By Sue-Ann de Wet

For thousands of South Africans who live abroad, a valid passport remains an essential link to their country of birth. Over the past year, the Department of Home Affairs has announced several new measures to improve service delivery to South Africans abroad.

Under the leadership of Minister Leon Schreiber there has been a focus on expanding international service points, digitalising processes and improving logistical solutions for the issuance of passports.

Expansion of international service points

New or expanded biometric and passport services have been made available in several cities around the globe. This enables South Africans to complete applications closer to their place of residence.

Cities where services have been expanded include:

• London (United Kingdom)
• Sydney and Melbourne (Australia)
• Auckland and Wellington (New Zealand)
• Washington DC (USA)
• other major international centres in Europe and the Middle East.

These centres offer the facility to capture biometric data (photos and fingerprints) locally, which can shorten the waiting time for processing.

Greater focus on digitalisation

The Department’s broader strategy focuses on a more digital approach to citizen services. Advance applications can be initiated online, documents can be uploaded electronically, and status updates are more readily available in many cases.

Although biometric data still needs to be taken physically, the prior digital process makes the final appointment faster and more efficient.

Passport delivery at home

One of the most significant developments is the introduction of international courier delivery in certain countries. This means that applicants in approved cities can receive their new passport via secure courier, without having to return to the embassy in person.

This option is especially valuable for South Africans who live far from consular offices.

What does this mean for the diaspora?

For South Africans abroad, these improvements mean

• less travel to embassies.
• more accessible service delivery.
• shorter waiting times in certain regions.
• greater administrative certainty.

However, it remains important to apply in good time, as many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months for international travel.

AfriForum Worldwide will continue to share practical information with South Africans abroad to make administrative processes simpler and more accessible.

PRACTICAL GUIDE

What you need to know before applying for a South African passport abroad

It is possible to renew or replace your passport abroad, but preparation is important. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Make sure your documentation is complete.

You will usually need to have the following:

• current or expired South African passport
• South African ID (or ID number)
• unabridged birth certificate (especially for minors)
• marriage or name change documents, if applicable
• proof of legal residence in the country where you live.

Make sure all documents are complete and correct before you make an appointment.

• Start your application online where possible

In many cases you can start the process online by:

• filling in your details in advance,
• uploading documents, and
• receiving a reference number.

Please note: You will still need to attend a physical appointment for biometric data.

• Book an appointment in well in advance

Embassies and consulates often operate at limited capacity. Book well in advance, especially if your passport is going expire within six to nine months.

• Keep waiting times in mind

Although waiting times have improved in many countries, processing can still take several weeks. Avoid the risk of a travel emergency by planning well in advance.

• Investigate courier delivery

In certain countries, secure passport delivery by courier is available. Ask during your appointment whether this option is available to you.

• Minors’ applications

For children, additional documentation and parental consent are required. Ensure that both parents’ documents are available where necessary.

Practical tips

• Make digital copies of all documents.
• Check the validity of your current passport at least nine months before it expires.
• Follow up via official channels if waiting time becomes longer than expected.

Also read: SARS increases enforcement on South Africans living outside the country