Botswana
Setswana and English connect desert towns and delta outposts, where wide horizons and conservation shape the national rhythm.
Overview
Botswana’s urban corridor—Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, and Kasane—links communities across the Kalahari and Okavango Delta. The country’s conservation ethos and diamond-driven economy influence both city life and rural routines, with distances between regions shaping travel and planning.
At a glance
Languages
- English(Official)
- Tswana(Official)
Population2,480,244
CurrencyBotswana Pula (BWP)
1 BWP = 0.0748 USD
1 USD = 13.3754 BWP
Popular places
Botswana
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerSimilar local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of Life IndexStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
Healthcare IndexGenerally favorableSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
Crime IndexModerateSource category: Crime | 2026 | Crime index (100 = highest crime)
Safety IndexMixedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
Pollution IndexModerateSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
Traffic IndexHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Tourist / Visa Waiver, Tourist / Visa Waiver.
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Tourism Visa
Botswana tourism visa route for recreational visits, filed online through eVisa or in person through immigration offices, embassies, or consulates.
- 1 month
- No work rights
- Visitor's Visa
Botswana visitor visa route for applicants visiting friends or relatives, with online or office filing and outcome checks after seven to fourteen working days.
- 3 months
- No work rights
Languages
- English(Official)67,200 speakers
- Tswana(Official)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Botswana.
Canada
Exercise a high degree of caution
Advisory effective · Verified
Exercise a high degree of caution in Botswana due to crime.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
Advisory effective · Verified
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for Botswana. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory effective · Verified
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime. Advisory Summary Crime Petty crime and crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana. Potentially violent crimes are also common, including home invasions, break-ins, muggings, and “smash and grabs” from vehicles. If you decide to travel to Botswana: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Botswana. Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime. Stay
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