GOV.BW

The Ambassador / High Commissioner will be notified by the Chief of Protocol of the date and time fixed for an audience with the Head of State, to present credentials. 

Arrangements will also be made for the Ambassador / High Commissioner to meet the Chief of Protocol and the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation prior to the credential ceremony.

The Department will issue a Note Verbale stating the procedure and requirements for the presentation of credential ceremony.

A Consul General must call on the Chief of Protocol after his/her arrival in Gaborone.  The latter will arrange for him/her to present his / her letters of appointment / Commission to the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation

A Charge d' Affaires must call on the Chief of Protocol after his/her arrival in Gaborone.  The Protocol Department will then arrange a meeting with the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation for Presentation of his / her Letters of Appointment/Introduction.

An Ambassador / High Commissioner leaving post will be seen off at the airport by a representative of the Chief of Protocol.  In this regard, the Ministry of International Affairs and cooperation should be notified in writing about the impending departure.

The Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation (relevant Desk) will assist in making appointments for the customary courtesy calls for the incoming Ambassador/High Commissioner on His Honour, the Vice President and the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly and other Senior Government Officials. 

The Ambassador / High Commissioner is advised to call on the Chief of Protocol as soon as possible and present a copy of Letters of Credence and where applicable, a copy of the predecessor's Letters of Recall.  If the credentials are in a language other than English, they should be accompanied by an English translation.

After making this call, the Ambassador can take up official function in relation to the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation and call on the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.  Other functions must be deferred until the Ambassador / High Commissioner has presented his/her credentials to His Excellency, the President.