Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:658 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!daemon From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Botswana Message-ID: <950123141316_76702.1202_CHN52-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: daemon@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 23 Jan 1995 14:13:16 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 90 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Botswana ============================================================ Botswana - Consular Information Sheet January 20, 1995 Country Description: Botswana is a developing southern African nation. Facilities for tourism are available. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. No visa is necessary for stays of less than 90 days. Further information can be obtained >from the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, Suite 7M, 3400 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 244-4990/1. There are also honorary consuls in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Botswana are limited. Malaria is prevalent in the central and northern regions of the country; prophylaxis is required. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers For Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, and economic crimes of opportunity, such as stealing valuables left exposed in vehicles, are the most common forms of crime in Botswana. Auto theft and recently, auto hijacking of popular vehicle models in Gaborone occurs with sufficient frequency to warrant prudent security measures such as alarms, immobilizers, etc. Violent crime is infrequent but has affected the American community in Gaborone, and visitors are cautioned against traveling alone at night on foot in unfamiliar areas. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Botswana's Drug and Related Substances Act mandates harsh punishments for unlawful dealing and possession of cannabis (known locally as motokwane or dagga). The Act specifies that: (a) anyone found to be unlawfully dealing in the possession of dagga in an amount exceeding 60 grams shall, on conviction, be liable to a mandatory punishment of five to ten years imprisonment, and to a fine of not less than 7,000 pula (or $3500) or in default thereof, to an additional term of imprisonment of one to two years; and (b) if the dagga is less than 60 grams, the offenders shall be liable to mandatory imprisonment of one to five years and to a fine of 1,500-5,000 pula ($750-$2500). Automobile Travel: Travel by automobile outside of large towns may be dangerous. Although major roads are generally in good condition, the combination of long, tedious stretches of two-lane highway, high speed limits, and the occasional presence of large animals on the roads makes fatal accidents a frequent occurrence. Driving at night on rural highways is particularly hazardous and strongly discouraged. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in Botswana. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city of Gaborone on Embassy Drive, Government Enclave. The mailing address is P.O. Box 90, Gaborone, Botswana. The telephone number is (267) 353-982; the fax number is (267) 356-947, and the after-hours emergency telephone number is (267) 357-111. No. 95-004 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1993, to add information on medical facilities and crime. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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