What Is A South African Passport?
A South African passport is a travel document given to South African nationals for use when traveling abroad. It enables the bearer to travel overseas in conformity with visa rules and makes it simpler to obtain support from South African consular representatives abroad, if necessary. According to South African nationality legislation, a passport is a recognized document that proves citizenship. In accordance with the Visa Restrictions Index, South African nationals as of 2018 had visa-free entry to 100 nations, albeit some of those countries may need pre-travel registration.
How Are South African Passports Issued?
In accordance with the South African Passport and Travel Documents Act (Act 4 of 1994) and the South African Passport and Travel Documents Regulations of 1996, South African passports are issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs.
The Appearance Of The South African Passport
The South African coat of arms is embossed in gold in the center of the front cover of South African passports, which are green in color. Above and below the coat of arms, respectively, are written in gold text: “REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA” and “RÉPUBLIQUE D’AFRIQUE DU SUD”. On the bottom of the front cover, in gold letters, are the words “PASSPORT” and “PASSEPORT.” There is nothing on the reverse cover. The new South African coat of arms adopted after the year 2000 was printed on passports starting in 2009. Additionally, images of the Big Five species of Southern Africa—the lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant, and rhinoceros—can now be found on visa pages. The first page of the passport is the passport note, and the last page is the particulars page. On the inside of the rear cover of the passport, opposite the particulars page, is printed the identification information page.
Things To Note When Applying For A South African Passport
When you make a passport application, you must have a South African identity number. If you don’t already have one, you must first submit applications for your birth to be registered and, if necessary, for a South African identity document.If you urgently need to travel but do not have a valid normal passport, you may be eligible to apply for an emergency travel document or certificate if you meet the conditions outlined below. Keep in mind that not all nations accept emergency travel documents or certificates. Before submitting an application for an emergency passport or travel documents, you must confirm this with the competent authorities of the country you intend to visit.Fees are charged for all applications for passports and travel documents, with the exception of official and diplomatic passports.
How Long Does A Passport Take In South Africa?
There are two passports you can apply for in South Africa;temporary and permanent.
Temporary: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be consulted before the embassy or consulate-general is allowed to provide an emergency travel document. Normally, this takes one to three business days. The waiting period can be longer if you haven’t uploaded a scan or photo of your stolen or lost passport or identification card.
Permanent: The passport will be issued and processed in around 7 to 21 working days. The 10-year expiration date of the tourist passport. A minimum of 30 days must pass after the scheduled departure date for passports to be valid. Additionally, passports should have a minimum of two blank pages for entry stamps.
