South African Embassy & Consular Fees 2026
Complete fee schedule for passport, Smart ID, visa, and document services at South African embassies, high commissions and consulates worldwide. Fees at missions abroad include a surcharge above domestic DHA rates.
Passport Fees
| Service | Domestic (DHA) | Abroad (Embassy) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Passport - 32 pages (10 years) | R600 | R1,200 + local surcharge |
| Adult Passport - 48 pages (10 years) | R1,200 | R2,400 + local surcharge |
| Child Passport - under 16 (5 years) | R600 | R1,200 + local surcharge |
| Urgent Adult Passport (where available) | R1,200 | Not available at all missions |
| Emergency Travel Certificate | Varies | Varies by mission |
| Maxi Passport (48 pages, frequent travellers) | R1,200 | R2,400 + local surcharge |
Smart ID Card Fees
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smart ID Card (first issue) | R140 + mission surcharge | Requires in-person biometric capture |
| Smart ID Card (replacement) | R140 + mission surcharge | Lost/stolen/damaged |
| Temporary ID Certificate | R70 | Valid for 3 months |
Smart ID card applications abroad require Live Capture facilities. Not all missions have this equipment -- contact your embassy to confirm availability.
Visa Fees (Visiting South Africa)
| Visa Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (single entry) | Varies by nationality | 5-10 working days |
| Tourist Visa (multiple entry) | Varies by nationality | 5-10 working days |
| Business Visa | Varies by nationality | 5-10 working days |
| Study Visa | Varies by nationality | 4-8 weeks |
| Work Visa (General/Critical Skills) | Varies by nationality | 4-8 weeks |
| Transit Visa | Varies by nationality | 5-10 working days |
Visa fees depend on your nationality and the type of visa. Citizens of visa-exempt countries do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days for most). Check the visa requirements page for details.
Document & Civil Registration Fees
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Registration (Notice of Birth) | Free (within 30 days) | Late registration: R25 |
| Unabridged Birth Certificate | R75 | Plus mission surcharge; 8-12 weeks |
| Abridged Birth Certificate (reprint) | R75 | Plus mission surcharge |
| Death Certificate | R75 | Plus mission surcharge |
| Marriage Certificate | R75 | Plus mission surcharge |
| Document Legalisation / Apostille | R80 per document | DIRCO authentication |
| Police Clearance Certificate | R190 | Plus fingerprinting fee locally |
| Notarial Services (per document) | Varies by mission | Affidavits, declarations, etc. |
Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
Most missions accept bank transfers to their official accounts. Request banking details from your embassy before making payment. Keep proof of payment for your appointment.
Cash Payment
Cash in local currency is accepted at most missions. Some may also accept South African Rand. Exact amounts are recommended as change may not always be available.
Card Payment
Debit and credit card facilities are available at some missions. Contact your embassy to confirm card payment availability before your appointment.
VFS Global Payments
Where VFS Global handles applications, payments are made through VFS at their service centres. Additional VFS service fees may apply on top of DHA fees.