Travel outside SA

1. Apply for a Passport or Travel Document
South African citizens can apply for a passport at a Home Affairs office. Submit your ID, complete the application form, provide biometrics, and pay the required fee. Different passport types are available for adults, children, and temporary travel.

2. Legalising Official Documents for Use Abroad
To use South African documents overseas, you may need them legalised. Submit documents to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for authentication or apostille, depending on the destination country.

3. Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
A PCC confirms whether you have a criminal record. Apply at your local police station with fingerprints and ID. The application is processed by the Criminal Record Centre and can take several weeks.

4. Advice for South Africans in the Event of Death Abroad
If a South African citizen dies abroad, the nearest SA mission can assist with guidance, contacting next of kin, and repatriation arrangements. Funeral costs and transport are the family’s responsibility.

5. Advice for South African Nationals Travelling Abroad
Before travelling, check destination requirements, health advice, and safety tips. Register with DIRCO’s ROSA service for consular support in emergencies.

6. Register South Africans Abroad (ROSA)
South Africans travelling or living abroad can register with ROSA to assist in emergencies like natural disasters or civil unrest. Registration is voluntary and done online.

7. Consular Services
SA consular services offer help with lost passports, medical emergencies, detentions, and other serious issues abroad. These services are limited and do not include legal or financial aid.

8. Advice for South Africans in the Event of Arrest Abroad
If arrested overseas, contact the nearest SA mission for consular help. They can notify your family and explain local legal processes but cannot get you released or provide legal representation.