Bots lifts COVID-19 restrictions on foreigners

BOTSWANA has lifted all COVID-19 travel restrictions on visiting foreign nationals, including scrapping a requirement for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.

The development is good news for Zimbabweans, especially crossborder traders who often visit that country for their business.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Botswana Health ministry said individual vaccination cards or PCR tests once required at the country’s ports of entry were no longer necessary.

“The Ministry of Health informs members of the public that with effect from today, wearing of masks in Botswana will now be optional in all areas. The Ministry of Health informs members of the public that with effect from today, September 28, 2022, requirements of vaccination or PCR tests at ports of entry and social distancing at schools have been removed,” the ministry statement read in part.

Most countries across the globe, Zimbabwe included, imposed strict travel restrictions following the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019, but have since relaxed the restrictions.

In August, President Emmerson Mnangagwa removed the mandatory wearing of face masks for those who have received full COVID-19 vaccination.