For new parents applying in South Africa for their babies first passport :
If you are applying from abroad - you will need to research the requirements by contacting your embassy or local governmental system
As an International Staff Member, applying for a renewal in South Africa for themselves :
STEP ONE - Confirm information needed & where your embassy is location
Find the closest Embassy for your home country in South Africa, contact them or look on their website to confirm all that is needed for your renewal application.
STEP TWO - Gather, print & fill out all paperwork
Often you will need two color passport photos - the most affordable way is to download this app to take the photo for free and print at a local print shop. Again your Embassy may have specific requirements for this photo, so make sure to consult their website.
STEP THREE - Gather Money Needed for application
You will need to set aside money to pay for your passport - consult the Embassy website for specifics. You also may need to request that your passport application be expedited which can cost extra.
STEP FOUR - Go to your embassy to submit application
First confirm if you need to make an appointment and any protocols they may have as far as what you can / cannot bring with you to the Embassy
STEP FIVE - Track your application
Each Embassy will have different ways to keep you updated, but you are responsible for keeping up to date with the latest for your application
STEP SIX - Outcome recieved !
Make sure to sign your new passport!
Next, update our Visa Team by emailing a copy of your new passport to admin@oasissanctuaries.org
Other Passport FAQS :
What if you had to renew a passport (either because it expired or because it is not valid for 30 days longer than the visa you are applying for) and the current visas are in the old passports?
You do not have to apply for a change of conditions on the current visa (to change it to the new passport number first)
Write a cover letter for that applicant stating that you had to renew the old passport (state the old passport number) and kindly request the renewed visa to be issued into the new passport (state new passport number).
Attach copies of the old passport and bring the original with you to the appointment
What if I loose my passport as an expat (I am not South African)?
Step One : As soon as you are aware that your passport is missing, head to your nearest police station and open a case. You will be issued a case number.
Step Two : Find the nearest embassy or consulate for your passport nation - look up their website and find what paperwork you will need to gather and if you need to make an appointment. There are two options for getting travel documents:
Travel Document : this is if you are in urgent need to travel - this document allows you to return to your home country and it typically only has a limited amount of time that it is valid. You will not be allowed to travel any further with this document.
Permanent Passport : this may take several weeks to be completed and sent to your location, but is the best short term way to obtain a passport
Step Three : Gather the documents you need, often they will include:
Evidence of your citizenship (e.g. a birth certificate, identity document, certified copy of passport, if able)
Copy of the police report (the translation must be in English)
Two photographs (size 35x 45mm)
Paying a fee
Step Four : Make an appointment at the embassy or consulate (as needed)
To be prepared incase of losing your passport again:
Make at least one or two copies of your passport and keep these in various places
Leave a copy with a friend or family member at home
Make sure to keep a virtual copy of your passport that is always available, like on your Google Drive or Dropbox. This way, regardless of where you are, you’ll always have a copy, assuming you have access to an internet connection and a printer
To add a Visa to your new passport, follow these steps from VFS.