Botswana will open its borders to crossborder buses and other vehicles on December 1 as the government eases restrictions imposed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic almost eight months ago, a cabinet minister said on Tuesday.
Transport and Communications Minister Thulagano Segokgo said buses and other vehicles carrying passengers from Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe would be allowed to enter Botswana starting from next Tuesday.
The move would see the country opening the three border posts that it shares with South Africa – Tlokweng, Ramatlabama and Martins Drift – as well as Kazungula Border Post that connects the country to Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Mamuno Border Post (Namibia) and Ramokgwebana Border Post (Zimbabwe).
He said border authorities would institute strict measures to ensure that travellers do not bring the coronavirus into the country, including a requirement that all incoming passengers should present COVID-19 certificates issued no later than 72 hours before they travelled.
“Passengers must present a valid test certificate that shows that they are negative of COVID-19,” Segokgo said.
No food and beverage sales would be allowed on inbound buses, the minister said.
The move comes weeks after Botswana allowed chartered international flights to enter the country for the first time in November since it closed its borders to vehicular and air traffic in April.
JN/APA