Summit FAQ

Q: What do I need to know about traveling to Botswana?
A: Please click here to view U.S. Department of State Consular Travel Page for Botswana:

We know that attendees at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit will want to exercise due diligence in preparing for their travel to Botswana to ensure a healthy and productive visit. Botswana's Ministry of Tourism hosts a comprehensive travel information website. For U.S. citizens, the U.S. Department of State provides country-specific travel information from their Bureau of Consular Affairs. Citizens of other countries should consult their country's relevant government authority's travel information for any country-specific consular guidance.

Q: Will transportation be provided during the Summit?
A: There will be shuttle service available to transport attendees from partner hotels to the Summit venue. A transportation schedule will be provided upon arrival. Attendees are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the airport.

Q: What is the climate like in Botswana?
A: The month of July in Botswana is the end of a dry winter season and there is usually little to no rain in the country. During this period the temperature is relatively cold and ranges from 42 degrees F to 77 degrees F (6 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius). It often warms up during the day therefore attendees should pack warm clothes to cater for morning and evening periods.

Q: What is the dress code for the Summit?
A: The dress code for the Summit is business attire. The dress code for the Gala is formal evening attire.

Q: What are the COVID-19 Protocols in Botswana?
A: The Government of Botswana no longer has COVID-19 Protocols including wearing of masks in public places and the need for a CPR test at point of entry. All travelers entering Botswana no longer need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination, however, individuals are encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted, owing to the newer circulating variants.

Q: Will medical services be available at the Summit in case of an emergency?
A: The Government of the Republic of Botswana will provide emergency medical services to all the attendees. The emergency facilities will be available at the Summit venue. However, the following must be noted:

Ambulance transportation to either state or private healthcare facilities will be for the account of the patient/attendee;
Hospitalization at either a state or private healthcare facility will be for the account of the patient/attendee;
As with all international travel, it is strongly advised that attendees are adequately covered by international health insurance for the duration of their stay in Botswana; and
Guests are further advised to bring along their chronic medication. Should prescription medication be required, it will be provided at the cost of the attendee

Q: Who do I call in case of an emergency?
A: For emergencies while in Botswana, please call the following toll-free numbers: 997 for Ambulance, 998 for Fire and 999 for Police.

Q: Is that tap water safe to drink in Botswana?
A: Tap water in Botswana is safe to drink.

Q: What is the currency and exchange rates?
A: The Botswana currency is the ‘Pula” (which means rain in English) and it is divided into 100 “Thebes” (which means shield in English).

For the latest exchange rates, attendees are requested to use the “market indicators” for information. Automatic teller machines accept foreign Visa cards and major credit cards such as MasterCard. Banking hours are from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm on weekdays and from 08:30 am to 11:00 am on Saturdays.

Q: What are the shopping and business hours in Botswana?
A: Offices and businesses are generally open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Opening times on Saturdays and Sundays range between 9:00 am and 3 pm. View List of Restaurants & Craft shops here.

Q: When I arrive how can I get updates about the Summit?
A: Please download our mobile app to get notifications and up to the minute announcements about the Summit. Click here for more information.

Summit FAQs