As Botswana’s diplomatic representation in the UK, the High Commission of Botswana in London handles political, economic and consular relations. Between Commonwealth countries, embassies are known as High Commissions – it fulfils the same role as an embassy.
Contact Details
| Address | 6 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AY, United Kingdom |
| Telephone | +44 20 7499 0031 |
| Fax | +44 20 7495 8595 |
| bohico@govbw.com | |
| Head of Mission | Shimane Lawrence Gaokgethelwe Kelaotswe, High Commissioner |
| National Day | 30 August (Botswana Day) |
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Opening hours as published in the FCDO London Diplomatic List (October 2026). Please confirm before your visit, especially on UK bank holidays and Botswana public holidays.
Location of the High Commission
Before your visit
Visitors go to 6 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AY.
- Opening hours (FCDO list): Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00.
- Documents: take originals and photocopies, and a valid passport or identity card.
The high commission and its network in the UK
Shimane Lawrence Gaokgethelwe Kelaotswe heads the high commission as high commissioner; the FCDO list gives 2 February 2024 as the start date. 9 diplomats and attachés are registered with the FCDO for this high commission.
Consular services
Requests the consular staff deal with:
- Botswana passports and emergency travel documents
- Registration of births, marriages and deaths
- Certification and legalisation of documents
- Powers of attorney and notarial acts
- Certificates for pensions abroad
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-in capacity is limited, so check the procedure on the mission’s website first.
Closing days
The high commission is normally closed on UK bank holidays; the Botswana national day (30 August) often means a closure too. Check before visiting in the weeks around Christmas and Easter.
Emergency assistance
In an emergency, Botswana citizens should call the high commission on +44 20 7499 0031. Missions can issue emergency travel documents, contact relatives and provide lists of lawyers or doctors; they cannot pay bills or act as a lawyer. In the UK, the emergency number is 999 (or 112).
Diplomatic missions of Botswana in the United Kingdom
Botswana in the United Kingdom
- London – High Commission of Botswana (this page)
Frequently asked questions about the High Commission of Botswana in London
What is the address of the Botswana High Commission in the UK?
At 6 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AY.
When is the Botswana High Commission in London open?
According to the FCDO London Diplomatic List: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00. Confirm before visiting.
Who is the high commissioner of Botswana to the UK?
Shimane Lawrence Gaokgethelwe Kelaotswe (High Commissioner), according to the London Diplomatic List of October 2026.
What is the difference between a high commission and an embassy?
None in practice: Commonwealth countries call their embassies in each other’s capitals high commissions, headed by high commissioners.
When is the Botswana national day?
The FCDO list gives 30 August for Botswana; missions usually close or hold a reception on that day.
Details checked on 10 October 2026. Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – London Diplomatic List (October 2026). Rules and opening hours can change. Confirm with the high commission before your visit.
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