration is not required if the child's birth certificate does not include the father's name.
Consular service
EU Emergency Travel Document
In case of a damaged, lost, stolen or expired passport, Bulgarian citizens can apply for an EU Emergency Travel Document (EU ETD) at an Embassy of an EU Member State. The ETD is issued only for the purpose of a single trip to Bulgaria or the country of permanent residence.
Certifications and legalizations
In order to be used before the Bulgarian institutions, all documents drawn up by institutions in the Republic of Botswana, must be provided with an Apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Botswana. Next the documents must be translated into Bulgarian by an authorized company in Bulgaria and the translation must be certified by the Certifications and Legalizations Department with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. Alternatively, the translation can be done by one of the sworn translators and his/ her signature must be certified by the Consular Office at a Bulgarian Embassy.