Botswana's document acceptance rules
If you are sending paperwork from Plymouth to Botswana, the legalisation process is more straightforward than most international routes. Botswana accepts a single certification step for UK documents rather than requiring the full embassy attestation for Botswana or consular legalization for Botswana that many other countries demand. This simple route applies to most common papers including birth, marriage and educational certificates.
Working with Plymouth offices
Plymouth Register Office at Derriford Park can provide fresh certified copies of local civil records such as birth, marriage and death certificates. Instead of parting with your only original document, you can have this official copy made so the original stays safe. For international use, this certified copy then receives a single certification from the Legalisation Office to legalize documents for Botswana. The FCDO Legalisation Office verifies the official's position who signed the paper.
How long documents take to process
The Legalisation Office quotes seven to ten working days for standard handling of paperwork from Plymouth. An expedited two to three working day service is available at a higher cost if your matter is time-sensitive. For the process known as document legalization for Botswana from Plymouth, you will need to factor in postage both ways unless you opt for a drop-off and collection service.
When translation is required
Botswana's official language is English, which simplifies matters for many papers issued in the UK. Documents in English often require no translation at all for use in Botswana. Should you need translated versions for other purposes, however, check whether any additional certification is needed beyond what the Legalisation Office provides. The office deals only with the UK-issued paper itself and does not handle translations.