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EMERGENCY TRAVEL CERTIFICATES

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


Enquire on your Passport and ID book application status


PLEASE NOTE:

  • All applicants for EMERGENCY TRAVEL CERTIFICATES must provide their e – mail address /mobile telephone number so that they can informed when the certificate is ready for collection.
  • Payments must be made in British Pounds in form of cash, bank draft or postal order.
  • Postal orders and bank drafts must be made payable to SA HIGH COMMISSION.
  • Application for Emergency Travel certificate (for a child under 15 ½ years of age) made by post must be sent by special delivery envelope and must have another fully paid self addressed special delivery envelope enclosed for the return of issued document.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Applicants older than 15 ½ must collect this document in person at the office as a thumb print needs to be taken.
  • Fingerprints of applicants will be taken by Consular Officers.
  • Proof of flight itinerary.
  • Address in South Africa.
  • Proof of what happened to your SA passport, if lost/stolen a police report. If damaged a sworn statement detailing how your passport was damaged/destroyed.
  • See new guidelines on Passport & ID Photograph Specifications

Passport & ID Photo Standards Poster

Passport & ID Photo Standards Flyer



 

Required Application Forms

  • BI-73 (Passport Application Form)

  • BI-529 (Determination of Citizenship). Must be completed by all SA citizens living outside SA. Holders of foreign citizenship MUST provide proof of how they acquired such a foreign citizenship. In cases of those applicants who acquired foreign citizenship through any of their parents, a certified copy of full birth certificate showing the birth places of your parent(s). Under circumstances where even the parents acquired such a citizenship through descent, a letter from relevant authorities in the country concerned will suffice. Also refer to item 9,10 and 11

  • BI 9 (Fingerprint Form). The form is completed ONLY by applicants who are 15 ½ years and above. It cannot be downloaded from our website and applicants must sent a fully paid self addressed envelope if they need it. Those applying for passports in person will receive them in the office.

Supporting Document

  1. Flight itinerary.

  2. Address in South Africa.

  3. 4 X passport size photographs.

  4. 6 X passport size photographs for applicants 15 ½ years of age / who are not in possession of a 13 digit Identity number.

  5. 2 X certified copies of bio – data page of passport or ID book. This is a page showing your face and all your particulars. Requested copy of the ID book or passports of applicants making applications in person will be certified accordingly by Consular staff. Applicants not having ID number must provide their RSA birth certificate and form BI 24 notice of birth.

  6. Original police report – if your passport is lost or stolen / case number and form CMO217.

  7. Sworn statement detailing how your passport was destroyed or damaged – if passport is damaged or destroyed.

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

  9. 1 X certified copy of marriage certificate – if applicable.  Applicants whose documents were issued by South African authorities will be certified by consular officials if they are applying in person.   Applicants whose marriage certificates were issued by the UK authorities MUST ensure that their marriage certificates are legalized accordingly.  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 .

  10. 1 X certified copy of divorce decree – if applicable.  Applicants whose documents were issued by South African authorities will be certified by consular officials if they are applying in person.  Those applicants whose divorce decrees certificates were issued by the UK courts MUST ensure that their divorce decrees are legalized accordingly.  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 .

  11. 2 X certified copies of foreign birth registration or naturalization certificate – if applicable.

Prescribed Fees

Emergency Travel Certificate (Adult)
£15.00
Emergency Travel Certificate (Child)
£5

Turn Around Times

Emergency Travel Certificate (Adult)
5 Days
Emergency Travel Certificate (Child)
5 Days


Forms to be downloaded:

BI-73

BI-529

 

Updated 22/01/10

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