diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index 6bb07c9616..ead05092fa 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -19,6 +19,29 @@ List of what the PR changes. If the PR changes the CLI arguments, consider addin
 Can skip if changes are simple or clear from the commit messages.
 -->
 
+## Documentation and publication
+
+<!--
+The following details help our docs writer bot decide whether and how to draft docs for this change.
+-->
+
+**Does this change need public documentation?**
+
+- [ ] Yes
+- [ ] No
+- [ ] Unsure
+
+**Is this change safe to document publicly when this PR merges?**
+
+- [ ] Yes
+- [ ] No, the documentation must be held
+- [ ] It can be documented as a limited-availability or preview feature
+- [ ] Not applicable (docs not needed)
+
+**Publication notes:**
+
+<!-- If documentation must be held or needs availability language, explain what reviewers should know and when it can be published. -->
+
 ## Testing
 - [ ] Tests have run locally (with `go test ./...`). Buildkite employees may check this if the pipeline has run automatically.
 - [ ] Code is formatted (with `go tool gofumpt -extra -w .`)