PASSPORT APPLICATIONS TO THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION PRETORIA FROM BOTSWANA

Passports for British nationals in Botswana are issued at the British High Commission in Pretoria.  This is part of a global initiative to rationalise passport services and reduce administration costs while ensuring that the quality of service remains high.

You should send your passport application to Pretoria by courier.  The Consular Section of the British High Commission in Pretoria has negotiated a preferential rate for courier services with FedEx Express licensee in Southern Africa, Supaswift (Pty) Ltd for transportation of passports and associated documentation between Botswana and Pretoria. However, applicants are free to use other courier service providers if they wish.  

If using FedEx, applications can either be collected from your home or place of employment or you can take your application to the nearest FedEx World Service Centre.  A fee will be charged to forward applications on your behalf to Pretoria.  If you choose to use a different courier service provider, you must arrange this yourself.

How do I apply for a British Passport using FedEx Superswift Ltd?

1. Download the appropriate passport application form.
2. Please read the accompanying notes carefully and make sure that each section on your passport application form is filled out in its entirety, even if you do not think it is applicable. It is easier for us to discount sections we do not need than it is to write for further information, which sometimes causes lengthy delays.
3. Ensure that the photos meet the new Biometric criteria.
4. Ensure you have submitted the correct documents – without correct documentation we cannot issue a passport.  The documentation required will depend on a number of things.  Please choose one of the following links, as appropriate: applying for a first British passport; renewal of an existing British passport; or to replace a lost or stolen British passport.
5. British passport applications sent via FedEx must include payment for both passport and courier fees. Please click here for the correct passport fees. The cost of the return courier service from Botswana is 199 Rand.  You can pay in one of two ways: by downloading and completing our “Credit Card notification” slip and enclosing it with your application;or by enclosing a bank draft in South African Rand for the total amount plus an additional 155 Rand to cover bank charges, made payable to “British High Commission”. We will not accept payment by cash, postal order; debit card; personal or company cheque. Additionally, we cannot accept payments in any other currency.  It is not possible to make online payments.
6. Download and complete the covering letter and enclose it with your application.
7. You should then visit your nearest FedEx office. You will be required to complete the waybill given to you by the FedEx services operator. This MUST include your full name, address and telephone contact numbers.  Please address the consignment as follows: British High Commission, Consular Section, Block B, 1st Floor, Liberty Place Building, 256 Glyn Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa.   Please mark the envelope:  For the Attention of Lezelle Conradie
8. Place your completed application form with all the required documents, credit card payment slip or cheque, photos and covering letter in the envelope and peel off plastic strip to seal it. For security purposes, the security number (beginning SF) as printed on the plastic FedEx Supaswift bag (or flyer, as it is known) should be recorded on the waybill.
9. Remove and retain the customer copy of waybill as your proof of despatch and your tracking number reference.

Processing time for straightforward applications in Pretoria is currently 10 working days from receipt of the application plus all correct documentation. You should add an extra six working days for the return courier service. If your application is not straightforward, for example the form is incomplete or you are required to attend an interview at the British High Commission in Gaborone, you will be notified immediately by the examining officer in Pretoria. Under these circumstances your application may take longer to process.  We recommend you apply in plenty of time before you travel.

Applications delivered by FedEx will be despatched within one working day of completion by FedEx to your chosen address.  

Please note – Your local FedEx office will answer any courier-related queries about their service, but they cannot answer queries about British passport matters. FedEx only provides the courier service.  Please also refer to the general FedEx website

For enquires about passport matters, please telephone (0027) 12 421 7801 or e-mail: Passport enquiries