Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Obtaining a passport in Botswana is a highly structured process, but one that is relatively straightforward once you understand who does what, which forms to use, and which documents to gather. This guide details, step by step, the procedure to apply for a passport in Botswana, whether you are in the country or abroad, an adult or a child, a first-time applicant or replacing a lost one.
This guide covers the entire process: prerequisites (citizenship, Omang identity card, birth certificate), processing times, applicable fees, the different types of passports available, and emergency solutions if you need to travel immediately.
Who Issues the Passport in Botswana
The issuance of the passport in Botswana involves several government bodies, each acting at a specific level.
The core of the system is the immigration services. The passport is an official travel document of the Republic of Botswana, but it remains the property of the state. Its day-to-day management is handled by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. This department falls under the Ministry of Labour & Home Affairs, which is also referred to in some texts as the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs.
This same department also manages visas, residence permits, border controls, and the movement of people. It works in conjunction with the Botswana Police, particularly regarding lost passports, identity checks, and certificates of good conduct.
For citizens living abroad, the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation, through its Department of Protocol and Consular Services, is the main point of contact. It oversees embassies and diplomatic missions, which are authorized to receive passport applications and issue emergency travel documents if necessary.
In practice, this means:
– If you are in Botswana, your main point of contact is the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (at the headquarters in Gaborone, or at a regional or district office);
– If you are abroad, you go through the nearest Botswana diplomatic mission, which is itself under the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation.
Useful Contact Information and Opening Hours
To prepare your application, it is often helpful to know the main addresses and contact numbers, if only to verify the required documents or confirm the hours of operation.
Toll-free helpline for the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs of Botswana for domestic calls.
Department of Immigration & Citizenship – Gaborone Headquarters Physical address: Government Enclave, Block 8, Khama Crescent, Gaborone Postal address: P.O. Box 942, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (+267) 361 1373, 361 1375, 390 9996 Fax: (+267) 391 4286, 390 7426 Email: [email protected] Hours: 7:30 AM–12:45 PM and 1:45 PM–4:30 PM, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation – Consular Services Postal address: Private Bag 00368, Government Enclave, Gaborone Phone: (+267) 360 0700 Fax: (+267) 397 3067 Hours: 7:30 AM–12:45 PM and 1:45 PM–4:30 PM, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
Other offices exist, for example in Francistown (CBD extension, St Patrick St) or Lobatse, as well as missions abroad such as the Embassy of Botswana in Washington DC. All these structures can play a role in your process, depending on your place of residence.
Who Can Apply for a Botswana Passport
The first condition for obtaining a passport in Botswana is being a Botswana citizen. The passport is not a document that confers nationality; it follows from an already recognized citizenship status.
A passport is mandatory for any Botswana citizen wishing to travel abroad. It is an e‑passport, meaning an electronic document with a machine-readable zone, equipped with a microprocessor and enhanced security features.
Access to the passport is available:
The Botswana national identification system, via the Omang card, applies to several categories of citizens. It concerns all citizens residing in Botswana, as well as the diaspora through the diplomatic network (embassies and high commissions). It also includes new citizens, regardless of how they acquired nationality (naturalization, birth, descent, adoption, etc.), once they are in possession of their identity card.
The link with nationality is important: for a foreigner, a passport from Botswana is only possible once citizenship is obtained (for example, through naturalization). The naturalization process is lengthy and regulated by the Citizenship Act of 1998, with conditions of residence (10 years total within the 12 years preceding the application), good moral character, and knowledge of a local language. However, this guide focuses on passport issuance once citizenship has been acquired.
Types of Botswana Passports and Validity Period
Botswana has standardized the e‑passport, which comes in several categories depending on the holder’s status and the nature of travel.
Main Passport Categories
In the Botswana system, there are three main types of e‑passports:
| Passport Type | Target Audience | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| National | All citizens (Batswana) | Private travel, studies, personal business |
| Official | Senior government officials (e.g., Deputy Permanent Secretaries) | Official missions for the government |
| Diplomatic | Presidency, ministers, parliamentarians, judges, diplomats, senior foreign affairs officials | Diplomatic representation, official international travel |
For an ordinary citizen who simply wants to travel, the national passport is issued. Official and diplomatic passports are strictly reserved for specific functions and are not intended for private travel.
E‑Passport Validity
The validity period depends on the holder’s age:
– for adults, the e‑passport is valid for 10 years;
– for children under 16, the validity is 5 years.
For children with dual citizenship, the validity of the Botswana passport may be limited until their 21st birthday. Indeed, Botswana law generally requires choosing one nationality at that age, as Botswana does not permit dual citizenship for adults.
Where to Submit Your Passport Application
Botswana offers several submission points for passport applications, covering both the national territory and the diaspora.
Within the country, applications can be submitted:
Several locations are available in Botswana to submit your passport application, depending on your location.
At the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Gaborone.
In cities such as Francistown, Lobatse, Maun, Serowe, Selebi‑Phikwe, Palapye, Mahalapye, or Kasane.
At specialized centers like the Loapi Service Centre or the Universal Service Centre in Gaborone.
At certain border crossings, such as the Mohembo Border Post or the Maun Integrated Office.
Abroad, applications are received:
– by Botswana missions (embassies, high commissions);
– by the consular services of the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation.
At some missions, forms cannot be taken away: for security reasons, they must be filled out on site, in the presence of a consular officer, and then handed in immediately.
Forms and Administrative Steps
The passport application relies on a series of standardized forms. Understanding their logic helps avoid using the wrong procedure.
Main Forms
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship uses several forms depending on the type of application:
| Form | Primary Use | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| PP1 | First-time passport application | For citizens who have never had a Botswana passport |
| PP2 | Renewal or replacement | For an expired passport, to be renewed or replaced (wear and tear, data changes) |
| PP3 | Endorsement | To add specific remarks to an existing passport |
In all cases, the form must be filled out in block capitals, using blue or black ink (ballpoint pen). It includes detailed sections on:
– the applicant’s identity;
– personal information (height, eye and hair color, distinguishing features);
– parentage (details on father and mother, including their Omang numbers, original nationality, place of birth);
– postal and residential address;
– the local chief, headman, or kgotla of affiliation;
– next of kin;
– the consent section for minors.
Sworn Declaration and Fingerprints
The end of the form includes a declaration to be signed before a Commissioner of Oaths. The applicant attests that they have not renounced Botswana citizenship, certifies the truthfulness of the information, and acknowledges the legal penalties for false statements.
The same sworn commissioner:
Sworn Officer“, with their signature and date.”]
The applicant’s fingerprints are also taken, either directly on the form (black ink) or via an electronic device at equipped offices. These fingerprints are mandatory for issuing the e‑passport.
Signature Specimen
The applicant must also provide a signature specimen, which will be incorporated into the passport. This signature must be placed in the designated box, exactly as the person will later sign their travel documents.
Documents Required for an Adult (16 and Over)
For a Botswana citizen aged 16 or over, the key document in the application is the Omang, the national identity card. It serves as proof of both identity and citizenship.
The standard application includes:
– original Omang and a certified copy;
– two passport photos meeting Botswana standards;
– the PP1 or PP2 form, duly completed and signed under oath;
– fingerprints;
– if the parents were once foreigners, the citizenship certificate (naturalization or registration) of the parents and/or the applicant;
– in case of renewal or replacement, the previous passport;
– in case of loss, a police report or a sworn declaration before a Commissioner of Oaths;
– for women married under customary law, a letter from the chief or headman confirming the marriage, if this proof has never been provided before;
– receipt of payment of fees.
In exceptional circumstances, when an adult cannot present an Omang, authorities may accept a birth certificate or an affidavit as a substitute. However, this flexibility is reserved for rare cases and must be validated by passport and citizenship officers.
Consent for Those Under 21
Even though the Omang becomes mandatory from age 16, Botswana law still considers those under 21 as minors for certain administrative procedures. For a passport applicant under 21, a parent or legal guardian must complete the “consent” section of the form and provide proof of parental authority (Omang, custody order, letter from a chief or social worker, etc.).
Documents Required for a Child (Under 16)
For a minor, the logic is different: the birth certificate becomes the main proof, as the Omang does not yet exist.
The following are required:
List of supporting documents needed to apply for a passport for a minor. Make sure to provide all original documents and certified copies where applicable.
Original birth certificate of the child and a certified copy.
Original Omang of both parents (or legal guardian), or failing that, of the legal custodian.
If parents are deceased: Omang of the guardian and death certificates of the parents. Letter recognizing guardianship from a District Commissioner, chief, or social worker, when the applicant is not the biological parent.
Two recent passport photos of the child. Previous passport of the child in case of renewal or replacement.
Citizenship certificate of the parents and/or the child if one or both parents were foreigners. Form completed and signed by the parent or guardian, in the presence of the child.
Proof of payment of applicable fees.
The child must be physically presented at the immigration office or embassy at the time of application. Authorities thus verify identity, facial features against the photos, and, where applicable, the relationship with the parent or guardian.
For children born abroad, the birth certificate or registration card from the country of birth, with certified copies, must also be provided.
Passport Photos: Strict Rules
The photo is a critical element of the passport application. Botswana authorities specify the format, composition, and expected quality in great detail.
Two identical photographs are required. They must be:
– recent (less than six months old);
– color or black and white;
– printed on thin photo paper, not cardstock or mounted;
– sharp, correctly exposed, without retouching.
Accepted dimensions vary slightly depending on the source, but the administration gives a clear range:
– no smaller than 52 mm x 37 mm;
– no larger than 63 mm x 50 mm.
For some embassy applications, passport-sized photos (35 mm x 45 mm) are required. It is crucial to use a standard, professional photograph and to absolutely avoid ‘snapshot’ type photos or those cut from magazines.
The shot must show: lighting, composition, and subject.
– face forward, fully visible, with head and shoulders;
– a light, plain background, without shadows;
– a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking directly at the camera.
Head coverings are not allowed in photos, except for recognized religious or cultural reasons, in which case the forehead, oval of the face, and hairline must remain visible. Uniforms are only permitted for certain specific categories, such as diplomatic passports, and only if they do not obscure facial features.
Glasses are generally not recommended, unless medically necessary. Digital retouching to remove wrinkles, blemishes, or scars is prohibited. Similarly, photos with waxed backs, images taken from newspapers, or poor-quality reproductions are rejected.
Once the photos are ready, they are attached to the form with four staples, one in each corner, ensuring they do not go through the face. The Commissioner of Oaths who administered the oath to the applicant writes on the back of one of the two photos the standard statement certifying that it is indeed the applicant’s face, then signs and dates it.
Application Fees: How Much Does a Passport Cost in Botswana
Passport issuance fees in Botswana are clearly structured based on the applicant’s age, the type of service (standard or loss case), and, abroad, the currency used.
Within Botswana, the basic amounts in pula are as follows:
| Type of Application | Age Category | Amount (BWP) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard passport (normal service) | Child < 14 years | 100.00 |
| Standard passport (normal service) | 14 years and over | 260.00 |
| Replacement after loss (lost passport) | All ages | 1,260.00 |
| Penalty for lost/stolen/damaged passport (in addition to normal fees) | All ages | 1,000.00 |
| Emergency Travel Document (E‑ETD) | All ages | 12.00 |
Abroad, embassies apply rates converted into international currencies, often set at an administrative exchange rate. For example, some missions indicate:
– 40 USD for a standard passport for an adult (16 and over);
– 12 USD for a minor;
– 140 USD for a lost passport;
– 5 USD for an Emergency Travel Document.
Fees may be expressed in euros or Swiss francs depending on the embassy, with a fixed conversion rate set by Botswana authorities. These rates are subject to change without notice. It is therefore recommended to verify the current amounts on the website of the relevant diplomatic mission or by contacting them directly by phone.
Accepted payment methods vary by location:
– in Botswana, payments are generally made in cash at the counter, sometimes by other means to be confirmed locally;
– at embassies, cash (in local currency or US dollars), money orders, bank transfers, or deposits to the embassy account are common, while personal checks are often refused.
Processing Times and Passport Collection
Stated processing times vary slightly depending on the source and the location where the application is submitted. Broadly, there are three benchmarks:
– submission in Gaborone (headquarters): approximately 3 working days;
– submission at an office outside Gaborone: approximately 5 working days;
– “normal” service mentioned in some documents: up to 14 working days.
These variations are due to the logistics of processing applications, demand volumes, and successive updates to the procedure. A prudent rule is to allow at least two weeks before a planned departure, especially during peak season or if submitting the application in a remote area.
For Batswana residing abroad, the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation indicates a standard processing time of approximately 10 working days for services provided through diplomatic missions. It is important to note that this time may be extended depending on the local workload of the embassy or consulate concerned.
Passport collection is done:
– either in person, at the office where the application was submitted;
– or by a designated third party, who must sign the “receipt” section of the form at the time of collection;
– or, in some cases abroad, by registered mail or courier service, if the applicant provided a pre-addressed envelope and a return address.
For minors, collection must be done by the parent or legal guardian indicated in the file, sometimes in the presence of the child, depending on the office’s instructions.
Procedure for a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport
Losing your passport or having it stolen is a sensitive situation. Botswana imposes an enhanced procedure, with higher fees intended to deter carelessness and compensate for the verification work involved.
The first step is to report the loss or theft to the authorities:
– in Botswana, to the Botswana Police, which will issue an official report;
– abroad, either to the local police or directly to the Botswana embassy or high commission, which will still require a document attesting to the loss.
A police report or a sworn declaration before a Commissioner of Oaths is mandatory for certain steps.
– apply for a new passport to replace the lost or stolen one;
– or request an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) if a quick return is essential.
The new passport application will include, in addition to the standard documents (Omang, photos, form, citizenship certificates), this report and the payment of the increased fees (1,260 BWP in Botswana, or approximately 140 USD at some missions).
An additional penalty of around 1,000 BWP is sometimes charged for cases of lost, stolen, or severely damaged passports, on top of the ordinary passport cost. Again, these rates may be adjusted by the authorities.
Emergency Travel Documents (ETD)
When circumstances require it – medical emergency, serious family imperative, material impossibility of waiting for a new passport – authorities may issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD), or E‑ETD.
This document does not replace a long-term passport. It serves only to enable urgent travel, often for a one-way trip to Botswana or to another planned transit point, with very limited validity.
For an adult, the standard ETD application includes:
To put together your passport application, you must provide all of the following items.
A letter explaining the reasons for the application and its urgency, along with the ETD form duly completed with fingerprints.
Two recent passport photos meeting standards and a certified copy of the Omang or a previous passport, if available.
A police report in case of passport loss and, if applicable, proof of citizenship (naturalization or registration certificate).
A travel itinerary (ticket or reservation) along with payment of the fee (approximately 12 BWP or 5 USD depending on location).
For a child, additional documents are required:
– copy of the birth certificate;
– Omang of at least one parent;
– consent letter from the parent or guardian;
– pre-addressed envelope for the return of the document, when required by the administration.
ETD applications are generally submitted at embassies or high commissions. Authorities specify that these documents are only granted for “genuine emergencies” and are not a convenient alternative to a regular passport application.
Specifics for Batswana in the Diaspora
Botswana citizens residing abroad rely on the consular network established by Botswana. The Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation coordinates this network, and diplomatic missions play a crucial role for:
– receiving passport or renewal applications;
– issuing ETDs;
– authenticating documents (birth certificates, certificates, etc.);
– assistance in case of passport loss abroad.
The average processing time for a passport application, expressed in working days, for documents routed through Botswana.
In some cases, missions require forms to be filled out on site, not taken away, to prevent fraud or substitution. It is therefore recommended to make an appointment, check hours of operation, and bring all necessary original documents.
Role of the Omang and Links to Other Procedures
The Omang, or National Registration Identity Card, is the cornerstone of identification for Botswana citizens. From age 16, every Motswana must possess one. It is valid for 10 years and must be renewed upon expiration.
This card is used in a large number of procedures:
– passport application or renewal;
– residence or work permit applications;
– various administrative registrations (bank, tax, etc.).
If the Omang is lost or expired, it is impossible to submit a passport application. You must first regularize the situation regarding the identity card.
– renewing an expired Omang requires the old document, an in-person appearance, and two black-and-white photos, for a modest fee (about 5 BWP);
– reissuing a lost Omang requires an affidavit, physical presence, two black-and-white photos, and involves higher fees (around 110 BWP).
Replacing your identity document therefore takes some time. It is better to anticipate these steps before any passport project.
The Botswana Passport and Long-Term Citizenship
Beyond the administrative procedure, the Botswana passport is the culmination of a citizenship journey. For individuals born abroad to at least one Botswana parent, citizenship by descent can be recognized, and then a passport applied for. For foreigners permanently settled in Botswana, naturalization eventually opens the right to a passport after a long process of residence and integration.
Botswana generally does not recognize dual citizenship in adulthood. A young person holding two nationalities must choose which one to keep before turning 21. To retain Botswana nationality and be able to renew their passport beyond this age, they must complete this step.
– formally renounce the other citizenship;
– take an oath of allegiance to Botswana;
– complete a declaration regarding their residence.
If they do not complete these formalities in time, they risk losing Botswana citizenship and, consequently, the ability to hold a passport from Botswana. This rule is particularly important for mixed families or children born abroad, to plan ahead for the management of travel documents.
How to Structure Your Process Practically
To summarize and turn these rules into a practical roadmap, an applicant can follow a simple checklist.
For an adult in Botswana:
To obtain a Botswana passport, follow these mandatory steps: 1) Check the validity of your identity card (Omang). 2) Gather the required documents: original Omang and a certified copy, previous passport if applicable, parents’ citizenship certificates if necessary, and a police report in case of loss. 3) Have two compliant passport photos taken. 4) Go to an immigration office, pick up and fill out form PP1 (first application) or PP2 (renewal/replacement) in block capitals. 5) Take the oath before a Commissioner of Oaths and have one of the photos certified. 6) Submit the complete application with payment of fees. 7) Follow up at the submission office and collect your passport within the announced timeframe, which generally ranges from 3 to 14 days depending on the case.
For a child:
1. Gather the birth certificate, Omang of the parent(s), and any death or guardianship certificates. 2. Prepare two recent photos of the child. 3. Bring the child to the immigration office or embassy. 4. The parent or guardian fills out the form on behalf of the child and signs the consent section. 5. Submit the application with payment of fees (approximately 100 BWP or 12 USD depending on location). 6. Return to collect the passport, often within a few days to two weeks.
Abroad, the process is the same, with the added constraint of following the specific rules of the diplomatic mission (payment in local currency, possible postal submission, forms to be filled out on site, etc.).
Conclusion: A Rigorous but Predictable Framework
Botswana’s e‑passport system is based on a clear framework: identification via Omang, citizenship verification, sworn declaration, fingerprints, and strictly standardized photos. This formality may seem heavy, but it has the merit of protecting the integrity of the document and limiting fraud.
The time to obtain a passport in Botswana is reasonably quick, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. To facilitate the process, it is essential to anticipate the validity of your Omang identity card, gather the required documents, and follow the established procedure. For citizens living abroad, diplomatic missions and the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation serve as crucial interfaces, particularly in case of passport loss or urgent travel.
Understanding these mechanisms means equipping yourself to travel with peace of mind, with a valid travel document, consistent with Botswana’s citizenship and security requirements.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
