Lost or Stolen South African Passport Abroad
If your South African passport has been lost or stolen while you are overseas, follow these steps immediately to protect your identity and obtain travel documents to return home or continue your journey.
Emergency Contact
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent consular assistance, contact the DIRCO 24-hour Operations Centre: +27 12 351 1000. For after-hours emergencies, this line operates 24/7.
Immediate Steps to Take
1File a Police Report
Report the loss or theft to the local police immediately. Get a written police report with a case number. This document is essential for your embassy application and insurance claims. Keep multiple copies.
2Contact the Nearest SA Embassy
Call or visit the nearest South African embassy, high commission, or consulate during office hours. For after-hours emergencies, call the DIRCO Operations Centre at +27 12 351 1000.
Find your nearest mission: Embassy Directory
3Apply for Emergency Travel Certificate
If you need to travel urgently, the embassy can issue an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC). This is a single-use document valid for return to South Africa or onward travel to a destination where you can obtain a full passport.
- Processing: Usually 1-3 working days
- Valid for: Single journey only
- Cost: Varies by mission
- Required: Police report, ID proof, photos, completed application
4Apply for Replacement Passport
Once you have the police report and are at the embassy, begin the application for a full replacement passport. This follows the standard passport application process but requires additional documentation to prove the loss/theft.
Documents Needed for Replacement
- Police report (original and copies)
- Affidavit/sworn statement explaining the circumstances of loss or theft
- Any form of SA identification (Smart ID card, ID book, certified copy, driver's licence)
- Two passport-size photographs (white background, 35mm x 45mm)
- Completed BI-73 application form
- Proof of residence in the host country
- Copy of the lost/stolen passport (if available -- keep a photo of your passport data page on your phone)
- Payment for replacement passport fee
Protecting Yourself After Loss
Notify Your Bank
If your passport was stolen along with other documents, notify your bank and credit card companies immediately. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
Notify Your Airline
If you have upcoming flights, contact your airline to inform them of the situation and discuss options for travel with an Emergency Travel Certificate.
Travel Insurance
If you have travel insurance, file a claim immediately. Most policies cover emergency passport replacement costs. Keep all receipts and the police report.
Check Visa Status
If your visa was in the lost passport, contact the issuing country's embassy about transferring the visa to your new passport. Some visas can be re-stamped.
Prevention Tips
- Keep a photocopy or photo of your passport data page on your phone and email
- Store your passport in a hotel safe when not needed
- Carry a certified copy of your ID instead of your passport for daily activities
- Use a money belt or secure document holder when travelling
- Register with the SA embassy when arriving in a new country for extended stays
- Note down your passport number and keep it separate from the passport