Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Botswana
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1992 14:30:54 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Botswana
============================================================
Botswana - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city 
of Gaborone.  The mailing address is P.O. Box 90, Gaborone, 
Botswana.  The telephone is (267) 353-982.

Country Description:  Botswana is a developing southern African 
nation.  Facilities for tourism are available.

Entry Requirements:  A passport is required.  No visa is necessary 
for stays of less than 90 days.  Further information can be obtained 
>from the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, Suite 7M, 3400 
International Drive N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 
244-4990/1.  There are also honorary consuls in Los Angeles, San 
Francisco and Houston.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in Botswana are limited.  
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health 
care services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside 
the United States.  Supplemental medical insurance with specific 
overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  Information on health 
matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's 
international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Petty crime including pickpocketing and 
purse snatching is common especially in the city of Gaborone.  
Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal 
security while traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe 
Trip Abroad," which is available from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Botswana's drugs and related substances act 
(effective since September 18, 1992) mandates harsh punishments for 
unlawful dealing and possession of cannabis (known locally as 
motokwane or dagga).  The new act specifies that: (a) any person who 
is found to be unlawfully dealing or in possession of dagga in an 
amount exceeding 60 grams shall on conviction be liable to a 
mandatory punishment of five to ten years imprisonment, and to a 
fine not less than 7,000 pula (or $3,500) or in default thereof, to 
an additional term of imprisonment of one to two years; and (b) if 
the dagga is less than 60 grams, the offender shall be liable to 
mandatory imprisonment of one to five years and to a fine of 
1,500-5,000 pula ($750 - $2500).  Penalties for possession, use or 
trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced.

Tips for Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.  It contains general information on travel 
in the area.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can 
obtain updated information on travel and security in Botswana.

 No. 92-130


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