New Passports
Temporary Passports
Citizenship
Birth, Marriage Certificates etc...
 
Home Page: High Commission E-mail Information Disclaimer Map & Address
S A Citizens
Frequently Asked Questions
This Page is best viewed at a resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels.
RETENTION OF SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENSHIP


Enquire on your Passport and ID book application status

South African Citizens

  • Fingerprints of applicants will be taken by Consular Officers.
  • Only BI 73 & BI 9 forms will be taken in for the opening of the file. The other supporting documents MUST be posted to this office by special delivery post as a matter of urgency.
  • Failure to send the requested supporting documents will result in your application not being processed.
  • Special delivery post MUST be used for sending supporting documents for passport application to the office.
  • See new guidelines on Passport & ID Photograph Specifications
      1. Passport & ID Photo Standards Poster

      2. Passport & ID Photo Standards Flyer

 

From 1 September 2009 South Africans will no longer need an appointment to apply for passport and related services rendered by the Consular Section. The Consular Section dealing with South African passport holders have relocated to 15 Whitehall.

APPOINTMENT SYSTEM

The Visa Section is now located at 15 Whitehall and not anymore at South Africa House. The opening hours are Monday to Friday from 08h30 - 10h30. Visitation is by appointment only. Appointment line number is 09065540798.

OPENING & CLOSING OF OFFICE

The office dealing with South African passport holders will be opened from 08:45 AM to 12:45 PM Monday to Friday except on public holidays.

COLLECTION OF ISSUED DOCUMENTS

Collection of issued documents for South African passport holders will be from 08:45 - 12:45 Monday to Friday except on public holidays.

TELEPHONIC ENQUIRIES ON SERVICES RENDERED BY THE OFFICE

Due to refurbishing there is only one telephone line available, the number is 0207 925 8900. We apologize for the inconvenience


WHAT IS RETENTION OF SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENSHIP AND UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS MAY AN CLIENT APPLY
  • Clients 18 years and older who intend applying for foreign citizenship, but who do not want to lose their South African Citizenship must first apply for retention of South African Citizenship. Failure to do this will result in the client losing his South African citizenship when he/she acquires foreign citizenship.

  • Persons under the age of 18 years do not need to apply for retention of their South African Citizenship, as they will not loose their citizenship whilst still minors.

REQUIREMENT FOR AN APPLICATION FOR RETENTION OF SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENSHIP (SECTION 6(2): SOUTH AFRICAN AS ACT, 1995)

  • All application forms to be completed in black ink.

  • Form BI-1664 to be fully completed
    Please ignore paragraph 8 of form BI-1664.

  • All applicants must complete form BI-529 - see paragraph 8.2.2.3.
    Form BI-529 must be fully completed.
    All South African Citizens who are abroad at the time of lodging a passport application form must fully complete this form. The purpose of the form is to establish that as a South African Citizen you have not lost your Citizenship. If certain questions are not applicable the mark as N/A. If certain questions are not known, for example, your mothers Identity number, then mark it as "do not know. Questions 9, 10, 11 of paragraph A is of particular importance.

  • Certified copies of your current passport (only bio-data page and UK residence visa page need to be certified).

  • A recently dated letter (under 3 months old) from the UK Border Agency confirming that you have not yet acquired British Citizenship.
    The address of the UK Border Agency is; North West Region, Nationality Team, Liverpool, L2 OQN

  • A self-addressed special delivery envelope (obtainable from any UK Post Office) for the return of your documents.

PRESCRIBED FEES

The prescribed fee is £10.00 only cash or Postal Orders are accepted. Postal Orders must be made payable to South African High Commission.

PROCESSING PERIOD

All applications will be finalised within 15 working days.
All applications must be accompanied by prepaid A4 self-addressed stamped envelope

Forms to be downloaded:

BI-1664
BI-529

©Copyright South African High Commission, London, United Kingdom

 

Updated 26/02/10
Contact Details 

Physical address:

15 Whitehall, London,SW1A 2DD.
Click here for directions, bus and tube routes.

Postal address:

South African High Commission,
Home Affairs, Consular Section,
15 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DD.

Telephone No:
0207 925 8900

Fax No:
020 7839 5198