Smoking Areas at Botswana Airports

English

Botswana’s airport smoking infrastructure is straightforward: designated outdoor areas outside the terminals at all four major airports — Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE) in Gaborone, Maun (MUB), Kasane (BBK), and Francistown (FRW). No indoor smoking facilities anywhere. The country’s airports primarily serve regional flights (mainly to Johannesburg) plus substantial safari tourism traffic at Maun and Kasane.

Botswana Airports Compared: Before and After Security

Before security, you can always smoke outside: at a designated smoking area where there is one, or outside the airport property, beyond the terminal kerb and car parks. After security, Yes means there is a smoking area past security and a dash means none is listed. Each airport’s page has the details.

Airport	Before security	After security
Francistown (FRW)	Yes	–
Gaborone Sir Seretse Khama (GBE)	Yes	–
Kasane Kasane (BBK)	Yes	–
Maun (MUB)	Yes	–

For travellers on safari itineraries, Maun is the key airport — it’s the gateway to the Okavango Delta and handles light aircraft to remote camps.

The Major Airports

Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE). Gaborone’s main airport, named after Botswana’s first president. Primary international hub. Outdoor smoking areas outside the terminal.

Maun (MUB). Gateway to the Okavango Delta. Most heavily-trafficked safari airport in Botswana. Outdoor smoking areas at terminal. Light aircraft transfers to safari camps depart from here.

Kasane (BBK). Near Chobe National Park and the Zambia/Zimbabwe/Namibia/Botswana border (Kazungula). Tourist hub. Outdoor smoking areas.

Francistown (FRW). Northern Botswana commercial centre, officially Phillip Gaonwe Matante International. Outdoor areas at the compact single terminal.

Tips for Smokers at Botswana Airports

All airports outdoor-only — no indoor exceptions
Summer (October-March) can be very hot at Maun — early morning/evening best
Winter mornings (June-August) cool, especially at Gaborone elevation
Connecting via Johannesburg? JNB has indoor airside smoking rooms

Last updated: October 24, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke at Botswana airports?

Yes — at designated outdoor areas outside the terminals, before security. Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE) in Gaborone, Maun (MUB) — gateway to the Okavango Delta — Kasane (BBK) near the Chobe River, and Francistown (FRW) all have outdoor smoking areas; every terminal is smoke-free indoors and none has an airside smoking room.

Where can I smoke at Gaborone Airport (GBE)?

Sir Seretse Khama International has designated outdoor smoking areas kerbside outside the terminal, away from the entrances and before security. The airport handles flights to Johannesburg (the dominant route), plus connections to Cape Town and other regional destinations. The single terminal is smoke-free indoors.

Are there smoking areas at safari gateway airports?

Yes — Maun (MUB), the gateway to the Okavango Delta and the most-trafficked safari hub airport in Botswana, has outdoor smoking areas. Kasane (BBK), near Chobe National Park and within day-trip distance of Victoria Falls, has outdoor areas at its small terminal.

Are e-cigarettes and vapes allowed at Botswana airports?

Yes — in the designated outdoor areas outside the terminals, where vapes follow the same rules as cigarettes; the airports publish no separate vaping rule. Botswana has limited specific regulation on e-cigarettes.

What should I expect at Botswana airports as a smoker?

Expect designated outdoor areas outside the terminals; no smoking room after security is documented. Maun in summer can be very hot; winter mornings are cold. Bring water for daytime smoke breaks.