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Southern Africa

🇧🇼 Vaccines for Botswana

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Botswana

Malaria risk exists in the north, including the Okavango Delta and Chobe — antimalarials are recommended for these areas. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are standard. Yellow Fever required if arriving from endemic countries. Rabies is relevant given wildlife contact on safari.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from endemic country.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (northern Botswana — Okavango Delta, Chobe — seasonal)
  • ⚠Schistosomiasis (Okavango)
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€249
(~$271)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
South AfricaMozambiqueZimbabweZambia
When to book

Book 6–8 weeks before travel. Malaria tablets need to start before entering malaria risk areas. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be done 2–3 weeks before departure.

Common questions
Do I need malaria tablets for the Okavango Delta?
Yes. The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are malaria risk areas. Antimalarials are essential for these destinations. Botswana is one of the premier safari destinations in Africa and malaria is a real risk in the north.
Is Gaborone malaria-free?
The malaria risk in Gaborone and southern Botswana is very low. The significant risk is concentrated in the north — the Okavango Delta, Chobe, and Kasane. If your trip is solely in the south, antimalarials may not be necessary, but discuss your specific itinerary with a travel clinic.
What vaccines are needed for Botswana?
No vaccines are required for most visitors. Yellow Fever proof is required if arriving from endemic countries. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Rabies is worth considering given wildlife contact on safari.
Is water safe to drink in Botswana?
Water quality is reasonable in Gaborone and main towns. In the bush and safari camps, use bottled or purified water. Hepatitis A vaccination is still sensible as a precaution.

Data based on WHO International Travel and Health and CDC Yellow Book 2026. Last verified: April 2026. Always verify current requirements with a travel health clinic before departure.