Safety and emergencies

Crime

• The whole country is under heightened vigilance; incidents are few but snatch thefts have occurred in Gaborone, Francistown and Maun. Do not carry valuables, leave your papers in a safe, drive with windows closed.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Botswana, safety

On the road

• Many accidents (animals, pedestrians): do not drive at night. Off the main roads, carry GPS, a satellite phone, 5 litres of water per person, a second spare wheel and enough fuel; travel in convoy in very remote areas.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Botswana, safetyGOV.UK (FCDO), Botswana travel advice: safety and security

Sea, climate and natural hazards

• In parks, use an experienced guide and do not leave the vehicle without permission. Avoid swimming in lakes and rivers (bacteria, animals). Water cuts are common in Gaborone.

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  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Botswana, safety

• Emergency numbers

  Police 999, ambulance 997, fire 998.

  999997998

  GOV.UK (FCDO), Botswana travel advice: getting helpFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Botswana, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026

• Gaborone police

  Police.

  +267 395 11 61

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Botswana, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026

• Francistown police

  Police.

  +267 241 16 23

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Botswana, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026

• Maun police

  Police.

  +267 686 02 23

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Botswana, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026

• Embassy of France in Botswana

  Passport: France

  French embassy in Gaborone; out of hours, consulate general in Johannesburg +27 82 467 2588.

  761 Robinson Road, PO Box 1424, Gaborone+267 368 08 00+27 82 467 2588

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Botswana, safety· Oct 2, 2026