WELCOME

Thank you for visiting the official website of the South African High Commission in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). Whether you are planning to visit South Africa, are keen to pursue economic interests in South Africa or are interested in the activities of the High Commission, we hope that you find the information useful.

Placing humanity at the centre of all of our activities, in particular the provision of service to our clients, the High Commission staff subscribes to “Batho Pele” (Putting People First) and to the principles of “Ubuntu.” These are reflective of the values that a democratic South Africa upholds, as we seek to create a better South Africa for all who live in it. 

The High Commission in the UK serves to contribute to the creation of a better South Africa through its engagement with the government and people of the United Kingdom.

South Africa’s democracy is a robust one. 

While we acknowledge that we have many challenges, we are not defined by it and therefore, we endeavour to constantly highlight the successes we have achieved, as a relatively young democratic nation.

South Africa remains a premier tourism destination characterised by youthfulness, beautiful wildlife, pristine beaches and breath-taking scenery, vibrant cultural and heritage offerings, unique cuisine, exciting adventure, an amazing climate and, a people collectively invested in providing you with your best experience yet.

South Africa is also open for business! As an emerging market economy, we boast world-class infrastructure, a highly developed and sophisticated banking system, an independent judiciary, the largest ports on the African continent and, our greatest asset – our highly resourceful people – who are ready to get to work and get the job done.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Home Affairs Opening Hours for the Public at 15 Whitehall:

  • Monday to Friday: 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Closed on Bank Holidays

From 1 June 2022, passport services in the UK are outsourced to VFS Global. VFS Global has offices in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. To book an appointment, visit VFS Global if you meet the following criteria:

  1. Applying for a new passport and have an Identity Document.
  2. For children under the age of 16 years.
  3. Replacement of stolen/lost/damaged passport.

Services at 15 Whitehall (Home Affairs) are now strictly by appointment only.

  • Book via the following link: “Bookings Calendar
  • Provide full name, ID number/date of birth, etc.
  • For Birth Registration and passport, book only one appointment. 
  • For first ID document and passport, book only one appointment.

If you cannot attend your appointment, please cancel it in time so that it can be reallocated to someone else.

 The following services are rendered strictly by post:

  1. Retention of South African citizenship.
  2. Renunciation of South African citizenship.
  3. Determination of citizenship status