If your passport is lost or stolen while you are travelling abroad, SA’s Department of International Relations & Cooperation advises that you follow these steps.
Image: Unsplash / Blake Guidry
ALSO SEE: 5 things all passport holders must know
1. Report the loss or theft immediately to the local law enforcement agency (e.g., police station).
2. Take a copy of the police report to the nearest South African High Commission, Embassy or Consulate-General.
3. Apply for an emergency travel document at the diplomatic mission. Note that there is generally a fee for this application.
4. Be aware that all passport applications are forwarded to the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa for processing and issuance. The waiting period for a new passport can be several months.
5. In emergency situations, the South African Diplomatic or Consular Mission can issue an Emergency Travel Certificate, which will allow you only to travel directly back to South Africa.
To apply for a new Passport or an Emergency Travel Certificate, you must:
- Complete an application form
- Be fingerprinted
- Produce written evidence of your South African citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, identity document, certified copy of passport, driver’s license), where available
- Provide a copy of the police report (in the event of loss or theft)
- Present two photographs
- Pay the prescribed fee (as determined by the Department of Home Affairs)
- As a foreigner in a foreign country, you should always have your South African Passport (with required visa/study/work/residence permit) with you.
ALSO SEE: Safer South African passports in the works
The safety of your passport is a top priority – keep it nearby, and never leave your passport unattended in a space that others have access to. Pop it in the safe at your hotel, or keep it on you, if you must.
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