Customs: American citizens do not need visas to enter Botswana. They may stay for up to 90 days without a residence permit.

Health: Botswana's climate is basically healthful, and tapwater is potable in the major towns. Seek advice before swimming in lakes or rivers, in wich bilharzia (causing schistosomiasis) is prevalent. Hepatitis is a problem in urban areas.

Transportation: Botswana is served by air from Johannesburg, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya by Kenya Air and Air Botswana; London England by British Airways; Paris, France by UTA; Lusaka, Zambia and Harare, Zimbabwe, by Air Botswana, Air Zimbabwe, Royal Swazi Arlines, and Zambia Airways. Rental cars are available in Gaborone and other major towns. Traffic moves on the left.

Tourist attractions: Roughly 16% of the land has been designated as national parks or game reserves, and Botswana's Chobe National Park and Moremi Wildlife Reserve are considered superb in terms of wildlife and setting. The Okavango Delta also is a major tourist area. Hotel facilities are comfortable in all major centers.

National holidays: Business establishments and the US Embassy may be closed on the following holidays:

New Year's Day, January 2; Good Friday, varies; Easter Monday, varies; Ascension Thursday, varies; President's Day, July 16; Botswana Day, September 30; Christmas Day, December 25; Boxing Day, December 26.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, December 1988.