Botswana
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- No restrictions on entry or staying.
Restrictions on entry to Botswana
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to Botswana based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Botswana does not have any HIV-related restrictions on entry.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Botswana
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on short-term stay in Botswana based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Botswana does not have any HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.
Detailed requirements for each visa category are available on the website of the Government of Botswana, and none of those requirements makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Botswana
We are aware of some restrictions on long-term stay of people living with HIV in Botswana.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Botswana does not have any HIV-related restrictions on long-term stay.
Detailed requirements for each visa category are available on the website of the Government of Botswana, and none of those requirements makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant.
However, students beginning their studies at the University of Botswana are required to take an HIV test.
Treatment access in Botswana
The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Botswana. There is no evidence that non-nationals are restricted from accessing treatment in the same way as nationals.
The Government of Botswana website provides information on the national antiretroviral programme, which states that every person (adults & children) who tests HIV positive in Botswana is eligible to start ARV treatment including non-citizens residing in Botswana. Services are available at the nearest public health facility including hospitals, clinics, and health posts, as well as private health facilities.
There is a fee required for medical consultation, as for all healthcare in Botswana, but no additional cost for ARV treatment. IOM has reported that waivers of medical fees have been provided in some instances to assist migrant populations.
The US Department of State indicates that there have recently been shortages of routine medications reported throughout Botswana.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
People living with HIV are criminalised in Botswana. There are HIV-specific criminal laws in force which target alleged HIV ‘exposure’, non-disclosure, and/or transmission. We are aware of reported prosecutions under these or other laws.
Visit the Botswana page on the Global HIV Criminalisation Database to see more information about known HIV criminalisation laws in this country, an overview of how the laws are used, and any significant advocacy developments.
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