Welcome Message
Thank you for visiting the official website of the South African High Commission in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). Whether you are planning to visit South Africa, are keen to pursue economic interests in South Africa or are interested in the activities of the High Commission, we hope that you find the information useful.
Placing humanity at the centre of all of our activities, in particular the provision of service to our clients, the High Commission staff subscribes to “Batho Pele” (Putting People First) and to the principles of “Ubuntu.” These are reflective of the values that a democratic South Africa upholds, as we seek to create a better South Africa for all who live in it. The High Commission in the UK serves to contribute to the creation of a better South Africa through its engagement with the government and people of the United Kingdom.
South Africa’s democracy is a robust one. While we acknowledge that we have many challenges, we are not defined by it and therefore, we endeavour to constantly highlight the successes we have achieved, as a relatively young democratic nation.
South Africa remains a premier tourism destination characterised by youthfulness, beautiful wildlife, pristine beaches and breath-taking scenery, vibrant cultural and heritage offerings, unique cuisine, exciting adventure, an amazing climate and, a people collectively invested in providing you with your best experience yet.
South Africa is also open for business! As an emerging market economy, we boast world-class infrastructure, a highly developed and sophisticated banking system, an independent judiciary, the largest ports on the African continent and, our greatest asset – our highly resourceful people – who are ready to get to work and get the job done.
Due to new UK government measures to combat the spread of the Coronavirus, the High Commission is unable to attend to walk-in clients or receive postal applications for Consular, Civic or Immigration matters.
https://southafricahouse.uk/home-affairs/civic-services/
For urgent enquiries on Civic and Immigration issues only, send an email to:
Despite the automated response, emails are being received and attended to.
2021 List of Public Holidays observed by the South African High Commission
| Date | Public Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day |
| 2 April | Good Friday |
| 5 April | Easter Monday/Family Day |
| 27 April | Freedom Day |
| 3 May | May Day |
| 31 May | Late May Bank Holiday |
| 16 June | Youth Day |
| 9 August | National Women’s Day |
| 30 August | August Bank Holiday |
| 24 September | Heritage Day |
| 16 December | Day of Reconciliation |
| 27 December | Day of Goodwill |
Re-opening of Whitehall
OPENING OF HOME AFFAIRS OFFICE 15 WHITEHALL LONDON: 29 MARCH 2021
Further to the updated application procedure notice below, please be advised that the office will re open on 29 MARCH 2021.
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We endeavour to keep everyone safe during your visit at our office. Social distancing measures remain in force. Entry will not be permitted unless a mask is being worn.
SERVICES AT 15 WHITEHALL (HOME AFFAIRS)
Services at 15 Whitehall (Home affairs) are now rendered strictly by appointment.
In order to minimize the number of people visiting our office, and to keep everyone safe, we encourage postal applications where possible, especially for child passport applications and birth registration.
Please follow the steps below:
Step No 1:
Download guidelines and application forms using this link.
You will provided with DHA 9 to complete at the office during your appointment
Step No 2:
Complete all forms received and prepare your supporting documents per guidelines.
Step No 3:
Send your request for an appointment at: Civic.appointments@dirco.gov.za. The request must include:
Full names and ID number of the applicant as well as the type of Service required.
POSTAL APPLICATIONS
Step No 1:
Download guidelines and application forms using this link.
Request additional application forms (forms with unique bar code) by sending an A4 Self -addressed pre- paid (1st class Large stamp) envelope (per applicant) with a note stating the forms required and the age of the applicant.
NB: Royal Mail: If the postage stamp on the envelope is insufficient or the envelope is the wrong size, the forms will NOT be mailed to you.
Step No 2:
Fully complete all forms received and prepare your supporting documents per guidelines received.
Post your application forms and requirements to:
South African High Commission
15 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2DD
Website: www.southafricahouse.uk
PASSPORT COLLECTION
Passport collections are strictly from 1400 to 1500 hours Monday to Friday, except on Public holidays. No other services will be rendered during the time allocated for passport collections.
No application forms will be handed out during collection.
Virtual event to unveil the new signage at O. R. Tambo Recreation Ground
Haringey Council agreed to rename Albert Road Recreation Ground O. R. Tambo Recreation Ground to highlight Oliver Tambo’s legacy in the borough and worldwide.
The event was live-streamed out via Facebook.
Watch below:
President Cyril Ramaphosa mourns passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu
President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Isilo Samabandla, King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu.
His Majesty passed away in hospital on the 12th of March 2021.
“This sad news come at a time when we had all been hopeful that His Majesty was recovering well in hospital where he had been over the past few weeks,” the President said.
The President has offered his sympathies and prayers to the Royal Family, to the Zulu nation, and to the people of KwaZulu-Natal and beyond – for whom the Ingonyama was an important symbol of history, culture and heritage.
“His Majesty will be remembered as a much-loved, visionary monarch who made an important contribution to cultural identity, national unity and economic development in KwaZulu-Natal and through this, to the development of our country as a whole.”
Media enquiries: Tyrone Seale,
Acting Spokesperson to the President
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
https://www.gcis.gov.za/newsroom/media-releases/president-cyril-ramaphosa-mourns-passing-king-goodwill-zwelithini
Further information may also be found here.