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
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.
UNAIDS Global AIDS monitoring data
This information about access to HIV services comes from UNAIDS https://lawsandpolicies.unaids.org/, a platform to view data on HIV-related laws and policies. This is information provided by national authorities and civil society and may contradict other sources.
Migrant populations
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Migrants are able to access HIV services | Yes |
Refugees and asylum seekers
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | N/A |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | N/A |
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This site focuses on information about HIV travel. Please also consult your own Foreign Office/Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, or the local consulate of the country you are visiting, to see what restrictions there are specifically for you as a citizen of your country, regardless of your HIV status.
