US Citizen Services

Important Notice on Consular Hours for October 2008

 The Consular Section would like to inform the American Community that the Consular Officer will be away on leave in October. If you are planning to renew your or child’s passport, add visa pages, file for a Report of Birth Abroad for your new baby, or have documents notarized, please consider delaying until the last week of October. If you require immediate assistance in the case of an emergency, such as stolen passport, please make sure to contact our Office to make an appointment with the back-up Consular Officer. Having an appointment will ensure that your need are met on the dates and times requested and minimize wait time.  Please contact the section by phone at +267-395-3982, ext. 2322 or by email at ConsularGaborone@state.gov with any questions.

Warden Message

U.S. Embassy Gaborone, Botswana
Warden Message – Student Demonstrations at University of Botswana
February 2, 2009

The U.S. Embassy in Gaborone, Botswana has learned the police have sealed off the roads around the University of Botswana because of student unrest.  The students are protesting actions by the Ministry of Education related to scholarship funding and may continue their actions through Wednesday. 

As of today, the main road from the Gaborone Sun Hotel and Stadium traffic circle to the 4-way Village traffic light is closed.  The Riverwalk traffic circle remains open but traffic in that area is quite heavy.

American citizens in Gaborone are encouraged to avoid visiting the University until this situation has been resolved.

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations.  American citizens should stay current of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

American citizens are encouraged to register their presence in Botswana via the Internet at www.travel.state.gov.  The U.S. Embassy in Gaborone is located at Government Enclave, Embassy Drive.  The Embassy can be reached by telephone at (+267) 395-3982 (business hours) or (+267) 395-7111 (after hours emergencies).  The Consular Section can also be reached by e-mail at ConsularGaborone@state.gov.