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Immigration

Welfare of Batswana in the Diaspora

Overview

The Department of Protocol and Consular Services in the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation provides assistance to Batswana in the diaspora to facilitate processing of their applications for passports and emergency travel documents, National Identity cards (Omang), replacement of birth certificates, Police clearance certificates, documents for repatriation of deceased Batswana and authentication of documents issued by the Government of Botswana.

Who is eligible?

All citizens of Botswana in the diaspora.

How do I get this service?

Visit the nearest Botswana Mission to apply in person for passports and emergency travel documents, National Identity cards (Omang), replacement of birth certificates, Police clearance certificates.

What supporting documents are required?
  • Submit Police report for lost documents
  • 2 Passport size photos
  • Birth certificates
  • Copy of Omang
  • Original fingerprints for Police clearances
  • Cover letter requesting for Police clearance
How long will this service take?

4 weeks.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?
  • Immigration fees
  • To confirm fees charged for Police clearances
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, International affairs, Botswana Missions, Department of Protocol and Consular Services

Keywords

Omang, Passport, Birth Certificate, Police Clearance, Repatriation, Deceased, National Identity Card

Ministry submitting this Service

Welfare of Batswana in the Diaspora

Overview

The Department of Protocol and Consular Services in the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation provides assistance to Batswana in the diaspora to facilitate processing of their applications for passports and emergency travel documents, National Identity cards (Omang), replacement of birth certificates, Police clearance certificates, documents for repatriation of deceased Batswana and authentication of documents issued by the Government of Botswana.

Who is eligible?

All citizens of Botswana in the diaspora.

How do I get this service?

Visit the nearest Botswana Mission to apply in person for passports and emergency travel documents, National Identity cards (Omang), replacement of birth certificates, Police clearance certificates.

What supporting documents are required?
  • Submit Police report for lost documents
  • 2 Passport size photos
  • Birth certificate
  • Copy of Omang
  • Original fingerprints for Police clearances
  • Cover letter requesting for Police clearance
How long will this service take?

4 weeks.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?
  • Immigration fees.
  • To confirm fees charged for Police clearances.
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, International affairs, Botswana Missions, Department of Protocol and Consular Services

Keywords

Omang, Passport, Birth Certificate, Police Clearance, Repatriation, Deceased, National Identity Card

Ministry submitting this Service

Top Ten (10) Travel Tips

Overview

In addition to the services that the Ministry provides, it is critical that Batswana accept personal responsibility for their personal travel. In addition, personal responsibility must also be taken for any and all agreements and arrangements entered with third parties locally or internationally.

 

Adequate due diligence must be exercised before any business relationship is established with any foreign interest as it is often difficult to litigate over international private agreements in local courts. To assist Batswana to avoid the pitfalls of international travel and engagements, the following advice must always be followed;

 

  • Before you travel abroad, ensure that you have a valid passport with the necessary visas. Make sure your passport is valid (at least six months’ validity from your planned return date home), have the right visas for your country of destination and transit visas if necessary before you embark on your journey.

 

  • Consult the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation’s (MIAC) website (www.mofaic.gov.bw) or help lines for contact information of Botswana Diplomatic Missions. Where necessary, particularly in trouble spots, relevant information can be sourced upon request. Some countries have Resident Diplomatic Missions, Consulates or Honorary Consuls in Botswana where such information can be sourced.

 

  • Make sensible and precautionary arrangements for your accommodation. Take comprehensive travel and health insurance and ensure proper behaviour and safety overseas.

 

  • Register your travel details with the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation or Botswana Missions providing ALL relevant information.

 

  • Inform your family/friends of your travel plans and leave copies of your passport, itinerary, insurance policy, visas and ID/Omang with them. Inform them of your arrival, location and your new contacts so they know where you are. Carry at least one extra copy of each document in a separate place in case of loss of the original.

 

  • Obey the laws of the country of your destination. DO NOT cross illegally at un-gazetted entry points into a foreign country or cross without the necessary documents. In this case, you will be an illegal immigrant.

 

  • Check vaccination requirements or other necessary health precautions of the country of your destination at least ten (10) weeks in advance of your travel. Contact the Ministry of Health and Wellness and/or Labour and Home Affairs for detailed assistance. It is advisable to get travel insurance to avoid expensive medical costs should you need medical attention abroad.

 

  • It is your responsibility to ensure your personal security and protection once abroad and your safe passage home. Always ensure that you have enough funds for your travel and minimize interaction with strangers.

 

  • Unless it is highly important and you are assured of your security, avoid travelling to countries/places that are prone to or undergoing natural disasters, human rights violations, terrorist attacks and civil/political unrest. If necessary, have a travel companion or group. There is limited assistance and authority that Government can give when Batswana are involved in such serious crimes as abduction, kidnapping, hostage situations or human trafficking.

 

  • Kindly exercise patience and the necessary courtesies when approaching the Ministry for assistance. The Ministry is cognizant of the stressful circumstances that those seeking assistance are often under but must with equal measure appreciate the volume of requests and the limitations the Ministry has particularly in cases for which Botswana has no jurisdiction. The bulk of the assistance provided will thus be facilitatory as other governments and Government Ministries and Departments would have primary responsibility.
Theme for this service
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana

Keywords

Travel abroad, travel tips

Ministry submitting this Service

Consul General

Overview

A Consul General must call on the Chief of Protocol after his/her arrival in Gaborone.  The latter will arrange for him/her to present his / her letters of appointment / Commission to the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation

Theme for this service
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana,

Keywords

Chief of protocol,

Ministry submitting this Service

Facilitation of Arrival of New Diplomats

Overview

The Department of Protocol and Consular Services in the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation (MIAC) facilitates the accreditation of all members of the Diplomatic community, which include Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations, to enable them to carry out their mandate in Botswana.

Who is eligible?

All members of the Diplomatic Community, which include Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations.

How do I get this service?

Step 1:

Notification of the Department

  • Diplomatic missions and international organizations are required to notify the Department of Protocol and Consular Services of any new arrivals and departures of all Diplomatic agents as well as their families and private servants through a Note Verbale accompanied by a Diplomat Notification Form.

Step 2:

Application for Diplomatic Identity Card

  • A Note Verbale accompanied by an application form EA 40/10 C1 should be submitted to the Department of Protocol and Consular Services, with 2 colored passport size photos.

Step 3:

Application for Exemption Certificates/ Residence Permits

  • Family members that include spouses and children under the age of 18 are issued with Exemption Certificates/ Residence Permits. In addition to a Note Verbale, a completed application Form3A and Form 15 respectively, copy of passport and two passport sized photographs should be attached. The application for an Exemption Certificate for spouses and children below 18 years of age shall also be accompanied by a copy of a marriage certificate, adoption and birth certificate.
What supporting documents are required?
  • Note Verbale from relevant Diplomatic Mission or International organisation informing of arrival of new Diplomat, and departure of existing Diplomat.
  • Copy of passport, marriage certificate, adoption or birth certificate
How long will this service take?

2 working days.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

No cost.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, International affairs, Botswana MissionsProtocol and Consular Services

Keywords

Accreditation, new diplomats, posting to diplomatic mission

Ministry submitting this Service

Registration of Batswana living and travelling abroad

Overview

Batswana travelling abroad, whether on short- or long-term basis, should register with the nearest Botswana Mission, and or the ministry headquarters. 

This is important to ensure that all Batswana living abroad are kept abreast with current development issues in Botswana, and to be aware/alert of the location of all Batswana to extend consular services in case of emergencies and or natural disasters. 

Who is eligible?

Citizens of Botswana

How do I get this service?
  • Inform the Department of Protocol and Consular Services
  • Contact the nearest Botswana Embassy, High Commission or Botswana Honorary Consul. (link to form)
  • Provide personal information including, contact details in country of destination and the particulars of the next of kin to contact in case of emergency'. 
What supporting documents are required?
  • National Identification card (Omang)
  • Travel Itinerary
  • Completed Travel notification form
  • Government sponsorship letter for students
  • Valid passport
How long will this service take?

Immediate.

Theme for this service
How much does it cost?

No cost

 

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, International Affairs, Botswana Embassy, High Commission, or Botswana Honorary Consul 

Keywords

Relocation, Travelling, International travel, students, visa, Travelling abroad, Botswana Mission

Ministry submitting this Service
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