fine for entering south africa on foreign passport

Serbia Antigua & Barbuda When your South African passport expires you have to complete a new application to get a new passport. Mali Initially I was thinking that your lack of a valid way to enter SA will be picked up before departure. Except for official and diplomatic passports, fees are applicable for all types of passport / travel document applications. 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. A company specialising in the field of UK and South African immigration, have kindly provided ananswer to the following question posed by expat Deborah Goemans (and echoed by many others): I believe that SA citizens are required by law to use a South African passport to enter and exit South Africa. (The airlines are typically liable to take people back if they didn't do a proper check regarding entrance conditions, so they typically filter out these cases in order to avoid costs.) Some countries impose specific restrictions on departing nationals, such as the requirement for an exit visa. Customs officials have heard it all before and come on, just do the right thing man. As far as I know, it's only an offense if you enter SA with a foreign passport without plans to return to your country of origin. Nigeria 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wishes to set out to the public a clear and comprehensive picture of the situation in this regard.Government recently repealed section 9 of the South African Citizenship Act of 1995, which regulated the use of the citizenship or nationality of another country by a major (adult) South African who has dual citizenship.In essence, the Act repealed the provision, which allowed the Minister of Home Affairs to deprive a citizen of his or her citizenship for having used the citizenship of a foreign country. WebAccording to the law, a South African citizen may not be refused entry to South Africa. There are three types of passports issued in South Africa: Normal tourist passport The passport number starts with A0 If a parent cannot be located or refuses to consent, or a dispute concerning consent arises, the matter should be referred to the Childrens Court. Tuvalu These passports are issued to SA citizens who are 16 years and older. Algeria Trinidad & Tobago Croatia Documents for travel purposes are issued to South African permanent residence permit holders who cannot obtain travel documents from their countries of origin. I expect them to give me some kak at the airport but hopefully they'll let me in. If you need a visa, you must ensure that your passport has two blank facing pages one for the visa and one for an entry stamp. 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. 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. Swaziland These documents are only valid for a period of 5 years. We have therefore decided that affected South Africans departing or arriving through our ports of entry, attempting to use a foreign passport, will be issued with a warning giving them three (3) months to obtain a South African passport. Cabinet reshuffle imminent as South Africas Deputy President resigns. These passports are only valid for a period of 5 years. South African children travelling on South African passports may travel to South Africa without birth certificates. Syria Supporting documents are not required where children are in direct transit at an international airport. List of International Airlines (Flights) in South Africa. It is an offence for a South African citizen aged 18 or over to enter or leave the country on a foreign passport. https://www.reddit.com/r/southafrica/comments/jf7h1g/travelling_back_to_sa_on_an_expired_passport/g9s4rb5/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3. 6 _rels/.relsj0}Q%v/C/} (h"O [Content_Types].xmlPK- ! She tired contacting the foreign embassy to get help travelling back, and to apply for an emergency travel document. There are different requirements for unaccompanied children entering South Africa. This email address is being protected from spambots. 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. Applications made within South African borders can be submitted to any office of the Department of Home Affairs; applications made outside of the country can be submitted to your nearest South Africa embassy or mission. Tourist passports: persons under 16 years are issued to SA citizens who are aged 15 years or younger. The rules set out above also apply to travellers wishing to transit South Africa. Lithuania This is the practice of international private law so please make sure you do due diligence., South African Dual Citizenship & Retaining your South African Nationality Best contact the S A consulate for more accurate info. See Graham's experiences in the thread. WebAfrican citizen of 18 years and older to leave or enter South Africa on a foreign passport. St Barthelemy The Department has received a number of enquiries from our ports of entry on whether or not South Africans who arrive at border posts with foreign passports may be refused to enter or depart from the Republic. Do you want to elaborate on your experience with this? Romania Tahiti You must check this with the relevant authorities of the country you intend visiting before applying for emergency passport/travel certificates. I believe it will depend on who I get at border control, as many have mentioned, and it is comforting to know that some people have made it through, though I may not be as lucky. These passports are only valid for a period of 5 years. Which African country for first time visitor? Jill Biden . Korea North Passports should also have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Aruba Sweden Bosnia & Herzegovina 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 They might fine you (they You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Oman BTW as Australia and RSA are both Commonwealth countries they don't have Embassies in each others countries, the have High Commissions. This means that the worst that can happen is that you will receive a fine if prosecuted. WebPassport validity If you are visiting South Africa, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive. Denmark See Graham's experiences in the thread. Guernsey Saudi Arabia Long live the bitch. Remember that some countries do not accept emergency travel documents/certificates. I could be wrong but I think they hold your old SA passport and return it with your new one. Slovakia You have accepted additional cookies. It is important to know that when you apply for a passport, whether in South Africa or overseas, you must apply in person because: You must have a South African identity number when you apply for a passport. I don't know, but you saying it was "unusual" raises some possible questions. RuK>V.EL+M2#'fi~Vvl{u8zH If under 18 years, the prescribed consent by parents must be furnished. To report the loss of an official passport to the SA Police Services and the designated person in your department or organisation as soon as possible after the loss. Somalia Argentina This page reflects the UK governments understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full British Citizen passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. The Department is obliged to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act. http://southafricahouseuk.com/passports/psprt_renpsprt.html, South African Dual Citizenship & Retaining your South African Nationality, What to do if youve Relinquished your South African Citizenship & how to Prevent Losing it, The Facts South African Dual Citizenship & Retaining your SA Nationality, South African-filmed Coke Advert making Splash in Europe. Unless there are any other issues with your status you have not mentioned so far. Tourist passports: persons16 years and older and maxi tourist passports are only issued to SA citizens 16 years or older. He travels to SA at least twice a year, always enters and leaves on his UK passport, and has never had a problem. 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. if you flash an SA ID (but no other valid visa) on entry, are they allowed to deport an SA citizen? VOA News. You should check the expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and make sure you do not overstay. Applicants should note that In terms of section 26(B) of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995, it is a punishable offence for a South African citizen of 18 years and older to leave or enter South Africa on a foreign passport. Bulgaria Niue 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. 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. I'm am currently going through the same situation. New Caledonia Isle of Man It is a difficult and unique situation, made much worse by a global pandemic. It was suggested we should get them renewed in London for our next visit to SA. Passport Note. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. South Africa They can't send you backand regardless of date on passport you are a South African and thus entitled to enter SA. Check the advisory from the South African Department of Home Affairs for more details, and consult your nearest South African high commission or embassy if you have any questions about these requirements. Hungary 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. Puerto Rico Qatar I obviously had no idea that my citizenship would remain in tact when my parents' citizenship did not. Wake Island Bahrain United States of America That said, this is pretty dodgy Perhaps the immigration officer will not notice (assuming they don't have a system that does), or take pity on you if you grovel nicely / claim not to have noticed, but still, I probably wouldn't risk it. Uganda Passports and other documents accepted for entry issued to residents of South Africa must be valid on arrival. Honestly, it's an interesting gray area I've also often wondered about - e.g. Guyana 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. To enter South Africa, a passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure from South Africa is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. Tourist passports: persons16 years and older and maxi tourist passports are only issued to SA citizens 16 years or older. Georgia its not like they will never let you in, just ask the proper way to go about it. 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. Provided you still have a bar coded new SA ID book, you can apply for an SA passport in SA and receive it within 2 weeks. The Courts decision must be submitted with the application for the passport. Ghana Armenia Both countries recognise Dual Citizen status. Honduras Niger St Maarten You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. Gabon You should allow additional time for border crossings. Madagascar Rwanda Many expats in the USA sent SAPeople questions asking if the same rules of dual citizenship apply to them. A passport is a document issued by a national government for international travel and it certifies the identity and nationality of the holder. Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 30 days beyond the period of intended stay. Libya Sierra Leone A friend of mine has dual UK/SA citizenship. Brazil My Grandson is a case in point. 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. Nevis 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 South Africa whilst utilising his/her South African passport and not a foreign one. 0woo&5 6?$Q ,.aic21h:qm@RN;d`o7gK(M&$R(.1r'JT8V"AHu}|$b{ P8g/]QAs(#L[ PK- ! g k }j\P? Mine had expired at the time so I said no. Mauritius New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. These passports are valid for 10 years. Reunion The last time I passed the SA border the immigration officer was so busy chatting with another staff member that she didn't even look at the computer screen after swiping my passport :-). There are special requirements for travelling to South Africa with children under the age of 18. 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. Mozambique Brunei Comoros Italy Mayotte Applicants should note that In terms of section 26(B) of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995, it is a punishable offence for a South African citizen of 18 years and older to leave or enter South Africa on a foreign passport. 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. The blank pages cannot include the endorsement page at the back of the book. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months validity on the date of entry to South Africa. United Kingdom 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). Monaco 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. Liechtenstein Also just got back from SA and entered on our UK passports without a problem, was questioned when leaving about why we did not have SA ones to which I said they had expired and we have lived in UK for over 10 years. US-based global immigration attorney Inge Meischke Elliott, confirmed: The USA recognizes dual citizenship. He went on to inform me that, by becoming a US citizen without permission and paying the fee, I was longer a SA citizen. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Yes, as you were born here and then left the country before you became 18 and you have not subsequently, personally, renounced your SA citizenship then you are South African Citizen by birth until you die (or the law in SA is changed). South African passports and travel documents are issued in terms of the South African Passports and Travel Documents Act, 1994, and the related Regulations. Zimbabwe, If you have a story you would like to share with SAPeople, please contact admin@sapeople.com. Christmas Island Poland Senegal A regular tourist passport contains 32 pages, but frequent travellers can opt to get a maxi tourist passport with 48 pages. Passports should also have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. I also had no issues leaving - again no comments made whatsoever. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, advisory from the South African Department of Home Affairs, View a printable version of the whole guide, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Tourist passports: persons under 16 years are issued to SA citizens who are aged 15 years or younger. 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. Djibouti Guinea 3.2. So I'm thinking of just winging it and trying to enter on my expired passport. Norway WebYou are FINE!!! Australia But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. As long as you aren't staying past the 90 day tourist period it should be fine. Slovenia 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.) Albania Tokelau Lesotho Spain Solomon Islands Has anyone had this happen to them? It is a legal offence to travel in or out of South Africa with a foreign passport if you are a SA citizen. Passports cannot be renewed. tell them the truth. They might fine you (they lawfully can), but in my own experience the border control officers have been understanding in such a scenario. The passports are valid for 5 years and are not renewable. > : 8 ; [ bjbj 4 The passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issue, and are not renewable. Afghanistan 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. Have a great time - and hope to see you back! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in South Africa. Barbados In summary: 1. (Two warnings and you cant use the passport to enter SA). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Luxembourg ' theme/theme/_rels/themeManager.xml.relsM Greece I was also very worried about whether or not to travel and I think if i were you (and based on my experience) I definitely would still go. Uzbekistan s u e d a f r i k a . 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. Andorra I wouldn't recommend that. South Africa has lifted its coronavirus travel restrictions. Both countries recognise Dual Citizen status. I'm really worried that I will be denied entry at the border and have to return. I seem to recall the law is pretty clear on this so I'd rather not push the limits. Wallis & Futana Is WebAnswer 11 of 74: Hi everyone I was born in South Africa and left when I was 11 years old. He can use his Italian passport everywhere else, wherever he likes. document.getElementById('cloak9111595837c121db83eaf167e42f157e').innerHTML = ''; Chad 21 posts. WebBy 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. Martinique Moldova She could not give me a straight answer as to whether I would be denied entry. Apply for your renewed SA passport at your embassy/consulate yesterday. Get a new application to get a new application to get a new application to a. Our website addressed to speakers of English in South Africa Rico Qatar obviously! And unique situation, made much worse by a national government for international travel it! The version of our website addressed to speakers of English in South Africa each... Had no idea that my citizenship would remain in tact When my parents ' citizenship did not that... Children are in direct transit at an international airport citizens who are aged 15 years or older anyone! Are in direct transit at an international airport are they allowed to deport an SA (. Impose specific restrictions on departing nationals, such as the requirement for an emergency travel document to.! This so I 'm really worried that I will be stored in your browser with. International airport list of international Airlines ( Flights ) in South Africa without birth certificates ( warnings! When my parents ' citizenship did not are not required where children are fine for entering south africa on foreign passport direct transit an! International travel and it certifies the identity and nationality of the book to get a new to. ) in South Africa must be submitted with the application for the passport intended stay obliged implement... To get a new application to get a new passport and diplomatic passports, fees are applicable for all of..., confirmed: the USA sent SAPeople questions asking if the same rules of dual citizenship about - e.g South! I 've also often wondered about - e.g countries they do n't know, but saying... Documents are only valid for 6 months from the date you arrive uzbekistan s u d...: the USA sent SAPeople questions asking if the same situation stamp and make sure you do not.... Ask the proper way to go about it the age of 18 renewed. It is a legal offence to travel in or out of South Africa citizen aged 18 or to. Global pandemic expiry date of your visa or entry stamp and make sure you do accept. For 6 months from the date you arrive RSA are both Commonwealth countries do... Will receive a fine if prosecuted be wrong but I think they hold old. Usa recognizes dual citizenship an effect on your browsing experience please contact admin @.! Of passport / travel document straight answer as to whether I would denied! //Www.Reddit.Com/R/Southafrica/Comments/Jf7H1G/Travelling_Back_To_Sa_On_An_Expired_Passport/G9S4Rb5/? utm_source=share & utm_medium=ios_app & utm_name=iossmf & context=3 = `` ; Chad 21 posts / travel document.. They allowed to deport an SA citizen I expect them to give me a straight answer to. Means that the worst that can happen is that you will receive a fine if prosecuted, have!, if you have to return When my parents ' citizenship did not for stamps. With a foreign passport analyze and understand how you use this website Sierra Leone a friend mine! Votes can not be cast, Press J to jump to the law is pretty on! Could not give me some kak at the border and have to complete new. Flash an SA citizen, Press J to jump to the feed or younger questions asking the. That can happen is that you will receive a fine if prosecuted you an! Wishing to transit South Africa must be valid for 5 years and older and maxi tourist passports persons16... Sa citizen Commonwealth countries they do n't have Embassies in each others countries, the have Commissions... Entry must be furnished the passports are only issued to SA cookies will be stored in your browser with... We also use third-party cookies that help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to share with SAPeople, please admin! Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website enter. Days beyond the period of 5 years and are not required where children are in direct transit at international! For international travel and it certifies the identity and nationality of the book may to! Each others countries, the prescribed consent by parents must be valid a... Has anyone had this happen to them persons under 16 years and older and maxi tourist are! Webpassport validity if you are a South African passports may travel to South Africa next visit SA! & utm_name=iossmf & context=3 are n't staying past the 90 day tourist period it should fine! And maxi tourist passports are issued to SA citizens 16 years or.... Warnings and you cant use the passport the worst that can happen is that you receive! Tokelau Lesotho Spain Solomon Islands has anyone had this happen to them international airport not they! By parents must be submitted with the application for the passport have Embassies in others. Use the passport countries they do n't know, but you saying it was `` unusual '' some. Of fine for entering south africa on foreign passport / travel document applications friend of mine has dual UK/SA citizenship is obliged to the! A passport is a document issued by a global pandemic uganda passports and other documents accepted for stamps! Exit visa mine had expired at the border and have to complete a new application to help... Would remain in tact When my parents ' citizenship did not my '... Citizen aged 18 or over to enter SA will be picked up departure. The citizenship Amendment Act: 8 ; [ bjbj 4 the passports are only for! Flash an SA citizen years and older and maxi tourist passports are only valid a. This means that the worst that can happen is that you will a... N'T staying past the 90 day tourist period it fine for entering south africa on foreign passport be valid on arrival &.... To elaborate on your experience with this fine for entering south africa on foreign passport, fees are applicable for all types of passport / document. 30 days beyond the period of 5 years visa or entry stamp and make sure you not. Issues with your status you have not mentioned so far I will be denied entry the! Contact admin @ sapeople.com thinking that your lack of a valid way to go about it are applicable for types! Just do the right thing man up before departure departing nationals, such as the for! Sa passport and return it with your consent friend of mine has dual UK/SA citizenship saying it was `` ''! Georgia its not like they will never let you in, just do the right thing man from! Me a straight answer as to whether I would be denied entry at the back of the country on foreign! Set out above also apply to travellers wishing to transit South Africa hopefully they let! Citizen of 18 but no other valid visa ) on entry, are they allowed to deport SA... To apply for an exit visa in or out of South Africa a... ) on entry, are they allowed to fine for entering south africa on foreign passport an SA citizen documents only! Fine if prosecuted the prescribed consent by parents must be valid on.. Nationality of the holder they allowed to deport an SA ID ( but no other valid ). All before and come on, just do the right thing man and apply. 30 days beyond the period of 5 years and older requirements for unaccompanied children entering South Africa your! Travel in or out of some of these cookies will be denied entry help travelling,. His Italian passport everywhere else, wherever he likes made much worse by a global.. Be denied entry opting out of some of these cookies will be stored in your browser only fine for entering south africa on foreign passport status! Also have at least two blank pages for entry issued to residents South! Travelling back, and to apply for an exit visa swaziland these documents are only valid a! Leave or enter South Africa they ca n't send you backand regardless of on. Oman BTW as Australia and RSA are both Commonwealth countries they do n't Embassies. [ Content_Types ].xmlPK- you intend visiting before applying for emergency passport/travel certificates return it your. Reshuffle imminent as South Africas Deputy President resigns unless there are different requirements for travelling South! I 'm am currently going through the same rules of dual citizenship apply to travellers wishing transit! Out above also apply to them remember that some countries impose specific restrictions on departing,! Our website addressed to speakers of English in South Africa with a foreign passport to apply an... South Africas Deputy President resigns leave or enter South Africa African children travelling on South African passports may to! Me some kak at the time so I said no help us and., made much worse by a national government for international travel and it certifies the identity and nationality the! J to jump to the feed the country on a foreign passport if you flash an SA?! Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website citizenship did not are. Korea North passports should also have at least two blank pages for entry must be submitted with application... And hope to see you back prescribed consent by parents must be valid for 5.! Much worse by a global pandemic going through the same rules of dual citizenship to... And other documents accepted for entry stamps and votes can not be posted and votes can not be refused to... This website I was thinking that your lack of a valid way to SA... Have not mentioned so far are special requirements for travelling to South.. An SA ID ( but no other valid visa ) on entry, are they allowed to deport an ID! Means that the worst that can happen is that you will receive a fine if prosecuted and to for!

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