Botswana is a peaceful landlocked country and one of Africa’s exclusive safari destinations. Expats take a trip out in this vast country to bask in its scenic routes and unpaved wonders. Its rich resources are also a magnet for expat investors. Here’s our handy guide to help you get to know your next destination.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Botswana and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
International Schools
Northside Primary School
Northside School is a private, English-medium day school approved by the Ministry of Education, Botswana. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (C.I.S) and also a member of the Independent School Association of Southern Africa (ISASA).
Address: Plot 2786 Tshekedi Crescent Ext 9, P.O. Box 897, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: +267 395 2440
Fax: +267 395 3573
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.northsideschool.net
Westwood International School
A school that provides students with a quality international education that enables them to confidently meet future challenges as socially-responsible, life-long learners.
Address: Plot 22978 Mmankgwedi Road, P.O. Box 2446, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: +267 3906736
Fax: +267 3906734
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.westwoodis.com
Local News in English
The Botswana Gazette
The Botswana Gazette is available nationally, with over 400 outlets in all the major centres of Botswana. The Botswana Gazette also has broad based subscription services, which includes all the foreign missions of Botswana abroad.
Website: www.gazette.bw
Botswana Guardian
Botswana Guardian is an English-language news site that brings local news and stories, including sports, business and lifestyle.
Website: www.botswanaguardian.co.bw
Mmegi Online
Website: www.mmegi.bw
Country Information
Location: Africa
Capital City: Gaborone
Other Important Cities:
Currency: pula (P)
Language: English
Calling Code: +267
Internet TLD: .bw
Electricity: 220-240V 50Hz. Electricity is provided by the Botswana Power Corporation, it is a state-owned company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity in the country.
Address: Motlakase House, P.O Box 48, Machaneng Road, Industrial Side, Gaborone
Tel: +267 360 3000
Fax: +267 397 3563
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bpc.bw
Emergency Numbers:
Police: 999
Fire: 998
Ambulance: 997
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org
Embassy Information
embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-of/botswana
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Nationals from Australia, New Zealand, US, UK, South Africa and Schengen territories may enter visa free and stay for up to 90 days. Other countries will have to arrange a visa with the Botswana embassy or consulate in their home or host country. Tourist visas last for 90 days and cannot be extended.
Documents for Tourist Visa
- Covering letter from the host.
- Certified copies of permits (work and residence) from the host or the National Identity Card (Omang).
- Application form filled by the applicant.
- Itinerary or flight schedule
- Copies of business documents (if the host is running a business).
- Copies of marriage certificate, birth certificate, and ordination certificate (pastors)
- Bank statements and hotel bookings.
Please refer to Botswana’s Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs.
Accommodation
The capital Gaborone is popular among expats and a number of them have settled in that area. Gaborone is the country’s business and commercial center, with many utilities, institutions including schools and universities.
When you are considering what suburb to live in, it’s a good idea to also consider the proximity of the neighbourhood to your job and your children’s school. It’s also important to consider the type of housing – if you’ll live in a free-standing house or a secure complex – and the security of the area.
Some of the more popular suburbs of Gabarone include The Village, Naledi and Broadhurst; however, the most popular area for expatriates is Phakalane – which is a bit further out from the city centre and could mean a long commute to work and home.
Driving License
An international driving license is required for expats to drive in Botswana. Nationals from neighboring countries may use their domestic license to drive. 4x4s and SUVs are the recommended vehicles of choice due to the condition of the terrain. Expats staying Botswana for a long term period will have to obtain a Botswanan driving license after three months. You will be able to exchange your driving license for a new one with the following documents:
- Fill in DL 1 which is the main application form
- Undergo eye screening test
- Original foreign driving license containing a photo and class B held for at least 2 years for applicants holding Class C1 and above.
- Confirmation letter from driving license issuing authority directly or (via) respective High Commission/ Embassy. Official translation into English (if applicable)
- Provide proof that the applicant had stayed a minimum of 185 consecutive days in the issuing country Provide residence permit with a certified copy by the immigration department.
- Provide passport with a copy showing photo validity and proof of:
o entry and/or exit of citizens and residents
o Study or work permit for non-citizens in the issuing country of the licence
- Those aged above 65 years and above should provide medical certificate
- Pay a fee of P70.00
For more information on driving in Botswana please visit: http://www.gov.bw/tn/Ministries--Authorities/Ministries/Ministry-of-Communications-Science--Technology-MCST/Departments--Units/Department-of-Road-Transport-and-Safety-DRST/Driving-Licence/#c8db7655007546f59592f23e44b56f1a
Healthcare
Private healthcare in Botswana is expensive so an adequate health insurance is recommended to pay for the cost of treatments. Facilities are mostly in the popular areas of the country. Complicated cases are referred usually referred to South Africa.
Insurance Companies
Botswana Insurance Company
BIC offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of worldwide Travel Insurance available, bringing you and your family aid and assistance when you are far away from home. Cover is also provided if your cash/credit cards or luggage is stolen and you are also entitled to assistance services such as cash advances-advice on how to obtain additional funds, consular referral, transmission of urgent messages and emergency travel and accommodation arrangements.
Address: BIC House, Plot 50372, Gaborone Business Park, Gaborone Show Grounds
Tel: +267 3600500
Fax: +267 3972867
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.bic.co.bw/
Hollard Insurance
Hollard Insurance Botswana brings unmatched resources, passion and commitment to the Botswana insurance market, and is part of the Hollard Insurance Group, based in South Africa and operating worldwide.
Address: Physical Address: Plot 50676, 1st Floor, Block D, Fairgrounds Business Park, Gaborone
Tel: +267 395 8023
Website: http://www.hollard.co.bw/
Botswana Life
Botswana Life Insurance Limited (BLIL) is the leading life insurance provider in Botswana, with a market share estimated at over 80%.
Address: Plot 50676, Fair Ground Office Park, P/Bag 00296, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: +267 3645100
Fax: +267 3905884
Website: http://www.botswanalife.co.bw/
Hospitals
Lenmed Health Bokamoso Private Hospital
Lenmed Health Bokamoso Private Hospital brings a future of good health to thousands of people in Southern Africa region. Lenmed Health Bokamoso will be an internationally recognised center of medical excellence providing state of the art health care services and advanced nursing practice model for global implementation.
Address: Plot 4769, Mmopane Block I, Gaborone, Kweneng, Botswana
Tel: +267 369 4000
Fax: +267 369 4140
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.bokamosohospital.org/
Gaborone Private Hospital
Address: Mica way, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: +267 368 5765
Website: http://www.bpomas.co.bw/
Cardiac Clinic
The Cardiac Clinic prides itself as being the first HEART house in Botswana. Their clinics are based in Gaborone, Serowe and Maun.
Address: P.O. Box 10153, Plot 4921, Village Medical Center, Moselebe Road, Village, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: +267 371 03 00, + 267 371 03 01
Fax: +267 371 03 02
Website: http://www.cardiacclinic.co.bw/
Gynae & Care – Clinic
Address: Plot 2837 Nyerere Drive, Gaborone, P.O. Box: 40034, Botswana
Tel: +267 3910505
Fax: +267 3190451
Iamat Center Clinic
Address: 4853 Independence Avenue, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: +267 35 1743
Independence Surgery Clinic
Address: Plot 258/259, Molefi Close, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: +267 395 34 24
Fax: +267 390 44 66
Princess Marina Hospital
Address: P.O. Box 258, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: +267 395 32 21
Fax: +267 397 37 76
