Pre-Departure Checklist for Penn/CHOP Faculty and Staff Visitors

This checklist is primarily for Penn/CHOP faculty and staff who are traveling to Botswana on business.

To be completed prior to your arrival in Botswana:

Check your passport

Make sure your passport is valid and does not expire for at least six months following your intended return. It also should have at least three blank pages - this is only required if you are traveling via South Africa. 

Make travel arrangements

Book your flights to/from Botswana. If you requested airport transfer and/or accommodations at Village View, confirm with Josephine Thankane.

Travel Requirements for Botswana – Permit Waiver

This is a new requirement as of 2019 for all visitors working in Botswana. You must be prepared to apply for a permit waiver. The application includes the following documents:

  • 2 notarized copies of your passport photo page
  • resume - 2 copies
  • 2 notarized copies of educational certificates (i.e. diplomas)
  • a letter of invitation - provided by BUP

Take the following steps at least 60 days before you arrive in Botswana in order to start the process:

  1. Get a notarized copy of your passport.
  2. Scan and email the notarized copy to Lindiwe Maidi (maidil@bup.org.bw) BUP's HR Coordinator.
  3. Bring the notarized copy with you to Botswana.
  4. Lindiwe Maidi (maidil@bup.org.bw), will write your permit waiver request letter so make sure to inform her of any changes in your travel. The letter will be ready for you when you arrive in Botswana.  

When you arrive in Botswana:

  1. Check BUSINESS on the immigration form when you arrive at the airport in Gaborone.
  2. Once in country, Lindiwe will need to take your passport to the Immigration Authority along with the notarized copies, resumes, and the invitation letter to finalize your permit waiver. This will occur your first full business day in Botswana (typically Monday) when you arrive at the BUP office. Lindiwe will return your passport to you the same day (typically within an hour or two).
Botswana Health Professions Council (BHPC)

NEW: IF YOU PLAN TO PRACTICE CLINICALLY IN BOTSWANA, please be aware that the BHPC council only meets once monthly to approve licenses to practice medicine in Botswana. To ensure you receive your required clinical permit in time for your rotation or clinical service, you must send your BHPC application documents to the BUP office 2 months prior to your arrival date in Botswana. 

No physician can work in Botswana without registering first with the BHPC. Please have the following documents prepared prior to your departure from the US if you will be practicing medicine while in Botswana:

  • 4 x  passport photos
  • 1 x notarized copy of passport photo page
  • 2 x letters of recommendation from doctors/supervisors you work with (letters to be original, no digital copies allowed by BHPC, dated no older than six months)
  • 1 x notarized copy of your medical degree/diploma
  • 1 x notarized copy of your state medical license/registration
  • 1 x CV
  • Copy of offer letter (provided in Botswana)
  • Cover letter of application form (provided in Botswana)
  • Medical School Transcript
  • Certification of Internship
  • Internship certification letter, signed on hospital letterhead
  • Letter of Good Standing from Licensing Body
  • Application fee (P30 ≈ $3)

Any questions about this process should be sent to Josephine Thankane BUP Global Health Manager. Please note, BHPC guidelines and application requirements are subject to change. For the most current guide to composing and mailing your BHPC application, email Charlotte Beever.

Immunizations

You should be immunized against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid (IM or oral).  If you plan to travel to Chobe Game Reserve in Kasane, the Okavango, or any other place in the northern half of Botswana, you will need to bring malaria prophylaxis. Gaborone is free of malaria.

Register with MY TRIPS

Registering your Penn-affiliated trip keeps you connected to Penn resources in the event of an emergency and pre-authorizes your medical insurance coverage.  Go to: https://global.upenn.edu/travel-guidance/register-your-trip to register your trip and access Penn’s Medical Care and Evacuation Insurance. Be sure to know your Penn ISOS insurance number (11BSGC000012) and ISOS phone number (+1 215.942.8478) in case of medical need or travel security concern.

Attend BUP Orientation

If this is your first time in Botswana or you have not been in awhile, you should attend a BUP Orientation. On the Penn/CHOP travel questionnaire, if you requested to attend an orientation, Charlotte Beever will reach out to arrange this. If you did not request this on the questionnaire, but would like to attend, contact Charlotte.

Read the BUP Handbook

This handbook is full of valuable information on how to prepare for your experience in Botswana. From cultural guidance to language tips and packing lists, we highly recommend that you read this handbook. If you have not received it, email Charlotte Beever.