26 October 2016
REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS TRAVELLING THROUGH ALL BOTSWANA PORTS OF ENTRY
The Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs informs the general public that it has imposed requirements for minors (children under 18) travelling through the countrys ports of entry. Effective from the 1st October 2016 minors travelling through the country’s borders will be required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to their valid passports. In the event that one parent is not travelling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be availed. However, an affidavit will not be required if the fathers name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate. The development, which is aimed at managing the movement of children across the countrys borders, has an ultimate goal of tackling human trafficking which is a global challenge. Botswana, like other countries is affected by this problem and as such has enacted the United Nations Anti-Human Trafficking Protocol; which calls upon governments to come up with deliberate measures aimed at combating human trafficking.
For more information contact the Director of Immigration and Citizenship at +267 3611301 / +267 71327608.