Government services

Consular services

Where to go for consular services

If you're in South Africa
Contact the Department of Foreign Affairs' head office in Pretoria.

Postal Address

Physical Address
Room 134
1st Floor
Northvaal Building
225 Vermeulen Street
Pretoria

The Department's Operations Room runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

Telephone: (012) 351 0051
Fax: (012) 351 0364
After hours helpline: (012) 351 1000
E-mail: Operations Room
E-mail: Inquiries
Web page: consular services

For foreign countries' representative offices in South Africa, see "FOREIGN OFFICES IN SA" in the box on the right.

If you're abroad
Contact the South African embassy, high commission or consulate in the country you're living or travelling in, or nearest to the country you're living or travelling in. (In countries where South Africa does not have resident representatives, consular services are offered through honorary consuls or through consular sharing agreements with missions in nearby countries.)

All permanent South African missions can be contacted by telephone, fax or e-mail. Check the full alphabetical list by country under "SA OFFICES ABROAD" in the box on the right.

What can & can't be done for you

What CAN be done for you. South Africa's missions abroad - as well as the head office of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pretoria - can:

Issue emergency passports or travel documents.
Legalise or authenticate documents, witness and certify signatures.
Contact your relatives or friends for assistance.
Advise you on how to transfer funds.
Arrange medical help.
Help put you in touch with local doctors, lawyers and interpreters/translators.
Assist in the event of a death.
Arrange for next-of-kin to be informed of an accident or death and advise on procedures.
Assist South African citizens during extreme emergencies such as natural disasters and civil unrest.
Assist victims of robbery and other violence.
Provide assistance in dealing with the criminal justice system.
Assist with locating missing persons.
Help locate abducted children and attempt to reunite them with their custodial parents.
Contact and visit South African citizens arrested or detained and, in certain circumstances, arrange for messages to be sent to relatives or friends.
Make representations on your behalf to the local authorities in certain circumstances.

What CANNOT be done for you. South African consular staff cannot:

Intervene in court proceedings.
Get you out of prison.
Give legal advice or instigate court proceedings on your behalf.
Get better treatment for you in hospital or prison than is provided for local nationals.
Investigate a crime.
Pay your hotel, legal, medical or any other bills.
Pay your travelling expenses.
Pay for the transport or cremation of the mortal remains of SA citizens.
Undertake work better done by travel representatives, airlines, banks or motoring organisations.
Obtain accommodation, work or a work permit on your behalf.
Formally assist dual nationals in the country of their second nationality.