Reports suggest that citizens of Zimbabwe and Botswana will soon be able to use their national identity cards as travel documents between the two nations. Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has hinted at the possibility of scrapping the use of passports for cross-border travel.
Talks and Discussions in the Works
He is planning to meet with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to discuss the proposal, as the two leaders have good relations. Currently, citizens of both countries require passports to enter either jurisdiction.
According to Botswanan media, President Masisi shared the news during a gathering of democrats attending the Boteti West constituency celebrations. He plans to pitch the idea to President Mnangagwa during their upcoming meeting.
Following in Namibia’s Footsteps
Last month, President Masisi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Namibian President Hage Geingob to allow citizens of both countries to use their IDs to cross borders. The same bilateral initiatives will reportedly be extended to other neighbouring countries that share borders with Botswana.
Botswana and Zimbabwe have a shared history, culture, and family ties that go back long before the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1983.
How IBN Immigration Solutions can help you
IBN Immigration Solutions offers visa coverage of most of the African continent! We contribute to the growth of Africa and its individuals by empowering people to move in a global world. We aim to enable international talent to work and live in Africa while also helping African talent gain invaluable international experience.
IBN is familiar with all the requirements for applications, possible red-flags, and hold-ups in African immigration, meaning that you’ll be in safe hands.
Written by Simon Carletti, PR and Creative Supervisor
