Botswana has updated its entry regulations and dropped the requirement for a booster shot for travellers to be considered fully vaccinated.

Christopher Nyanga, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Wellness, said in a statement on March 18: “Due to discordant periods for taking booster shots between Botswana and other countries, and for purposes of smoothing international travel, the definition of being fully vaccinated in Botswana will no longer include a booster shot. Having completed the primary vaccine series will be considered sufficient for one to be allowed entry, without the need to present a negative PCR test result.”

Unvaxxed and partially vaccinated visitors must present a negative 72-hour PCR test result and in addition, undergo another COVID-19 test at the port of entry, at their own cost. They will be allowed into the country if their test is negative. Should travellers test positive, they will be isolated in the district of the port of entry, at their own cost, and be allowed to enter only once they test negative for COVID-19.

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated and who are unwilling to take a COVID-19 test at the port of entry will be charged and fined or prosecuted.