PUBLIC CONSULAR VISITING HOURS: 09h00 – 12h00 (by appointment only)

• Citizenship matters;
• Passports;
• Identity documents;
• Certificates:
• Birth certificates;
• Death certificates;
• “No Impediment to Marriage” certificates;
• Marriage certificates

NOTICE TO SOUTH AFRICANS WHO HAVE DUAL CITIZENSHIP

• Visas for visits of less than three months (90 days);
• Visas for temporary residence longer than three months (90 days);
• Permanent residence.

• Humanitarian assistance in emergencies (i.e. situations involving destitution or distress of South African nationals abroad). This includes, providing a support service in hostage cases as well as assistance rendered to South African nationals abroad in cases of political turmoil or natural disasters.
  - In the event of an emergency, we communicate on behalf of South African nationals abroad with the next of kin and/or friends in South Africa.
  
  
• Logistical support and non-financial assistance for South African nationals who are in hospital abroad or who may need to be repatriated to SA for urgent medical or professional attention.
  - Communication with the next-of-kin in the event of reported death or life threatening illness or injury. We also provide logistical assistance with the importation of mortal remains (including assistance with import permit applications) or burials of South African nationals abroad. We do not provide financial assistance arising from the death of a South African national abroad.
  
  
• Provide guidance to next-of-kin and liaison with relevant stakeholders in the search for missing persons abroad and/or determination of the whereabouts of South African nationals abroad under certain circumstances.
  
  
• In emergencies, assistance to families under certain circumstances to facilitate the transfer of funds to family members in distress/destitute abroad where commercial means is non-existent or limited or where levels of destitution dictate. The family member in South Africa must deposit the funds at a regional office of the Department of Home Affairs.
  
  
• Advice, guidance and support to a custodial parent/guardian in matters of child abduction or child stealing. Where there is evidence that the health and safety of the child is in jeopardy, the matter is treated as an emergency. Abduction and kidnapping covers forcible restrictions on the freedom of movement of persons for different outcomes. We provide advice and guidance to the next of kin of affected nationals.
  
  
• Consular assistance to South Africans in detention in Hungary or Croatia.

• Institute court proceedings or obtain legal advice on behalf of South African nationals locally and abroad.
  
  
• Secure a release from prison/detention.
  
  
• Intervene in court and legal proceedings (in foreign countries) to get South African nationals out of prison, on bail or an early trial.
  
  
• Support a South African national financially whilst in prison.
  
  
• Give legal advice.
  
  
• Assist with the transfer of funds to a national who is not in distress.
  
  
• Interfere in or initiate court or legal proceedings on behalf of South African citizens and body corporate.
  
  
• Request local authorities to give preferential treatment to South Africans.
  
  
• Investigate crimes or deaths.
  
  
• Return a child that has been abducted by a parent / family member.
  
  
• Obtain a criminal record check on your behalf.
  
  
• Pay for cremations, burials or the repatriation of mortal remains to South Africa.
  
  
• Enforce a South African custody agreement abroad or compel a country to decide a custody case.
  
  
• Pay hotel, legal, medical or any other bills.
  
  
• Pay travelling expenses.
  
  
• Undertake work done by travel agents, airlines, banks, etc.
  
  
• Obtain accommodation, work or work permits on your behalf.
  
  
• Intervene on your behalf in disputes between employer and employee.
  
  
• Store personal effects or search for lost items.
  
  
• Accept personal mail and parcels.
  
  
• Issue pensions and social security benefits.
  
  
• Formally assist dual nationals in the country of their second nationality.
  Please go to the Consular Services webpage for more information.

• Citizenship matters
• Passports
• Identity documents
• Certificates:
  • Birth certificates.
  • Death certificates.
  • “No Impediment to Marriage” certificates.
  • Marriage certificates.

• Visas for visits of less than three months (90 days);
• Visas for temporary residence longer than three months (90 days);
• Permanent residence.

a) A fully completed visa application form, signed by the applicant.

b) A valid machine readable passport.

a) The period of validity of a passport shall not be less than 30 days after the applicant’s intended date of departure from South Africa.

b) A valid passport shall have at least three unused pages when presented, for the purposes of endorsing a visa and/or entry and/or departure stamp.

c) Two recent passport-sized identity photographs.

d) Payment of the applicable Visitor Visa application fee.
If paid by electronic funds transfer, payment of the application fee should preferably be done 3 to 4 days before the application is lodged to ensure that the payment is reflected on the Embassy’s bank statement. The name of the applicant for whom the payment is made should always be indicated as the reference on the deposit.

e) A statement or documentation detailing the purpose and duration of the visit, e.g. tourism, business meetings, education or medical treatment and also the number of days or months that the applicant intends to stay in South Africa.

f) Proof of accommodation, e.g. a confirmed hotel reservation from the hotel or registered travel agency, or a letter of invitation from the host in South Africa. In the case of a letter of invitation, the invitation letter should be accompanied by a copy of the host’s South African Identity Document or of their passport. The physical address of the place of accommodation in South Africa should be provided.

g) Proof of sufficient financial means in the form of:

• Bank statements;
• Salary advances;
• Undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa;
• Bursary, in the case of students;
• Medical cover

h) In the case of a hosted visit, an undertaking(s) by the host(s) in South Africa that he/she will be hosting the applicant and accepting responsibility for any costs related to the maintenance of the visitor whilst in South Africa as well as for the costs of the departure of the applicant from South Africa should this become necessary (with a copy of Identity Document/ or SA Residence Permit).

i) A valid return air ticket or proof of reservation thereof.

j) A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person travelled or intends travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area: The certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area; (not required if travelling to South Africa directly from Europe)

k) Children under 18: In respect of dependent children accompanying the applicant to South Africa or joining the applicant in South Africa, that application should be accompanied by (certified copies of):

(i) the marriage certificate of the parents;

(ii) the unabridged birth certificate of the child, indicating the names and identity of both parents;

(iii) Passports/identity documents/cards of parents (or certified copies of these documents)

(iv) proof of consent from one or both parents or legal guardian, as the case may be in the form of an affidavit;

(v) where applicable, a copy of a court order granting the applicant parental responsibilities and rights in respect of the child;

(vi) a letter from the person who is to receive the child in South Africa, containing his or her residential address in South Africa where the child will reside;

(vii) a copy of the South African Identity Document or valid passport and visa or SA Permanent Residence permit of the person who is to receive the child in the South Africa;

(viii) the contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child; and

(ix) an affidavit.

l) An applicant for a visa to South Africa must be submitted in person by the applicant to the South African Embassy accredited to the country where the applicant is ordinarily resident (i.e. permanent residence or valid long-term temporary residence) or of which the applicant holds a valid passport

m) Applications for a Visitor’s Visa exceeding a period of three months (90 days) should be accompanied by a valid police clearance certificate issued within six months prior to the application for a visa.

a) A fully completed visa application form, signed by the applicant.

b) A valid machine readable passport.

i. The period of validity of a passport shall not be less than 30 days after the applicant’s intended date of departure from South Africa.

ii. A valid passport shall have at least three unused pages when presented, for the purposes of endorsing a visa and/or entry and/or departure stamp.


c) Two recent passport-sized identity photographs.

d) Payment of the applicable Visitor Visa application fee.

If paid by electronic funds transfer, payment of the application fee should preferably be done 3 to 4 days before the application is lodged to ensure that the payment is reflected on the Embassy’s bank statement. The name of the applicant for whom the payment is made should always be indicated as the reference on the deposit.

e) A statement or documentation detailing the purpose and duration of the visit, e.g. tourism, business meetings, education or medical treatment and also the number of days or months that the applicant intends to stay in South Africa.

f) Proof of accommodation, e.g. a confirmed hotel reservation from the hotel or registered travel agency, or a letter of invitation from the host in South Africa. In the case of a letter of invitation, the invitation letter should be accompanied by a copy of the host’s South African Identity Document or of their passport. The physical address of the place of accommodation in South Africa should be provided.

g) Proof of sufficient financial means in the form of:

• Bank statements;
• Salary advances;
• Undertakings by the host(s) in South Africa;
• Bursary, in the case of students;
• Medical cover
  
  
h) In the case of a hosted visit, an undertaking(s) by the host(s) in South Africa that he/she will be hosting the applicant and accepting responsibility for any costs related to the maintenance of the visitor whilst in South Africa as well as for the costs of the departure of the applicant from South Africa should this become necessary (with a copy of Identity Document/ or SA Residence Permit).



i) A valid return air ticket or proof of reservation thereof.

j) A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person travelled or intends travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area: The certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area; (not required if travelling to South Africa directly from Europe)

k) Medical report (form BI-811);

l) Radiological report (form BI-806);

m) A police clearance certificate issued within the previous six months;

n) In respect of a spouse or dependant of the holder of a work visa or other long-term visa other than a Visitor’s Visa, a certified copy of such holder’s visa and a written undertaking of financial responsibility for the applicant;

o) In respect of a teacher at an international school, a contract of employment signed by the employer and the applicant and a written undertaking of financial responsibility for the applicant by the employer;

p) In respect of a person involved in the production of a film or advertisement in South Africa, documentation confirming such production and the duration thereof;

q) In respect of a journalist seconded to South Africa by a foreign news agency, documentation confirming such secondment and the duration thereof;

r) In respect of a visiting professor or lecturer, an invitation from the host in South Africa;

s) In respect of an artist who wishes to write, paint or sculpt, a portfolio of their previous work;

t) In respect of a person involved in the entertainment industry who is traveling through South Africa to perform, confirmation thereof by the host in South Africa;

u) In respect of a tour leader or host of a tour, a contract of employment signed by the employer and the applicant with a written undertaking of financial responsibility for the applicant by the employer;

v) In respect of an applicant who is required to stay in South Africa to testify as a state witness in a criminal court case, a written request signed by the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.

• Study Visa
• Treaty Visa
• Business Visa

• Crew Visa
• Medical Treatment Visa
• Relative’s Visa
• Work Visa
  
  
  • General Work Visa
  • Critical Skills Work Visa
  • Intra-Company transfer Work Visa
    
    
• Retired Person Visa
• Corporate Visa
• Exchange Visa

1. All applicants for any type of Work Visa are required to submit:

(a) A written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the repatriation of the applicant and their dependant family members should this become necessary; and
(b) A police clearance certificate.

2. The employer shall ensure that the passport of their employee is valid at all times for the duration of the applicant’s employment.

3. Three types of Work Visa are described in the Immigration Regulations:

(a) General Work Visa
(b) Critical Skills Work Visa; and
(c) Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa.

a) Payment of the appropriate application fee;

b) Application form DHA 1738 (duly completed and signed by the applicant personally)

c) A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate if the applicant is traveling or has recently travelled through the yellow fever belt – refer to the World Health Organisation list of countries designated as such)

d) A written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the repatriation of the applicant and their dependant family members should this become necessary;

e) A letter from employer undertaking to ensure that the passport of the applicant will be valid at all times for the duration of the applicant’s employment;

f) Proof of Qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and translated by a sworn translator into one of the official languages of South Africa;

g) Full particulars of the employer;

h) Proof of registration of the business with the Commission on Intellectual Property and Companies (CIPC), if applicable;

i) A certificate from the South African national Department of Labour confirming that:

• Despite a diligent search, the prospective employer has been unable to find a suitable citizen or permanent resident with qualifications or skills and experience equivalent to those of the applicant;
  
  
• The applicant has qualifications or proven skills and experience in line with the job offer;
  
  
• The salary and benefits of the applicant are not inferior to the average salary and benefits of citizens or permanent residents occupying similar positions in the Republic of South Africa;
  
  
• The contract of employment stipulating the conditions of employment and signed by both the employer and the applicant is in line with the labour standards in the South Africa and is made conditional upon the general work visa is being approved;
  

j) An undertaking by the employer to inform the Director-General should the applicant not comply with the provisions of the Act or conditions of the visa;

k) An undertaking by the employer to inform the Director-General upon the employee no longer being in the employ of such employer or when they are employed in a different capacity or role;

l) Birth certificate;

m) Medical report (BI-811);

n) Radiological report (BI-806);

o) Marriage certificate, if applicable;

p) Proof of a spousal relationship, if applicable;

q) Divorce decree or legal separation order, if applicable;

r) Death certificate in respect of a late spouse, if applicable; and

s) A Police clearance certificate.

a) Payment of the appropriate application fee;

b) Application form DHA-1738 (duly completed and signed by the applicant personally);

c) A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate if the applicant is traveling or has recently travelled through the yellow fever belt – refer to the World Health Organisation list of countries designated as such);

d) Confirmation, in writing, from the professional body, council or board recognized by SAQA or any relevant government Department confirming the skills or qualifications of the applicant and appropriate post qualification experience;

e) Proof of application for a certificate of registration with the professional body council or board recognized by SAQA;

f) Proof of evaluation of the foreign qualification by SAQA and translated by a sworn translator into one of the official languages of South Africa.

g) Radiological report (form bi-806)

h) Medical report (form bi-811)

i) Birth certificate;

j) Marriage certificate;

k) Proof of a spousal relationship, if applicable;

l) Divorce decree or legal separation order, if applicable;

m) Death certificate in respect of a late spouse, if applicable; and

n) A Police clearance certificate.

a) Payment of the appropriate application fee;

b) Application form DHA 1738 (duly completed and signed by the applicant personally)

c) A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate if the applicant is traveling or has recently travelled through the yellow fever belt – refer to the World Health Organisation list of countries designated as such)

d) The applicant’s contract of employment with the company abroad, valid for a period of not less than six months;

e) A written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the repatriation of the applicant and their dependant family members should this become necessary;

f) A letter from employer undertaking to ensure that the passport of the applicant will be valid at all times for the duration of the applicant’s employment;

g) A letter from the company abroad confirming that the applicant shall be transferred to a branch, subsidiary or an affiliate of that company in South Africa;

h) A letter from the branch, subsidiary or an affiliate in South Africa confirming the transfer of the applicant and specifying the occupation and capacity in which the applicant shall be employed;

i) An undertaking from the employer that:

The applicant shall only be employed in the specific position for which the visa has been issued;

• The applicant will at all times comply with the provisions of the Immigration Act and the conditions of their visa and will immediately inform the Director
  
  
• General of Home Affairs if the employee refuses to comply with the Act or conditions of the visa; and
  
  
• A plan is developed to transfer the required skills to a South African citizen or permanent resident.
  

j) Radiological report (form bi-806);

k) Medical report (form bi-811);

l) Birth certificate;

m) Marriage certificate;

n) Proof of a spousal relationship, if applicable;

o) Divorce decree or legal separation order, if applicable;

p) Death certificate in respect of a late spouse, if applicable; and

q) A Police clearance certificate.