Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Botswana authorities. Essential for citizens of Botswana living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.
Botswana consulates processing civil records
What can be registered?
- Birth registration: children of Botswana parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Botswana nationals
- Marriage registration: marriages of Botswana citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
- Death registration: death of Botswana nationals in the U.S.
- Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Botswana
Required documents
- Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
- Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
- Certified translation to the official language of Botswana
- Passport and ID of the Botswana citizens involved
- Application form completed
How to register
Most Botswana consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Botswana civil registry office.
Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.
Costs and processing times
Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Botswana can take additional months.