Botswana

SAFETY: good
The country is very peaceful, with a normal level of petty crime. The vast wilderness areas are a major attraction but at the same time a source of danger for the careless traveller. Avoid bathing in rivers and streams and always take great care when driving, as wild animals cross the roads.

TRANSPORT SYSTEM: fair
The road situation is not good, with less than a third of the network surfaced. The rail network is almost non-existent. Connections between the main towns are provided by reasonably reliable private coach companies.

Main airports: Kasane, Maun, Francistown, Gaborone.

ACCOMMODATION: good
The country offers a wide choice of accommodation of every kind, category and price.

COUNTRY FACTS: Full name: Republic of Botswana. – Borders: bordered by South Africa to the south, Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the north-east; it is landlocked. Time zone: 1 hour ahead of Italy; the same time when Italy is on summer time. – Area: 581,730 sq km – Capital: Gaborone – Population: 2,155,000. – Religion: Christian, animist. – Languages: English and Tswana. – Measures: metric system.

CURRENCY: Pula (BWP). Currency formalities: none in particular. - Credit cards: the major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels. Exchange: easy, bring euros.

ELECTRICITY: Voltage: 230 V and 50 Hz. – Sockets: types M and G (bring an adaptor).

DOCUMENTS. A passport with at least 6 months’ remaining validity is required. For any changes to this rule, it is advisable to check in advance with the country’s Embassy or Consulate in Italy or with your travel agent. – Driving: international driving permit (1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention model), required for hire cars. Car insurance: third-party insurance compulsory, taken out at the border.

COMMUNICATIONS AND TELEPHONES: International dialling code: 00267. – Telephones: there are three mobile network companies: ORANGE, MASCOM, BEMOBILE. Italian mobile phones can generally be used in Botswana. – Internet: available in the capital and the main urban centres. - Web domain: .bw. - Useful numbers: ambulance 997, police 999.

RULES, LAWS AND CONDUCT:
Legislation on drug use and/or dealing: local law on the possession, use and dealing of drugs provides for severe penalties, applied without distinction between locals and foreigners.
Possession and trafficking of drugs carry a prison sentence of between 10 and 15 years and a fine of 15,000 pula (around EUR 1,800).
For possession and trafficking of cannabis the penalty varies according to the quantity recorded:
under 60 g: up to 3 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 pula (around EUR 250);
over 60 g: 1 to 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 1,500 to 5,000 pula (around EUR 300 to EUR 600).
If the fine is not paid, the prison sentence is increased by 1 to 5 years.
These penalties are imposed on locals and tourists alike. The latter are rarely granted bail because of the risk of flight.
Local legislation on sexual abuse or violence against minors: remember that anyone who commits offences against minors abroad (sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution) is prosecuted on their return to Italy under the laws in force in our country.
Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Botswana, punishable by 7 years’ imprisonment.
In the event of problems with the local police authorities (detention or arrest), it is advisable to inform the Italian Embassy in Zambia or the Italian Honorary Vice Consulate in Gaborone for the necessary assistance.

HEALTH CARE:
No compulsory vaccinations are required. Public hospitals provide wholly inadequate care. The capital has good health facilities.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 1-2 January, New Year; March/April, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday; April/May, Ascension Day; July, President’s Day and the following day; 30 September, Botswana National Day; 1 October, day after National Day; 25 December, Christmas Day; 26 December, Boxing Day; 27 December.

OPENING HOURS: Banks: Mon-Fri 9.00-14.30, Sat 8.00-11.00 - Post offices: Mon-Fri 8.00-16.00, Sat 8.00-11.00 - Shops: Mon-Fri 8.00-13.00, 15.00-17.00 -

CLIMATE: subtropical. Winter runs from May to August, with variable temperatures, generally warm, sunny days and cold nights. Summer (the rainy season) runs from November to March and brings fairly high temperatures, with daily showers and thunderstorms. The dry season runs from April to early May and from September to October.

Monthly min/max temperatures (in °C)

Rainy days (at least 1 mm of rain) /monthly rainfall in mm

USEFUL ADDRESSES
There is no Italian Embassy in the country. The Italian Embassy in Zambia is responsible
Italian Embassy in Lusaka (Zambia)
Plot n. 5211, Embassy Park
Diplomatic Triangle
Lusaka, Zambia
Tel.: +260 1 250781 / 250755
Fax: +260 1 254929
On-call mobile: 00260 966250755
Email: ambasciata.lusaka@esteri.it – consolare.lusaka@esteri.it
Website: http://www.amblusaka.esteri.it

CONSULAR OFFICES
Italian Honorary Vice Consulate in GABORONE
P.O. Box 495, Gaborone (BOTSWANA)
Plot n. 5624, Lejara Road.
Tel.: 00267 3901654 / 3912641
Mobile: 00267 72300110
Fax: 00267 3973441
Email: gaborone.onorario@esteri.it