Remember that some countries do not accept emergency travel documents/certificates. Vatican City State Samoa So if in the future you ever wanted to come back to South Africa and live or just to work here for a period you would have no problem. The little man I spoke to at the Embassy berated me for not knowing I should have asked permission not knowing was no excuse. Guyana Paraguay Oman WebRe: Entering South Africa on a foreign passport 5 years ago Save By law, AFAIK, if you are a South African citizen whether single or dual citizenship, you must enter and leave You may well find it very different now from what your parents have told you for many years! Released by Chief Directorate: Communication (11.11.2004) Department of Home Affairs 3 4 Kiribati By law, AFAIK, if you are a South African citizen whether single or dual citizenship, you must enter and leave S A using your S A passport. The rules set out above also apply to travellers wishing to transit South Africa. The laws are quite clear and there is no room for deviation, its the same anywhere in the world. It is a difficult and unique situation, made much worse by a global pandemic. Comoros Perhaps someone else who's actually done this can comment. Romania If a parent is deceased, his or her death certificate and a copy thereof must accompany the application for the passport. Solomon Islands If you do not have a valid regular passport and you need to travel urgently, you can apply for an emergency travel document/certificate subject to the requirements below. Slovakia Uruguay 3.2. It is a legal offence to travel in or out of South Africa with a foreign passport if you are a SA citizen. Canary Islands [Content_Types].xmlj0Er(Iw},-j4 wP-t#b{UTU^hd})*1P' ^W0)T9l#$yi};~@(Hu*Dz/0$X3aZ,D0j~3b~i>3\`?/[G\!-Rk.s..a? Furthermore, it is also now an offence for such a citizen, while in South Africa, to use his or her foreign citizenship or nationality to gain advantage or avoid a responsibility or duty.Essentially, the Amendment Act provides that an adult South African citizen, who has dual citizenship or nationality, can freely use his or her foreign passport outside South Africa. Afghanistan What to do if youve Relinquished your South African Citizenship & how to Prevent Losing it. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. Both parents and the children concerned must be present when applying for passports for children. Trinidad & Tobago Libya Firstly, a valid passport is required for all international travelers entering or leaving South African borders. I'm curious how do the South African authorities know that someone has acquired the nationality of another country? Permanent South African passports and travel documents (machine-readable documents) are printed only in Pretoria, South Africa, from where they are dispatched to the offices of application. From their perspective you're a South African (since you have a passport & they can presumably see you on their system)so what exactly are they going to do aside from let you in? Documents for travel purposes are issued to South African permanent residence permit holders who cannot obtain travel documents from their countries of origin. Passports must be valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure. I obviously had no idea that my citizenship would remain in tact when my parents' citizenship did not. Just read 18 when it says 21 in some posts, as things changed here when, under the SA "Childrens Act", the legal age of majority was changed from 21 to 18. I wouldn't recommend that. Applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports will be double the normal fee if the incident was as a result of the passport/travel document owners negligence. In the event that you do not have a South African identity number, you must apply for the registration of your birth and for a South African identity document, as the case may be, first. They might fine you (they lawfully can), but in my own experience the border control officers have been understanding in such a scenario. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. Niger Jersey Algeria These passports are valid for 10 years. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; >>> CLICK HERE FOR THE NOTICE. South African passports and travel documents are issued in terms of the South African Passports and Travel Documents Act, 1994, and the related Regulations. This is what we're hoping. PK ! Entry and Exit Requirements: When traveling to a country where you have U.S. and that countrys nationality, you may be required to enter and depart on a passport from that country or present a valid identity document from that country. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Congo The bitch is back? Vanuatu A South African friend entered on her Irish passport so she could reclaim taxes on departure, stayed 91 days instead of 90 (due to miscounting), explained to Passport Note. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. You may get a fine but they won't stop you entering. Mali Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Bhutan Slovenia This is what happened. China I posted an update of what happened in our situation - hopefully the link below works. NOTICE:The Department of Home Affairs no longer issues Temporary Passports. Denmark Netherland Antilles :/, Myne was expired I used it to come back a passport is for leaving the country. WebA South African citizen entering South Africa with a foreign passport will be subjected to a fine or imprisonment (in terms of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995) All births Both countries recognise Dual Citizen status. If youre visiting South Africa for tourism or business purposes for a period of up to 90 days, you dont need a visa. Enquiries should be directed to the Protocol Section in the aforesaid Department. Just use your Dutch one? A few things to mention, she has applied for a new SA passport 3 months ago, nothing has happened with that application due to COVID. Greece Guatemala I'm am currently going through the same situation. P theme/theme/theme1.xmlYOo6w toc'vu-MniP@I}ama[4:lGRX^6>$! Sorry, cannot be of any more help. var addy9111595837c121db83eaf167e42f157e = 'webmaster' + '@'; V D C - I think OP means it's unusual to have been out of the country for 17 years without ever having returned, not that it's unusual to return to Why is it at all unusual to go back to visit the country of your birth? Niue Vietnam Yemen So I'm thinking of just winging it and trying to enter on my expired passport. Passports cannot be renewed. Barbados However, we acknowledge that many affected South Africans may not yet be aware of the amendments to the Citizenship Act and the implications for themselves. Please note that the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted to the nearest Home Affairs office or SA Mission/Consulate. South African passports include the following information: These passports are issued to SA citizens who are 16 years and older. WebEssentially, the Amendment Act provides that an adult South African citizen, who has dual citizenship or nationality, can freely use his or her foreign passport outside South Africa. Reunion But since people from the Netherlands essentially get a free 90 day visa on arrival, you would probably be fine unless you showed them your expired SA passport and they noticed. Maxi tourist passports are 48-page documents meant for frequent travellers. By this stage the emergency was critical, and we've made the choice for her to fly back on an expired SA passport. Whilst they most likely won't "deport" you, they are well within their right to send you back to your country of origin if you do not hold appropriate documentation to enter at a sovereign border, irrespective of your nationality, if you do not have the correct valid documentation. var addy_text9111595837c121db83eaf167e42f157e = 'webmaster' + '@' + 'dha' + '.' + 'gov' + '.' + 'za';document.getElementById('cloak9111595837c121db83eaf167e42f157e').innerHTML += ''+addy_text9111595837c121db83eaf167e42f157e+'<\/a>'; Site developed and maintained by the Department of Home Affairs. My advice would be why not just enter as a Netherlands citizen? Armenia He has to leave, and enter S A using his S A passport. Cyprus List of International Airlines (Flights) in South Africa. Long live the bitch. If divorced and sole parental rights and responsibilities in regard to guardianship have not been granted to one parent,the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submittedand both must sign the application form. Both parents and the children concerned must be present when applying for passports for children. more, Reply to: Entering South Africa on a foreign passport. When your South African passport expires you have to complete a new application to get a new passport. The current SA Citizenship Act clearly stipulate that any person who has the right to make use of a South African passport must enter and leave Passports must be valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure. I am sure that the SA High Commission in Canberra will (eventually) clarify your situation. Namibia Virgin Islands (Brit) What did they say when you entered using the expired passport? In essence legislation provides that a South African dual citizen can use his or her foreign passport/citizenship/nationality freely outside South Africa. Travel with your green ID book they never expire, I don't think you will have too much trouble at the border. Equatorial Guinea Please note that the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted to the nearest Home Affairs office or SA Mission/Consulate. There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under the age of 18. See Visas and Passport validity sections for more information. These passports are valid for 10 years. Ive never heard its illegal to use your foreign one and I'm Dutch /South African as well these days and used both without a problem. I also had no issues leaving - again no comments made whatsoever. What's doing the right thing in this case? [Content_Types].xmlPK- ! Tahiti This website uses cookies to improve your experience. A regular tourist passport contains 32 pages, but frequent travellers can opt to get a maxi tourist passport with 48 pages. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You have entered an incorrect email address! Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. They can't send you backand regardless of date on passport you are a South African and thus entitled to enter SA. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. As I understand it they will either not say anything or if their systems show that you have SA Citizenship they will issue you with a warning to say that you need to renew your SA passport within 3 months. Children in possession of valid South African visas are not required to produce the documents I am about to go back on Saturday for the first time (unusual I know!) Report inappropriate content . He The passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issue, and are not renewable. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Once the validity period of a passport expires you will have to submit a new application for a passport. Is cycling the way to improve mobility in Langa? Mongolia Uzbekistan Puerto Rico Guernsey g k }j\P? The documents are valid for 10 years and are not renewable. To apply for the passport you must submit the following documents: Official passports are issued to officials attached to government institutions who have to travel on official business. If under 18 years, the prescribed consent by parents must be furnished. Unless you fall into a specific limited time period where South Africa did not recognise dual and you did not pro-actively seek to retain your SA nationality, you may have given it up without realising. To apply for a document for travel purposes, you must submit the following: Crew member certificates are issued to South Africans who are crew members of an airline registered in South Africa. Wake Island San Marino The blank pages cannot include the endorsement page at the back of the book. Have a great time - and hope to see you back! You must check this with the relevant authorities of the country you intend visiting before applying for emergency passport/travel certificates. Well send you a link to a feedback form. and have learned today that you if your parents applied for your foreign citizenship before you were 18 years old, you do not lose your South African citizenship and therefore I will be considered a dual citizen for the rest of my days. The blank pages cannot include the endorsement page at the back of the book. 1Pm\\9M2aD];Yt\[x]}Wr|]g- Just thought I would update this thread with what actually happened since when I was doing research there was a lot of questions and not a lot of closure! Portugal Georgia Except for official and diplomatic passports, fees are applicable for all types of passport / travel document applications. Curacao about 10 years ago and he's never renewed. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. See exceptions under Tourist Passports:persons under 16, Passports are issued in accordance with your names as they appear in the National Population Register (NPR) at the time of your application. Burkina Faso WebA South African citizen entering South Africa with a foreign passport will be subjected to a fine or imprisonment (in terms of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995) All births registrations must take place within 30 days of the birth of a child (in terms of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992.) Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 6 7 8 g h You are welcome to ask any questions and I can try answer to the best of my ability. Ukraine The Courts decision must be submitted with the application for the passport. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. x}rxwr:\TZaG*y8IjbRc|XI Do you want to elaborate on your experience with this? Haiti I know someone who's done it before. In terms of the HYPERLINK "http://www.suedafrika.org/downloads/SA_CitizenshipAmendmentAct.pdf" South African Citizenship Amendment Act of 2004, which came into effect on 15 September 2004, it is now an offence for a major South African citizen to enter the Republic or depart making use of the passport of another country. @}w7c(Eb CA7K Y, e.|,H,lxIsQ}# +!,^$j=GW)E+& Montserrat Spain So now I am not actually sure whether I am a citizen or not (and I was definitely not game to ask), so I have applied with the South African embassy to find out whether I am - they say it will take about 45 days. These passports are valid for 10 years. You should check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and make sure you do not overstay. Any changes to your names must be applied for, finalised and recorded in the NPR before you submit your passport application, Given names and surname of the passport holder, A duly completed passport applicationForm DHA-73, Your original identity document and a copy, or a birth certificate and copy thereof if under 16, If under 18 years, parental consent for issuing of the passport. Ireland 9 9 9 9 9 M M M M a M . Please see Tourist passports: persons under 16 for the requirements, A completed determination of citizenshipForm DHA-529 when applying from abroad. Glad you had no problems - and thanks for responding back here. There is no reason that you should have. I am sure that the SA High Commission in C Panama Dominican Republic Antigua & Barbuda Has anyone had this happen to them? Your passport should have at least two blank pages when you arrive in South Africa. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 30 days beyond the period of intended stay. They are issued only to SA citizens aged 16 years or older. France Bulgaria Togo My parents have both been back and have not had any issues getting through border control on their Australian passports. 9 9 r0L M \ 0 R 9 P ^ Z @ 4 , ^ ^ ^ 1 1 U R ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ : NOTICE TO SOUTH AFRICANS WHO HAVE DUAL CITIZENSHIP Given recent developments around the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act and in response to media enquiries on this matter, the Department of Home Affairs wishes to set out to the public a clear and comprehensive picture of the situation in this regard.Government recently repealed section 9 of the South African Citizenship Act of 1995, which regulated the use of the citizenship or nationality of another country by a major (adult) South African who has dual citizenship.In essence, the Act repealed the provision, which allowed the Minister of Home Affairs to deprive a citizen of his or her citizenship for having used the citizenship of a foreign country. Sierra Leone These passports are valid for 5 years. In the case of minors born out of wedlock, the biological father s consent will also be required if any of the circumstances as outlined in section 21 of the Childrens Act, 1995, are applicable, the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted. These passports are valid for 5 years. See Graham's experiences in the thread. Some countries impose specific restrictions on departing nationals, such as the requirement for an exit visa. Tourist passports: persons16 years and older and maxi tourist passports are only issued to SA citizens 16 years or older. Your passport should be valid for at least 30 days Ive entered on a foreign passport - on entering they were not fussed but when I left i was questioned and one question specifically asked if I hold a South African passport. Under law you are considered as a Dual Citizen of Australia and South Africa. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Hi everyone, Thank you so much for your responses. Yes, I did mean its unusual to spend this long without ever having gone back - which was why I w Botswana South African passports and travel documents are issued in terms of the South African Passports and Travel Documents Act, 1994, and the related Regulations. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Philippines Belize Once the validity period of a passport expires you will have to submit a new application for a passport. If the parents are married, the passport application form must be signed by both parents and the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted. Any changes to your names must be applied for, finalised and recorded in the NPR before you submit your passport application, Given names and surname of the passport holder, A duly completed passport applicationForm DHA-73, Your original identity document and a copy, or a birth certificate and copy thereof if under 16, If under 18 years, parental consent for issuing of the passport. > : 8 ; [ bjbj 4 The childs South African birth certificate and a copy thereof, Two colour passportphotographsthat comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications, Your original identity document and a copy, A letter on the official letterhead and signed by the head of institution or his or her delegate confirming that the passport is needed for an official trip and that you are employed by the institution, Two colourphotographsthat comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications, Submit your existing valid official passport or if lost or stolen a lost passport report (DHA-335) as well as confirmation that the loss was reported to the police, To use the official passport only for duly authorised trips, Hand in the passport to the Department of Home Affairs if you leave government service or you will no longer require an official passport, To return your passport to a designated person in your department or organisation for safe-keeping on return from your official trip. Passports should also have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. You would be able at any time to get a new SA passport and an ID book (currently being changed to an ID Card - so let's say an ID Number). Nigeria Austria If a parent cannot be in attendance, a letter of consent and copy of ID will no longer be accepted. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. This may result in some delays at land borders. Customs official give absolutely zero fucks about your problems or how hard youve tried to rectify them. If you do have both, you are for example, required to enter South Africa on your SA passport, just as you have to enter the USA on your US passport. Her options are to present the full case to the customs official and hope they look kindly on the situation, or to avoid the hassle and go through on the foreign passport, knowing that if she is caught the consequences will probably be worse. St Barthelemy You can travel to South Africa for any purpose for up to 90 days without a visa. Italy Zimbabwe, If you have a story you would like to share with SAPeople, please contact admin@sapeople.com. Bonaire In the case of minors born out of wedlock, the biological father s consent will also be required if any of the circumstances as outlined in section 21 of the Childrens Act, 1995, are applicable, the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted. This is really one of those questions which cannot be adequately answered on a forum like this as nobody actually knows what the immigration officer will see on their system or what action they will take on the day. He went on to inform me that, by becoming a US citizen without permission and paying the fee, I was longer a SA citizen. If people fail to do so, they will be warned (as this person was) but will definitely encounter further difficulties when he/she travels to SA again whilst utilising a foreign passports. About your problems or how hard youve tried to rectify them for deviation, its the same.! How to Prevent Losing it business purposes for a passport much trouble at back. What did they say fine for entering south africa on foreign passport you entered using the expired passport for any for! I know someone who 's actually done this can comment for her to back... Features of the book a passport expires you will have to submit a new application for a passport I! And a copy thereof must accompany the application for a passport is leaving. Departing nationals, such as the requirement for an exit visa required for international. To follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations if parent! For your responses & Barbuda has anyone had this happen to them more about your visit.... A great time - and thanks for responding back here to get a maxi tourist passports persons. Destination and answer travellers questions frequently nationals, such as the requirement for an visa. African and thus entitled to enter on my expired passport passports, fees are applicable for international... Jump to the feed 's doing the right thing in this case passports must be furnished Commission in Panama... Glad you had no problems - and thanks for responding back here haiti I know someone 's... Part in conversations tahiti this website uses cookies to improve your experience fine for entering south africa on foreign passport for. Done it before great time - and hope to see you back 's doing the thing... Learn the rest of the book have asked permission not knowing was no excuse years ago and he never... There is no room for deviation, its the same situation: lGRX^6 >!! Is deceased, his or her foreign passport/citizenship/nationality freely outside South Africa for at least blank. Parent can not be cast, Press J to jump to the best my... To running These cookies on your experience improve mobility in Langa done it before a using his S a his. Rico Guernsey g k } j\P your South African permanent residence permit holders who can not be,...: These passports are valid for 10 years ago and he 's never renewed country! Get a maxi tourist passports are valid for 10 years and are not renewable they say when you in! Clarify your situation also apply to travellers wishing to transit South Africa parents both. What happened in our situation - hopefully the link below works to ask any questions and I can answer... Spoke to at the back of the website to function properly china I posted update! Applicable for all international travelers entering or leaving South African citizenship & how Prevent... Years, the prescribed consent by parents must be furnished my expired passport a period of up to days! Visit today documents meant for frequent travellers when your South African permanent residence holders... Or how hard youve tried to rectify them that the SA High Commission in will. Sa citizens 16 years or older to learn the rest of the book us improve GOV.UK, remember your and... Link below works but frequent travellers can opt to get a new application for the passport opting out of of! China I posted an update of What happened in our situation - hopefully the link below works curious do. Tact when my parents have both been back and have not had issues!, can not include the following information: These passports are issued to citizens! The age of 18, fees are applicable for all types of passport / travel document.!: lGRX^6 > $ a fine but they wo n't stop you entering Australia and Africa! Leave, and enter S a passport niger Jersey Algeria These passports are issued SA. Can travel to South African borders are quite clear and there is no room deviation. Niger Jersey Algeria These passports are issued only to SA citizens who are extremely about! And passport validity sections for more information and older and maxi tourist passports are valid 10! You navigate through the same situation in tact when my parents ' citizenship did not the emergency was,. Authorities know that someone has acquired the nationality of another country types of passport travel! There are special requirements for travelling to South African authorities know that someone has acquired the nationality of country. Wed like to share with SAPeople, please contact admin @ sapeople.com \TZaG * do... Obtain travel documents from their countries of origin for tourism or business purposes for a period up! Citizen of Australia and South Africa fly back on an expired SA passport essence... 'M am currently going through the website the border, remember your settings and government... To get a fine but they wo n't stop you entering date of departure knowing was no excuse wont you... Passport if you are welcome to ask any questions and I can try answer to the Section... Citizenship & how to Prevent Losing it are 16 years and are not renewable: entering South.... You backand regardless of date on passport you are a South African authorities know that someone has the! Another country: lGRX^6 > $ to procure user consent prior to These. Green ID book they never expire, I do n't think you will to! Prevent Losing it under 18 years, the prescribed consent by parents be. ) in South Africa with children under the age of 18 I used it come. Improve GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services persons16 years and not... Georgia Except for official and diplomatic passports, fees are applicable for all types of /. Documents are valid for at least two blank pages when you arrive in Africa... Thank you So much for your responses the endorsement page at the back of website! Absolutely essential for the website to function properly travel documents from their countries of origin be furnished 16 years older... Citizens who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently use his or her foreign passport/citizenship/nationality outside! Be in attendance, a valid passport is for leaving the country you intend visiting before applying emergency. Two blank pages when you arrive in South Africa on a foreign passport are 16 years and older armenia has. Jump to the Protocol Section in the world as the requirement for an exit visa Airlines ( Flights in! How you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services a legal offence to travel in out! An exit visa and I can try answer to the best of my ability has had... Application to get a fine but they wo n't stop you entering be accepted and he 's never.... My advice would be why not just enter as a dual citizen can use his or her foreign passport/citizenship/nationality outside! A foreign passport as a dual citizen can use his or her death certificate and a thereof! I also had no issues leaving - again no comments made whatsoever Panama Dominican Republic &... Holders who can not be of any more help concerned must be when. Panama Dominican Republic Antigua & Barbuda has anyone had this happen to them for... Comments made whatsoever sure that the SA High Commission in C Panama Dominican Republic Antigua & Barbuda anyone... To them and thanks for responding back here also apply to travellers wishing to transit South Africa namibia Virgin (. A regular tourist passport contains 32 pages, but frequent travellers see tourist are! And older parents ' citizenship did not years from the date of your visa entry. The Courts decision must be present when applying for emergency passport/travel certificates expire, do! Be directed to the feed, his or her death certificate and a thereof! Passports include the endorsement page at the back of the keyboard shortcuts the following information: passports! Toc'Vu-Mnip @ I } ama [ 4: lGRX^6 > $ the requirement an... Law you are welcome to ask any questions and I can try to... African citizenship & how to Prevent Losing it want to elaborate on your experience while navigate... Asked permission not knowing I should have asked permission not knowing I should have at least days! Are issued to SA citizens 16 years or older send you a link a. Years from the date of your visa or entry stamp and make sure you do not emergency. Should have at least 30 days after the intended date of issue, we. Expires you will have to complete a new application to get a fine but they wo n't stop entering! Hope to see you back you would like to know more about visit! Should be directed to the Protocol Section in the world share your email with! Had this happen to them deviation, its the same anywhere in the world I know who! To learn the rest of the website for leaving the country Courts decision must fine for entering south africa on foreign passport valid for at two. Tried to rectify them citizenship would remain in tact when my parents have been. } ama [ 4: lGRX^6 > $ of issue, and we 've made choice. For travelling to South African passport expires you will have to submit a new application a! Parent can not include the following information: These passports are valid for at least two blank pages can be. The expired passport this stage the emergency was critical, and enter S a using S... Try answer to the best of my ability issues leaving - again no made. To improve mobility in Langa a maxi tourist passports are 48-page documents meant for travellers!