Purpose: For citizens who have never held a Botswana passport or need a new one due to expiration or other reasons.
Steps:

• Locate the nearest Botswana Mission: Find the embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Please click this link
• Documents required:

o Completed passport application form (Download Form)

o Two recent passport-sized photographs (meeting ICAO standards)

o Certified copy of Botswana birth certificate or Omang (National ID)

o Proof of Botswana citizenship (e.g., naturalisation certificate if applicable)

o Registered self addressed envelope

• Submit the application:

o In person at the Mission or via post

o Pay the applicable passport fee in the Bank account of the Mission and include in the documentation, proof of payment (click here to request the bank account of the Mission). No cash payments will be accepted.

• Processing time: 8–12 weeks
• Collection: Passport may be collected in person or mailed, depending on prior arrangements made.

Purpose: For passports that are expired, lost, stolen, or damaged.

Procedure

• The renewal can be applied for in person or via remotely, as follows:
• Documets required:

o Completed renewal/replacement form

o Two passport-sized photographs

o Original expired passport (for renewal)

o Police report (for lost/stolen passports)

o Affidavit explaining the loss or damage

o Proof of Botswana citizenship

o Proof of payment of the renewal or replacement fee. Payment should be made via the Mission account and proof of payment attached to the application packaged. No cash is allowed.

• Processing time: 8–12 weeks
• Collection: Passport may be collected in person or mailed, depending on prior arrangements made.

Eligibility: Botswana citizens aged 16 years and above

Procedure

• Contact the nearest Botswana Mission – Please click here
• Contact the nearest Botswana Mission – Please click here

o Completed application form

o Botswana birth certificate

o Citizenship certificate (if applicable)

o Copies of both parents' Omang (if Batswana) or passports (if foreign nationals)

o Two recent black-and-white passport-sized photographs

o Proof of payment of the renewal or replacement fee. Payment should be made via the Mission account, and proof of payment should be attached to the application package. No cash is allowed.

o Application may be submitted online or in person.

o Self addressed registered envelope for mailing the document once it is received

• Processing time: 8-12 weeks.
• Collection: The Mission will notify you when the Omang card is ready

Eligibility: Botswana citizens aged 16 years and above

Procedure

• Contact the nearest Botswana Mission – Please click here
• Required documentation:

o Completed application form

o Botswana birth certificate

o Citizenship certificate (if applicable)

o Copies of both parents’ Omang (if Batswana) or passports (if foreign nationals)

o Police report (for lost/stolen cards)

o Affidavit explaining the loss or damage

o Two recent black-and-white passport-sized photographs

o Proof of payment of the renewal or replacement fee. Payment should be made via the Mission account, and proof of payment should be attached to the application package. No cash is allowed.

o Application may be submitted online or in person.

o Self addressed registered envelope for mailing the document once it is received

• Processing time: 8-12 weeks.
• Collection: The Mission will notify you when the Omang card is ready
• Validity: Omang is valid for 10 years and must be renewed upon expiry Embassy of the Republic of Botswana in Washington, D.C.
• Late Registration: If applying after age 16, you may be referred to Botswana Police Service for cautioning and fines WikiProcedure
• Support Services: Missions may assist with notarization or document verification

Purpose: For urgent travel back to Botswana when a passport is lost or stolen. ETD is valid for one-way travel to Botswana only

Steps:

• Documents required Report the incident:
o Police report in the country where the passport was lost/stolen o Request an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) o Completed ETD application form (please click here to obtain the form) o One passport-sized photo o Proof of identity and citizenship (e.g., copy of Omang or birth certificate)
• Need-based financial aid
• Specialized program scholarships
• Graduate and postgraduate awards

Our scholarship programs help reduce financial barriers to education and support academic excellence.

• Always prepare for travel before departure
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates
• Research your destination’s entry requirements, safety conditions, and local laws.
• Ensure you have applied for visa for the country you are visiting on time. Click here for the list of countries where Batswana require a visa.
• Share your itinerary with a trusted contact and register with the nearest Botswana Mission. Click here for Botswana Missions.
• Carry your passport at all times and keep a digital and physical copy separately.
• If your passport is lost or stolen, report it immediately to local authorities and contact the nearest Botswana Mission for assistance.
• Ensure that you obtain the correct visa or entry permit before travelling. Overstaying or entering without proper documentation may result in fines, detention, or deportation.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, theft, cancellations, and repatriation.
• Check for required vaccinations and health advisories for your destination.
• Carry essential medications and a copy of your prescriptions.
• Maintain good hygiene and avoid contaminated food or water sources.
• Stay alert in public spaces and avoid risky areas, especially at night.
• Keep emergency contacts and embassy details accessible.
• Be cautious with personal belongings and avoid displaying valuables.
• Respect local customs and dress codes.
• Learn basic phrases in the local language.
• Use official transport and avoid unlicensed taxis or services.
• Abide by all local laws and regulations. Ignorance is not a defence.
• Avoid involvement in protests, political activities, or sensitive cultural practices.
• Do not engage in drug use, trafficking, smuggling, or any criminal behaviour.
• Convictions abroad may lead to imprisonment, fines, or long-term bans from re-entry.
• Botswana’s government may offer consular support, but cannot interfere with foreign legal systems.

Overview: Humanitarian emergencies are serious events that threaten the safety, health, or well-being of individuals and communities. These situations often require urgent international support and consular intervention.

Common examples include:

• Outbreak of war or armed conflict
• Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes
• Health emergencies like pandemics or disease outbreaks
• Trafficking or exploitation of nationals
• Civil unrest or political instability
• Mass displacement or forced migration

In such cases, Botswana's Ministry of International Relations provides consular support to protect and assist its citizens abroad.

How to Get Help:

• Contact the Nearest Botswana Mission: Use all available communication channels including social media if phone/email is disrupted
• Register Your Presence: Ensure you're registered with the embassy upon arrival in a foreign country
• Request Emergency Assistance: Clearly explain your situation, location, and urgent needs
• Stay Informed: Follow official embassy social media pages and websites for alerts
• Report Trafficking or Exploitation: Contact embassy immediately for coordinated protection and repatriation

Financial Assistance: Depending on emergency severity, Government may provide evacuation assistance or emergency financial support for essential needs.

Registration Requirement: Essential to register on Ministry's travel platform for quick location and support coordination. Click here to register

Overview: Under the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, individuals arrested outside their home country must have access to their consular representatives.

Action Required by Detainee: Promptly request arresting authorities to permit contact with Botswana Mission. If unable, third parties may contact on detainee's behalf.

Services Provided:

• Verify Botswana citizenship and establish contact with detainee
• Explain available consular services in detail
• Provide general information about host country's legal system
• Provide list of local lawyers (without endorsement)
• Maintain ongoing contact with detained person
• Report allegations of torture or inhuman treatment to authorities
• Undertake prison visits when operationally possible
• Facilitate contact with authorized family/friends (up to 4 persons)
• Assist with fund transfers from Botswana (up to P2,000/month)
• Help transport prescribed medication where permitted

Limitations: Government cannot pay legal fees, interfere in host country legal systems, obtain release from prison, or provide legal advice.

Dual Nationals: Cannot get assistance if detained in country of their other nationality.

Note: No prisoner transfer agreements exist between Botswana and other countries.

Assistance Available:

• Help obtain import permit for mortal remains from Ministry of Health
• Provide referrals to reputable undertakers
• Obtain cost estimates for repatriation, cremation, or local burial
• Provide information on local rules and procedures
• Assist with required affidavit once next of kin makes decision

Financial Responsibility: Government does not provide financial assistance. Payments must be made through commercial institutions directly to undertaker.

Options for Disposition:

• Return of mortal remains to Botswana
• Cremation and return of ashes to Botswana
• Local burial abroad
• Proper burial if next of kin cannot be identified or insufficient funds

Documents Required for Importation:

• Death certificate stating cause of death
• Certified copy of deceased's Botswana passport or OMANG ID
• Autopsy report for infectious disease cases
• Cremation certificate and death certificate for cremated remains

Note: No import permit required for cremated remains.

Visa Facilitation: Ministry facilitates entry of foreign nationals and provides immigration information.

Visa Requirements: Nationals of certain countries require visas. Check visa-exempt list here.

Types of Visas:

• Diplomatic Visa (DV) - Gratis
• Official Visa (OV) - Gratis
• Employment Visa - BWP500
• Business Visa (BY) - BWP700
• Investment Visa (IV) - BWP1500
• Tourist Visa (TV) - BWP500
• Visitor's Visa (VV) - BWP500 (3 months), BWP1000 (>3 months)
• Study Visa (SV) - BWP500
• Transit Visa (TRY) - BWP500 (3 months), BWP1000 (>3 months)
• Emergency Visa (EMV) - BWP1500

How to Apply: Submit applications at Botswana Missions abroad or online via e-visa facilities.

Extension of Stay: Requests must be made to Department of Immigration before visa expiry.

Commonwealth Countries Requiring Visas: Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cameroon.

Processing Times: Vary depending on visa type and application completeness.