1. Who are we?
We are the Consular Section at the South African Embassy in Dakar, Senegal.
2. Where can we be found?
Mermuz Sud,Lotissement Ecole de Police ,Lot no5 DAKAR
The Consular section work in close collaboration with the Chief Directorate:
Consular and Agency services at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Department of Home Affairs and other Government Departments
Emergency consular services are available on a 24-hour basis. A consular official will be available to provide specialized guidance and assistance after hours and over weekends.
Our after hour’s emergency number +221 77 297 2989.
3. The services we provide:
We have two areas of specialization, namely:
- Consular & Agency Services, including emergency consular assistance;
- Immigration and Civic Services.
In brief, Consular and Agency Services describe the services and assistance the Embassy is able to provide for South African citizens abroad. Our services are available on weekdays, Monday – Friday (excluding public holidays) during consular office hours from 08h30 - 12h00. After hours services will only be rendered in the case of an emergency. Emergency consular services describe services rendered in the case of distress, serious illness or death of a South African citizen abroad, natural disasters and evacuation where South African citizens are involved. It excludes any enquiries of a general nature.
Immigration and Civic Services are services rendered on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs and include all matters relating to births, deaths, marriages, passport applications, immigration and residency.
For an overview of the services provided by the Consular Section, the two areas of specialization will be discussed separately.
Registration of South African Citizens visiting or residing in Dakar
South African citizens, who visit Dakar for any length of time, are encouraged to register with the South African Embassy, Dakar.
Please note that the completion of the registration form is voluntary. We would like to stress that all information contained in the form is for the sole use of the South African mission. Hence the information provided will be handled strictly confidential and will not be divulged to other persons or institutions.
By registering, missions are assisted in determining how many citizens are abroad in a city, town or region in a particular country. It assists missions plan in an event of an evacuation, natural disaster, etc. Furthermore, your contact details will be available in case of emergency.
Please click the button below to proceed with the online registration. Should you have any problem registering online, you are welcome to request the form from the Consular Section.
Please remember to inform the Consular Section (consular.seoul@dirco.gov.za)when you permanently depart from Dakar. Email: ambafsud@orange.sn
3.1. Consular and Agency Services:
3.1.1. We provide the following services:
3.1.1.1. Protection and Assistance to South African citizens abroad:
- Respond to emergencies (all situations involving health, safety, security and wellbeing of South African citizens abroad). This includes providing a support service in hostage cases as well as assistance in evacuation planning of South African citizens abroad in cases of political turmoil or natural disasters;
- In the event of an emergency, we communicate on behalf of family and/or friends in South Africa with South African citizens abroad and vice versa;
- Provide logistical support and non-financial assistance for repatriation and urgently needed medical or professional attention. Professional attention includes information regarding legal services available in the event of detention or threat of detention;
- Notify the next of kin in the event of death: The consular official will immediately notify the consular officer at the Chief Directorate: Consular and Agency Services who will notify the next of kin via the official channels;
- Assist in the search for missing persons abroad and/or determination of the whereabouts of South African citizens abroad;
- Assist South African citizens in distress by facilitating the payment of funds to these citizens deposited by family members or friends in South Africa. If family members are unable to assist, we provide assistance to apply for refundable, limited, financial assistance at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation;
- Child Custody, including abductions and adoptions: We provide advice, guidance and support to a custodial parent/guardian. Where there is evidence that the health and safety of the child is in jeopardy, the matter is treated as an emergency;
- Kidnapping and hostage taking covers forcible restrictions on the freedom of movement of all persons. All instances of kidnapping in the Union of Comoros will be reported to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation immediately. We provide guidance and advice to affected citizens and their families;
- Provide non-financial assistance and support to defrauded South African citizens and we report scams and other fraudulent activities to the South African Police Service;
3.1.1.2 Assistance to South African citizens in detention
- Establish and maintain contact with arrested South African citizens abroad with due observance of the law and regulations of the arresting State. This service is rendered to ensure that South Africans who have been arrested, detained or imprisoned under foreign jurisdictions understand their rights and the services that can be provided by the South African Government. Prisoners are defined as persons who have been tried, convicted and sentenced. Depending on specific circumstances, contact will be in person, in writing, by telephone or through appropriate intermediaries;
- Endeavour to visit South African citizens in prison once every three months. However, distance, logistics and local circumstances will play a role;
- Assist South African citizens in prison abroad by facilitating the payment of funds paid by family members or friends in South Africa;
- Facilitate the delivery of letters and/or medication to South African prisoners abroad, sent by family and/or friends from South Africa, subject to the provisions and prevailing fees of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation as may be amended from time to time and also in compliance with the laws and regulations of the country of arrest/imprisonment.
3.1.1.3 Information – South Africa:
- Provide information and advice to South Africans and foreigners on subjects regarding South Africa for which there are frequent requests. These subjects include but are not limited to customs regulations, civil aviation, taxation, pensions, social & legal services, travel, banking and education.
The information and advice will be of a general nature. This Embassy is not in a position to provide specialized advice. The information will often be in the form of directives for the enquirer to the relevant department or institution. No private company will be favored.
3.1.1.4 Legal and Notary:
- Upon instruction from the Department of Justice, this office formally transmits documents in private legal matters to the relevant authorities and/or individuals;
- Act as a Commissioner of Oaths (South African documents only);
- Legalization: We can authenticate the signatures of the authorized officials in the Foreign Ministry
3.1.2 You will be able to make use of these services by:
Contacting our office via any of the following means:
- By e-mail at ambafsud@orange.sn.
- In the case of an emergency only, you can reach the Consular Section by dialing the emergency afterhours numbers +221 77 297 2989
3.1.3 Before requesting a service:
- Each case determines the documents needed to enable this office to render assistance. A valid form of identification, i.e. identity document or passport, may be requested. When in doubt, you are advised to contact the office before requesting a service. It may save you time later. You can also visit the Department’s website at www.dirco.gov.za for more information
**IMPORTANT NOTE!!**
We do NOT provide the following services
- Issue travel documents in the absence of proof of citizenship, other supporting documents requested and payment of the prescribed fee.
- Remove children without the assistance of the local authorities and without the authorization of the court.
- Instigate court proceedings or obtain legal advice on behalf of South African citizens.
- Intervene in local judicial procedures to get South African citizens out of prison, on bail or an early trial.
- Pay any expenses on behalf of citizens from State funds, i.e. medical bills, hotel or legal fees, air tickets, transport, food, funerals, cremation or return of mortal remains.
- Obtain accommodation or any permits (i.e. work permits, study permits, etc) on behalf of South African citizens.
- Conduct investigations related to an offence.
- Support a South African citizen financially whilst in prison.
- Travel to dangerous areas to visit prisoners/detainees or provide consular support in such cases.
- Conduct a search without the assistance of local authorities or provide information regarding the whereabouts of a South African citizen without the express consent of that citizen.
- Assist with the transfer of funds to a citizen who is not in distress
3.2 Civic and Immigration Services
3.2.1 We provide the following services:
3.2.1.1 Civic Services:
- Receive and process all applications for South African birth, marriage and death certificates;
- Apply for Letters of No Impediment confirming the marital status of an individual on behalf of South African citizens;
- Receive, process and issue South African emergency travel certificates;
- Receive, process and forward applications for South African identity documents and passports to the Department of Home Affairs;
- Receive and refer various Home Affairs applications, including applications for name change and determination of citizenship to the Department of Home Affairs.
- Consular Section at the South African Embassy in Dakar provides immigration services and information on South African visas on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs of the Republic of South Africa. For more information, you may visit the website of the Department of Home Affairs: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services
3.2.1.2 Immigration
- APPLICATION FOR VISA TO SOUTH AFRICA MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH VFS OFFICES SITUATED AT IMMEUBLE ATRYUM CENTER,REZ DE CHAUSSEE KM 8 ROUTE DE OUAKAM DAKAR,SENEGAL ONLY APPLICATION FOR VISA FOR HOLDERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE EMBASSY
- [ANNOUNCEMENT] From 1 March 2022, all the applications except for a short-term visitor’s visa and study visa are referred to our head office in Pretoria. Upon receipt of the outcome, we can process and issue a visa at the Embassy. It could take 8 business weeks or longer
The following information is subject to change without prior notice
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