Home - South African High Commission in the United Kingdom

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

Passport Applications

The Department of Home Affairs has contracted VFS Global to manage the following passport services.

Adult passport applications: citizens who are in possession of a 13-digit bar coded ID book or ID smart card.
Child passport: children under the age of 15 years and 9 months whose birth was registered with Department of Home Affairs and has South African unabridged birth certificate.

Please schedule your appointments using the following link:

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ppt/en/zaf/apply-passport

Important Update on South African Citizenship Following Constitutional Court Ruling

With the reference to the Constitutional Court ruling, the Department of Home Affairs has restored the citizenship of those affected by Section 6(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act 1995. As such, all South African citizens who acquired foreign citizenship are deemed not to have lost South African citizenship.

South Africans who wish to acquire citizenship of another country may now do so without applying for the Retention of South African citizenship letter, Section 6(2).

Those who lost their citizenship through conversion before 6 October 1995 are eligible for reinstatement under Section 26(4). In this case, please refer to services via postal applications on this page.

The Constitutional Court’s ruling does not apply to individuals who voluntarily renounced their South African citizenship.

Reinstatement Process

The following process applies to those who automatically lost citizenship after 6 October 1995.

Following the Court’s judgement, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has launched a dedicated online Citizenship Reinstatement Portal, enabling affected individuals to verify their citizenship status or initiate the reinstatement process. The portal offers a secure, digital mechanism for status confirmation and reinstatement. Access it at: https://myhomeaffairsonline.dha.gov.za,

Follow the process therein and await a response (up to 10 weeks). When you receive a response, you may then print the outcome and approach VFS to apply for a new passport.

All South African citizens, including those who hold dual or multiple citizenships, by law must use a valid South African passport to enter and exit South Africa.

Other Services

The Home Affairs Section of the South African High Commission, London, provides some services strictly by appointment and others are provided strictly by post.

If you cannot attend an appointment, please cancel it in time so that it can be re-allocated to someone else who needs an appointment.

Note: Only book one appointment slot per applicant (e.g. for two applicants, book two appointments).

Click on the Bookings Calendar to secure an appointment for the following services:

Notice of Birth: Birth Registration and First Passport.
First ID Book and First Adult Passport for individuals aged 15.9 years and over who have never been issued a SA ID Book/Smart Card.
Replacement of ID book (Smart ID Cards are only issued/replaced in South Africa).
Emergency Travel Certificate in case of death and severe illness when you cannot book an urgent appointment: you may send an e-mail to: Milnet@dirco.gov.za / civic@dirco.gov.za. Please note: Emergency Travel Document cannot be processed or issued on weekends or public holidays (UK and SA holidays).
Death registration (Registration of Death of SA citizen in UK): Do not make your appointment online, send an e-mail to: Milnet@dirco.gov.za
Consent for Minor’s Passport applications (for parents residing in different countries).
Amendments (e.g. Change of Forenames, Change of Surname not due to marriage or divorce, Change of Gender).

Services Provided Strictly By Post

Retention of South African citizenship: Due to recent changes, South Africans no longer need to apply for Retention of South African citizenship. If an application is submitted, it will not be processed and fees will not be refunded.
Resumption of South African Citizenship
Renunciation of South African Citizenship
Determination of Citizenship Status
Certificates (Birth, Marriage, Death, Certificate of No Impediment)
Marriage Registrations: Compulsory for South Africans married outside South Africa.
Divorce Registration: Compulsory for South Africans divorced outside South Africa.

To access the forms and guidelines for the above-mentioned services, click on the respective service on the following page:, https://dirco.gov.za/uk/civic-services/

As per DHA Circular third party collection of passports is strictly prohibited. Passports cannot be collected on weekends or UK and SA public holidays.

If you have already applied for a passport/ID within South Africa, the DHA Office in South Africa cannot redirect the document for dispatch to the London Mission. You will need to go to South Africa to collect your document.

For any other queries on Civic Service matters, please contact: london.civic@dirco.gov.za

Application Fees

PLEASE NOTE: If you are applying through VFS Global, do NOT pay into the South African High Commission’s account as the payment cannot be refunded.

All application fees are non-refundable. Fees for applications through the High Commission are to be deposited electronically into the High Commission’s UK bank account and must be paid in Sterling Pounds only and at least three days before your appointment.

NB: Please be reminded that you will be required to bring printed proof of payment to your appointment.

PROCESSING FEES
Normal Adult passport 32 pages	£58.00
Child Passport (person under 16 years) 32 pages	£58.00
Lost/ Stolen/ Damaged Passport Replacement	£116.00
Emergency Passport (Adult)	£17.00
Emergency Passport (Minor)	£ 7.00
1^st Identity Document	FREE
Re-Issue of ID document	£12.00
Consent for Minor Passport application (for parents residing in different countries)	£10.00
Birth Certificate	£7.00
Marriage Certificate	£7.00
Death Certificate	£7.00
Certificate of No Impediment	£15.00
Change of Forenames (Adult)	£14.00
Change of Forename (Minor)	£ 7.00
Change of Surname (Adult)	£28.00
Change of Surname (Minor)	£ 7.00
Gender Change	£10.00
Resumption of SA Citizenship – Section 26(b)	£25.00