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Applying for a full South African passport

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Applying for a full South African passport in the UK

Expected turnaround time:

4 months (estimated). If you never had an ID Number or Barcoded ID or if you were born outside South Africa, the processing time could be longer.

Requirements:

All forms must be completed in black ink.

Passport application form (DHA-73 form). Section C must be signed by both parents for children under the age of 18.

Determination of RSA citizenship (BI 529 form) must be fully completed by all South African citizens living outside of South Africa. Holders of foreign citizenship MUST provide proof (registration/naturalisation certificate) of how they acquired such citizenship. In cases of those applicants who acquired foreign citizenship through any of their parents, a certified copy of your own full birth certificate showing the birth places of your parent(s). Under circumstances where even the parents acquired such citizenship through descent, a letter from the relevant authorities of the country concerned will suffice. Foreign passports are not proof of citizenship. Documents issued in a foreign language must be officially translated to English by a sworn translator.

Fingerprint form BI 9. This form is COMPULSORY for all applicants who are 15½ years and above. Fingerprints will be taken free of charge on the day of application for all successful applicants. Applicants who are taking fingerprints for the first time for passport purposes will be required to complete 2 BI 9 forms. The fingerprint form is not downloadable and the applicants who need the form can obtain it in the following ways:

- They can collect it from the office from 8:45 am – 12:45 pm.

- They can send a self addressed stamped envelope to 15 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2 DD with a request for the form so that it can be posted to them.

4 passport sized photographs. Please check the photograph specifications before taking the photographs. Applicants who are 15½ years old and those who do not have identity numbers MUST provide 6 passport sized photographs.

2 certified copies of photo page of the passport and ID book. Applicants who will be applying in person at the High Commission should bring the original documents and two copies of the original documents which will be certified by the official during submission.

2 certified copies of marriage certificate if married in South Africa or a legalized (Apostille) marriage certificate if the marriage was entered into outside of South Africa. Applicants who will be applying in person at the High Commission should bring the original documents and two copies of the original documents which will be certified by the official during submission.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/services-we-deliver/legal-services/legalisation .

2 certified copies of the divorce decree if marriage was dissolved in South Africa or legalized (Apostille) divorce decree if the marriage was dissolved outside of South Africa. Applicants who will be applying in person at the High Commission should bring the original documents and two copies of the original documents which will be certified by the official during submission.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/services-we-deliver/legal-services/legalisation .

It is compulsory that foreign marriages/divorce must be registered with the Department of Home Affairs. Please complete Registration of Marriage form /Registration of Divorce form. These forms can be downloaded from our Website.

Applicants who wish to change their surname to that of their spouses or wish to retain their maiden name must submit the request in writing.

2 certified copies of retention/reinstatement letter. Applicants who will be applying in person at the High Commission should bring the original documents and two copies of the original documents which will be certified by the official during submission.

Written consent from both parents (if applicants are under 18 years).

Information on legalization of documents issued by UK authorities is available on this link: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/services-we-deliver/legal-services/legalisation

Opening hours:

The office dealing with South African passport holders will be opened from 08h45 to 12h45 Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Collections will be from 08h45 – 12h45

Fees:

Full adult passport: £35; Full child passport: £35; Full maxi passport: £50

Payment MUST be in cash or postal order payable to SA HIGH COMMISSION. Personal cheques are NOT accepted.