Consular services for foreigners

Interested in visiting South Africa - to see or to stay, for business or pleasure (or both)? Our offices abroad, your country's office in South Africa, as well as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, can help you in a number of ways.

See the Consular Services website for details on what services South Africans can expect from consular officers in emergencies or in detention.

Where to go for consular services

If you're abroad:

If you're interested in visiting, immigrating to, working, studying or conducting business in South Africa, can apply to your nearest South African Embassy, High Commission or Consulate abroad for the visas and/or permits you'll need.

All permanent South African missions can be contacted by telephone, fax or email. Check the full alphabetical list by country in the "SA offices abroad" box on the right.

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.

If you're in South Africa:

To find your country's representative office in South Africa, see "Foreign offices in SA" in the box on the right.

Or contact the Department of International Relations and Cooperation's head office in Pretoria:

Fax - consular: (012) 329-1752
Fax - legalisation: (012) 329-1018
Postal address:
Chief Directorate: Consular Services
Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag X152
Pretoria, 0001
In person (during official working hours and by appointment only):
Chief Directorate: Consular Services
Legalisation Section NE2A-Ground Floor
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria, 0084