Emergency Travel Certificates & Consular Assistance 2026
If you lose your South African passport abroad, need urgent travel documents, or require emergency consular assistance, South African missions and DIRCO can help. This guide covers the Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) application process, what to do if your passport is lost or stolen, and the full range of emergency consular services available to SA citizens abroad.
DIRCO 24-Hour Emergency Line
For urgent consular assistance outside office hours, anywhere in the world:
This line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
What Is an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)?
An Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) is a temporary travel document issued by South African missions abroad to SA citizens who have lost their passport, had it stolen, or whose passport has expired and need to travel urgently.
ETC Details
- Validity: Single journey only
- Purpose: Return to South Africa or travel to the nearest SA mission with passport services
- Processing: 1-3 working days; same-day for genuine emergencies
- Cost: R200-R500 (varies by mission, payable in local currency)
- Format: A4 document with photo, stamps, and mission seal
ETC Limitations
- Cannot be used for ongoing international travel beyond the return journey
- Not accepted as ID within South Africa -- apply for a replacement passport immediately
- Some airlines and border agencies may require advance notification
- Transit countries may require separate visas even with an ETC
Steps if You Lose Your Passport Abroad
1Report to Local Police
Report the loss or theft to local police immediately. Obtain a written police report with a case number -- you will need this for the ETC application, your travel insurance claim, and for applying for a replacement passport when you return to SA.
2Contact the Nearest SA Mission
During office hours, contact the nearest South African embassy, high commission, or consulate. For after-hours emergencies, call DIRCO at +27 12 351 1000.
Find your nearest mission: Use our embassy directory to get contact details and addresses.
3Visit the Mission with Documents
Bring the following to the SA mission:
- Police report (original)
- Any copies of your SA passport or ID (digital copies on your phone are acceptable)
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Completed ETC application form (available at the mission)
- Proof of travel arrangements (flight booking)
- Payment for the ETC fee
4Identity Verification
The mission will verify your identity with DHA Pretoria using your ID number, fingerprints (if biometric records exist), and any other identifying information. This may take a few hours if DHA Pretoria needs to be consulted.
5Receive ETC & Travel Home
Once verified, the mission issues your ETC. Inform your airline in advance that you will be travelling on an ETC rather than a passport. Upon arrival in South Africa, present the ETC at immigration and apply for a replacement passport at a DHA office.
Prevention Tips
How to Protect Your Passport While Travelling
- Keep your passport in a hotel safe or secure location when not needed
- Carry a certified copy of your passport for day-to-day use instead of the original
- Take photos of your passport data page and store in cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud)
- Email a copy of your passport to yourself before travelling
- Note down your passport number and expiry date separately
- Save the DIRCO emergency number (+27 12 351 1000) in your phone
- Register your travel with DIRCO’s ROSA system before departure
- Ensure your travel insurance covers passport loss and replacement costs
Other Emergency Situations
Medical Emergency
SA missions can assist with:
- Locating local medical facilities and hospitals
- Contacting family members in South Africa
- Liaising with your travel insurance company
- Facilitating medical evacuation arrangements
- Providing lists of English-speaking doctors
Note: SA missions cannot pay medical bills but can help facilitate payments and contact insurers.
Arrest or Detention
If arrested abroad, you have the right to consular access. The SA mission can:
- Visit you in detention
- Provide a list of local lawyers
- Inform your family in South Africa
- Monitor your treatment and legal proceedings
- Ensure your rights are respected under local law
Note: The mission cannot interfere with local legal proceedings or pay bail/fines.
Natural Disaster or Civil Unrest
During natural disasters, civil unrest, or armed conflict, DIRCO coordinates evacuation and assistance for SA citizens. Register with the nearest SA mission for updates. The Operations Centre (+27 12 351 1000) provides real-time information and evacuation coordination. Follow DIRCO social media channels for alerts.
Death of SA Citizen Abroad
SA missions assist with death registration at the mission, obtaining a local death certificate, liaising with local authorities and funeral homes, arranging repatriation of remains to South Africa (at the family’s expense), and contacting family members. DIRCO and the mission guide the family through the entire process.
Missing Person
If a South African citizen is missing abroad, contact DIRCO immediately at +27 12 351 1000. The mission will liaise with local police and authorities to locate the person. Provide full details including last known location, description, and travel plans.
Financial Distress
SA missions cannot provide loans or financial assistance, but can help contact family or friends to arrange emergency funds, provide information on money transfer services, and in extreme cases, help arrange repatriation on a repayable loan basis through DIRCO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Services
Before You Travel
- Save DIRCO number in your phone
- Photo your passport data page
- Email copies to yourself
- Register with ROSA
- Get travel insurance
- Carry certified copy daily