How much does an ETC cost?

The fee varies by mission. Contact your embassy for the exact amount. In emergencies, the fee may be waived.

Can I apply on behalf of someone else?

If the traveller is incapacitated, a family member or legal representative may apply with proof of relationship and circumstances.

Emergency Services

South African Emergency Travel Document

Q: Can I use an ETC to travel to a third country?

In some cases, yes. The destination country must accept ETCs for entry. Discuss your travel plans with the embassy.

The Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) is a temporary travel document issued by South African embassies to citizens abroad who need to travel urgently but do not have a valid passport. It is typically issued within 1-3 working days.

24/7 Emergency Line

DIRCO Operations Centre: +27 12 351 1000 (available 24 hours, 7 days a week for consular emergencies)

What is an Emergency Travel Certificate?

An Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) is a single-use, limited-validity travel document issued by a South African diplomatic mission to a South African citizen who:

Has lost their passport or had it stolen
Has an expired passport and cannot wait for renewal
Needs urgent travel due to medical emergency, family bereavement, or critical business
Has a damaged passport that is no longer accepted by airlines or immigration

An ETC is not a full passport. It is valid only for the specific journey stated and expires after use or on the stated expiry date, whichever comes first.

How to Apply

1Report to Police

If your passport was lost or stolen, file a police report first. This is required for the ETC application. Get a written report with a case/reference number.

2Contact the Embassy

Contact your nearest SA embassy during office hours. For after-hours emergencies, call the DIRCO 24/7 line: +27 12 351 1000.

3Submit Application

Visit the embassy with your police report, any ID you have, two photos, and proof of travel (flight booking). Complete the ETC application form.

4Receive ETC

The ETC is usually issued within 1-3 working days. In genuine emergencies, same-day issuance may be possible at the ambassador's discretion.

Documents Required

Police report (if passport lost/stolen)
Sworn affidavit explaining circumstances
Any form of South African ID (Smart ID, ID book, driver's licence, certified copy)
Copy of lost/stolen passport (if available)
Two passport-size photographs
Proof of intended travel (flight booking, ticket)
Proof of emergency (death certificate, medical letter) where applicable
Payment of ETC fee (varies by mission)

Important Limitations

Single Journey Only

The ETC is valid for one journey only. Once you arrive at your destination, it is no longer valid for further travel. You must apply for a full passport upon return to South Africa or at another embassy.

Country Acceptance

Not all countries accept Emergency Travel Certificates for entry or transit. Check with the immigration authorities of your destination and any transit countries before travelling. The embassy can advise on acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions

In some cases, yes. The ETC can be issued for travel to South Africa or to another destination. However, the destination country must accept ETCs for entry. Discuss your travel plans with the embassy when applying.

The fee varies by mission and is payable in local currency. Contact your embassy for the exact amount. In some emergency circumstances, the fee may be waived at the ambassador's discretion.

If the traveller is incapacitated (hospitalised, detained), a family member or legal representative may apply on their behalf with proof of the relationship and the circumstances. Contact the embassy's consular section to discuss the situation.