Is Botswana safe to travel to?

Botswana is widely seen as one of the more stable safari destinations in Southern Africa, but it still carries an elevated practical travel risk (45/100) and an Elevated government advisory (45/100). Most trips go smoothly, yet visitors should take precautions against theft and scams, especially in towns and transit areas.

What are the main travel risks in Botswana?

The main travel risks in Botswana are petty crime (68) such as theft from vehicles or in busy areas, and tourist scams (58) that can target visitors arranging transport or tours. Civil unrest is a moderate concern (50), and transport reliability is also moderate (50), so plan routes carefully—particularly for long drives and remote areas.

What is the current travel advisory for Botswana?

Botswana is currently under a Level 2: Exercise increased caution advisory from the U.S. Department of State, with an Elevated score of 45/100. Travelers should take sensible precautions, especially around personal security and transportation planning.

What safety tips should I know before visiting Botswana?

In Botswana, avoid displaying valuables, keep bags secured, and don’t leave items visible in parked cars. Use app-based rides or reputable taxis after dark in urban areas, book tours through established operators, and build extra time into travel days in case road conditions or transport delays affect your plans.

Botswana

Africa

Higher risk than 53% of countries. Main concerns: petty crime and tourist scams.

Government Advisory

Elevated

Level 2: Exercise increased caution

Traveler Practical Risk

Elevated

Confidence: high. Main drivers: petty crime, tourist scams, civil unrest.

Risk Profile

Score breakdown across 7 risk dimensions

🔓Petty Crime

Africa avg: 5968

🎭Scams

Africa avg: 6058

📢Civil Unrest

Africa avg: 7050

🚌Transport

Africa avg: 5550

⚠️Violent Incident

Africa avg: 5030

🌊Natural Disaster

Africa avg: 2424

🏥Health

Africa avg: 4518

Practical advice

✓Use app-based rides after dark and avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas.

Data Sources & Updates · Synced 5/10/2026

Government Advisory: U.S. Department of State

Advisory published: 2/26/2024 (by U.S. Department of State)

Our last sync: 5/10/2026

Indicators: World Bank Governance & Stability Indicators (2024)

Recent update: Updated 2026-05-10 from refreshed advisory and traveler risk indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions — Botswana

Is Botswana safe to travel to?: Botswana is widely seen as one of the more stable safari destinations in Southern Africa, but it still carries an elevated practical travel risk (45/100) and an Elevated government advisory (45/100). Most trips go smoothly, yet visitors should take precautions against theft and scams, especially in towns and transit areas.
What are the main travel risks in Botswana?: The main travel risks in Botswana are petty crime (68) such as theft from vehicles or in busy areas, and tourist scams (58) that can target visitors arranging transport or tours. Civil unrest is a moderate concern (50), and transport reliability is also moderate (50), so plan routes carefully—particularly for long drives and remote areas.
What is the current travel advisory for Botswana?: Botswana is currently under a Level 2: Exercise increased caution advisory from the U.S. Department of State, with an Elevated score of 45/100. Travelers should take sensible precautions, especially around personal security and transportation planning.
What safety tips should I know before visiting Botswana?: In Botswana, avoid displaying valuables, keep bags secured, and don’t leave items visible in parked cars. Use app-based rides or reputable taxis after dark in urban areas, book tours through established operators, and build extra time into travel days in case road conditions or transport delays affect your plans.

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