My SA Passport is stolen or lost One of the worst things that can happen to you while in a foreign country is having your passport stolen or lost. If your passport is stolen in Germany, immediately report the theft to the local police and obtain a police report. Germany has a “Passpflicht” law, which means Foreigners may only enter or stay in the federal territory if they have a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute unless they are exempted from the passport requirement by statutory order. For your stay in the federal territory, you must fulfil the passport requirement by possessing a substitute ID (Section 48 (2)). This means you must report a stolen or lost passport to the authorities and apply for a new one as soon as possible. When applying for a new South African passport in Germany, applications can now be submitted through VFS Global in Berlin or Düsseldorf, or directly through the South African Consulate-General in Munich, depending on where you live. Handy Tips Losing your passport can be an incredibly stressful experience. Here are some handy things to keep in mind to help you locate your passport or to find information about your documentation easily. Smart Tags Consider adding a smart tag to your Passport holder. There are card/tile type smart tags on the market. Smart Tags Consider adding a smart tag to your Passport holder. There are card/tile type smart tags on the market. More information Electronic copies Keep electronic copies of all your travel and identification documents. on a safe cloud space. You can also encrypt it for extra safety Electronic copies Keep electronic copies of all your travel and identification documents. on a safe cloud space. You can also encrypt it for extra safety Information from DIRCO According to the department of international relations and cooperation – DIRCO If your passport is lost or stolen while you are traveling abroad, report the loss/theft immediately to the local law enforcement agency (e.g. police station). Take a copy of the police report to the nearest South African High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate-General where you will apply for an emergency travel document. There is a fee attached to the application for an emergency travel document. Please note that all passport applications are forwarded to the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa for processing and issuance of new passports. The waiting period to receive a new passport abroad can be several months. In emergency situations, the South African Diplomatic or Consular Mission is in a position to issue you with an Emergency Travel Certificate, which will allow you only to travel directly back to South Africa. To apply for a new Passport or an Emergency Travel Certificate, you must: Complete an application form. Be fingerprinted. Produce written evidence of your South African citizenship (e.g. a birth certificate, identity document, a certified copy of passport, driver’s license). Where available. Provide a copy of the police report. It does not need to be translated (in the event of loss or theft) Present two photographs. Pay the prescribed fee (as determined by the Department of Home Affairs). I need to travel, what do I need to do? These instructions relate only to those who need to travel urgently but whose passport is lost or stolen. If you have no urgent reason to travel, you must apply for your new passport in Germany. This can take a couple of months. For normal applications (Passport expiring), see the following pages: Step 1. – Report it  Report the loss/theft immediately to the local law enforcement agency (e.g. police station). Take a copy of the police report to the nearest South African High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate-General when you apply for an emergency travel document. When applying for a new passport, you need to submit the BI335E Form – Declaration for the Loss, Damage, or Theft of a Passport. This must be signed in front of a South African commisioner of oaths There is a fee attached to the application for an emergency travel document. See more on the DIRCO website Step 2. Apply for an emergency travel certificate You can apply for an emergency Travel Certificate, and with this, you can travel to South Africa, but you cannot travel back to Germany. South African citizens who have to travel urgently for reasons of death, sickness, or other emergency / urgent matter, e.g. loss or theft of passport while overseas, are entitled to an emergency passport (travel certificate), which is valid for a maximum period of nine (9) months. The emergency travel certificate is for a single journey only, to return to the Republic of South Africa An emergency travel certificate can only be issued to applicants who have 13-digit identity numbers and whose fingerprints have been previously classified on the National Population Register. Step 3. Inform the Ausländerbehorde (not a requirement, but a suggestion) Visit the Ausländerbehorde, and inform them that your passport was stolen and that you have a new emergency passport that you will use to travel to South Africa to apply for a new passport. Remember your residence card is linked to your passport. Confirm with them that re-entry to Germany is possible, and whether additional documentation will be required for re-entry Relevant Gesetze §3, §4 and §13 AufenthG Art 5″ Step 4. Travel to South Africa Travel to South Africa and apply for a new passport. See more about applying for your passport in South Africa here. Take your Emergency travel certificate, a copy of the police report, your residence permit, and any other documentation the Ausländerbehorde listed as necessary with you on your trip. Step 5. Travel back to Germany You will have to show your German residence card in South Africa before you can board a plane.  You might have additional checks at Passport control when arriving in Germany, so make sure all your paperwork is in order. Remember, your residence card is linked to a specific passport. I recommend taking a copy of the police report (if your passport was lost or stolen) with you.

passport Application through the Consulate in Munich When applying for a new South African passport in Germany, you can apply either through VFS Global in Berlin or Düsseldorf, or directly at the South African Consulate-General in Munich, depending on where you live. Passport applications are no longer accepted directly at the South African Embassy in Berlin. Official information can be found on the South African Embassy website. The Embassy has taken great care to document all the relevant information, which can be downloaded from their website.  Apply for your new passport at least a year before the expiry date. Neither VFS Global nor the South African Consulate-General can influence or speed up passport processing times. Keep in mind that appointment slots at the Consulate fill up very quickly, and the earliest available appointment may only be one or two months after you submit your request or booking. South African passports cannot be renewed. Once your passport expires, or is close to expiring, you must apply for a completely new passport. The process explained Check where to apply.Depending on where you live, you’ll apply either through VFS in Berlin or Düsseldorf or at the Consulate in Munich.(For example, residents of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg fall under Munich.) Request an appointment.Start by sending an email in the required format, as outlined below. You’ll receive a confirmation and appointment date once your request is processed. Prepare your documents.Gather all required originals, certified copies, and translations. Double-check that your paperwork is complete before your appointment. Missing or incorrect documents cause delays. Attend your appointment.Go to the Consulate at your scheduled time to submit your application and pay any applicable fees. Processing in South Africa.Your application is forwarded to the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa for verification and passport issuance. Passport delivery.Once your new passport arrives back in Germany, it will either be mailed to you in your self-addressed envelope or you’ll be notified to collect it. Booking your appointment Please note that the South African Embassy now refers people to do their passport applications via VFS Global.  This is relevant for applicants who reside in Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Thüringen.All South African citizens/applicants requiring civic services, and who reside in Bayern and Baden-Württemberg, shall approach the South African Consulate-General in Munich: Sendlinger-Tor-Platz 5, 80336 Munich  To schedule an appointment at the Munich Consulate, please send an email with the information below to: Munich.CivicApp@dirco.gov.za Email Format Subject line of email: Appointment request Full name of the applicant Applicant’s date and place of birth South African 13-digit identity number, if applicable/available Contact details (Address + mobile phone number) Application type e.g. passport You will get an email from the Consulate to confirm receipt of your request for an appointment. They will then manually schedule an appointment and send you a second email with your appointment date. Check your email spam folder as the reply email from the embassy might end up there. Checklist of what documentation you need The most up-to-date information is always available on the Embassy website. Here is the link for an Adult passport (over 16 years of age). When applying for an adult passport, the applicant must have a South African ID Please note that you need to take your current passport with you, as well as copies (See links above). Your current passport will be returned to you. The following statement is on the application checklist. The applicant’s original passport must be submitted regardless of whether the current passport is full or expired or the applicant’s forename and/or surname has been amended – the original passport will be given back to the applicant The applicant may continue to use her or his current passport during the processing of the new passport. Remember to take a long your proof of payment Remember the self-addressed envelopes with stamps Child passports The list for a child’s passport can be found here. Information about who should be present and sign the application is available on the  Department of Home Affairs website.  As a rule, the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted.  They don’t accept a power of attorney. More information on the link above. Good to know Important Info Here are some important things to remember in order to make the process of applying for your passport as smooth and stress-free as possible. 01 Confirmation Email As mentioned above you will get a confirmation email that your email to the Embassy or Consulate was received. 02 SPAM Check your email spam folder for emails from the Embassy or Consulate 03 Have some patience Allocating appointments is a manual process. You will get an email with your appointment date as soon as it is allocated to you. 04 thoughfullness Inform the Consulate if you cannot make your appointment so that they can allocate it to someone else. Inform them of any change of address. 05 Come prepared Make sure you have all the documentation required for your passport application.Bring a black ink pen with you in case you need it. 06 Plan ahead Last but not least, apply for an appointment well in advance, do not wait until your passport has expired. South African citizens are entitled to hold two tourist passports concurrently. Persons wishing to apply for a second passport must provide a written motivation. German residence permit linked to old passport I found information with regards to traveling with a new passport, while your residence permit is linked to your old passport, on the Berlin website: “Re-entry to Germany is easy if your residence permit is still valid and you still have the old passport. Take your old and new passports and your residence permit with you on your trip. However, we recommend that you enquire about the entry and exit conditions of the country you are visiting before you travel abroad (for example at the embassy of the country you are visiting) Legal basis –  Gesetze §3, §4 and §13 AufenthG Art 5 Updates on your application process

My SA passport has expired A South African passport is more than just a travel document in Germany — it is a legal requirement for maintaining your residence status. An expired passport can affect residence permit renewals, official applications, travel plans, and even everyday administrative processes. Because passport applications can take several months, and appointment availability is often limited, it is strongly recommended to start the process at least 12 months before your passport expires. In Germany, the “Passpflicht” (passport obligation) forms part of immigration law, meaning foreign nationals are generally required to hold a valid passport at all times. This page explains what happens when your South African passport expires in Germany, what the legal requirements are, and what steps you can take to avoid unnecessary stress, delays, or complications. Passpflicht Germany has a “Passpflicht” law. (1) Foreigners may enter or stay in the federal territory only if they possess a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute unless they are exempt from the passport requirement by virtue of a statutory instrument. For the purpose of residence in the federal territory, possession of a substitute identity document also suffices in order to meet the passport requirement (section 48 (2) “To meet the obligation to have and present identification papers, it is sufficient for a foreigner who neither possesses a passport or passport substitute nor can reasonably be expected to obtain one to carry the certificate confirming a residence title or the suspension of deportation, if this document contains the foreigner’s personal details and a photograph and is marked to indicate that it is a substitute identity document.” (2) In justified individual cases, the Federal Ministry of the Interior or the body designated by it may permit exemptions from the passport requirement for the purpose of crossing the border before the foreigner enters the federal territory, and for a subsequent stay of up to six months. A valid passport is a prerequisite for issuing and extending a residence permit, Section 5 Paragraph 1 No. 4 and Section 8 Paragraph 1 Residence Act. The passport requirement in accordance with Section 3 of the Residence Act is, ahead of the obligation to have a residence permit, one of the most fundamental obligations in immigration law. Disclaimer – The information on this page is not to be seen as legal advice. We are not immigration agents and can only present information that is available from official resources.  Entry Requirements – SA South African Citizens Must travel on a valid South African passport. The passport must be machine-readable. Children must also have their own valid passport. In emergencies, an Emergency Travel Certificate may be issued by a South African mission abroad. Foreign Nationals The passport must be valid for at least 30 days after departure from South Africa. Passport must contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. You may be asked to show proof of onward/return travel and documents supporting the purpose of your visit. A yellow fever certificate may be required when travelling from or through a yellow fever risk area. Department of Home Affairs BORDER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY Entry Requirements – DE The standard Schengen rule requiring a passport to be valid for at least three months beyond departure mainly applies to short-term visitors. Residents returning to Germany are normally assessed based on the validity of both their passport and residence permit. If you hold a valid German residence permit (eAT, EU Blue Card, settlement permit, or other residence document), you will generally need: A valid passport A valid German residence permit Good to Know Some airlines may apply stricter passport validity checks before boarding. If your residence permit expires while you are outside Germany, you may need to apply for a re-entry visa Federal Ministry of interior What to do if your passport expired? Passport applications in Germany can still take a considerable amount of time. While applying through VFS Global in Berlin or Düsseldorf may make it easier to secure an appointment than applying directly through the South African Consulate-General in Munich, processing times vary and are never guaranteed. After submitting your application, it can still take several months for your new passport to be issued and returned. Possible implications of an expired passport: You cannot travel outside Germany without a valid passport or an emergency travel certificate. You may apply for an emergency travel certificate that allows one-way travel back to South Africa, where you can then apply for a new passport. Your German residence card is linked to your passport and may become invalid if your passport expires. Without a valid residence card, a Fiktionsbescheinigung (ask specifically for a Fortgeltungsfiktion), or other official proof of your residence status, you may not be able to return to Germany after travelling abroad. See Section 4 (Residence title requirement) of the German Residence Act. If you hold permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Germany, your permanent residence status itself does not expire when your residence card expires. However, you will still need to renew the physical residence card as proof of your status. A Fiktionsbescheinigung can help prove your legal residence while documents are being renewed. If a foreign national no longer holds a valid passport, a settlement permit may be revoked under § 52 Abs. 1 Satz 1 Nr. 1 AufenthG. Not possessing a valid passport as a foreign national can result in fines under §§ 95 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 and 98 AufenthG. You currently have the following options to obtain a new passport: Apply for a new passport in Germany through VFS Global in Berlin or Düsseldorf, or directly through the South African Consulate-General in Munich, depending on where you live. Apply for an emergency travel certificate through the South African mission and travel back to South Africa to apply for a new passport there. Implications on your residence status (Aufenthaltserlaubnis ) A residence title is the legal permission that allows a foreign national to live in Germany for a specific purpose and period of time. This

Passport Application Applying for a new Adult Tourist passport in South Africa can be done online via the Department of Home Affairs E-Services.  This service allows you to fill in the application form online and make an appointment for your biometrics.  Biometrics can be done at participating banks.  You can collect your passport at the selected bank. You have to collect your passport in person. The current turnaround time for an adult Tourist passport is around one work week, but this could be longer so keep that in mind when booking your flights.  Home affairs e-services Online Application tips How to use eHomeAffairs Mobile You need a South African mobile number to register on the Department of Home Affairs E-Service site. The OTP is sent to your mobile number. Biometrics Digital biometrics can be captured at any Home Affairs office or at a Home Affairs-enabled Bank office, for which a booking is a prerequisite.   You do not need to make a booking to provide your biometrics at any of the Home Affairs offices. Dates You must type in the dates and not use the drop-down calendar to see available appointments. We suggest you use the YYYY-MM-DD format to select a date range. This will show the available dates for this range Appointments Slots open daily about one month ahead, so your search window is limited. Set alerts and go early: People say logging in right after midnight or at 5–6 AM gives you an edge Updating your mobile number Many South Africans living abroad created their eHomeAffairs account using a South African mobile number that is no longer active or registered with their German number. Since one-time PINs (OTPs) are only sent to an active South African-registered number, this can prevent you from logging in or booking an appointment. Once the change has been processed, future OTPs should be sent to the new number. Community tip: Several South Africans abroad have successfully updated their contact details through the Home Affairs Contact Centre. If you no longer have access to a South African number, consider using a trusted family member’s South African number to receive OTPs, as you may need an OTP each time you log in to your eHomeAffairs profile. Keep in mind You can complete the application while still in Germany, but you must do the Biometrics in person in South Africa. If you want to apply for your passport in Germany, please refer to the links below.  As a rule, you must surrender your old passport when collecting the new one. You can ask them if it is possible to keep your old one still if you need it to travel back to Germany. Your Residence card is linked to your old passport.  During the appointment, they will take your fingerprints, and there should be a photo booth for digital photos.  To be on the safe side, take passport photos with you. They asked me why I wanted a new passport, as my current passport was still valid and had open pages. During your online application, you have to specify your reason for applying, and I chose “passport full” as it was the only option that made sense. I told the lady that I live in Germany and that I do not often travel to South Africa, so I would like to apply while I am here. This was sufficient for her, and her supervisor approved the application. I did not have to hand in my current passport. When applying for a new passport early, additional costs may be involved. The barcoded confirmation Letter (Printed)  as well as your ID Book (if available) must be taken with you when going to the branch or bank office”. After clicking on Download Confirmation, save the document to your PC and open it with a  PDF reader If you do not want or cannot make use of the E-Home Affairs site, you can also schedule appointments in South Africa via the BABS system.  The related application forms are filled out manually and not online.  For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website Do you need to be a client of the bank? To make the payment online, yes, you need to be a client of one of the participating banks ( Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Discovery Bank, Investec, and Capitec). Some people shared their experiences with us and said, you can, however, ask someone with one of the said banks to make the payment for you. To do the biometrics at the bank, you do not need to be a client of said bank. We are not 100% sure about this yet and are doing some more research You can also use the BABS system to book appointments at selected Home Affairs branches Hybrid Strategy: Use eHomeAffairs + BABS to get it done This is a suggested strategy if you cannot find appointment slots at the banks.  Fill in the online application for your passport or Smart ID Upload your supporting documents Pay online via EFT or internet banking (you’ll need this payment reference later) Do not book the appointment through eHomeAffairs—you’ll skip that step intentionally. Go to BABS Log in (or create an account) with your South African ID number Choose a Home Affairs office, not a bank Select a date and time from available slots   Collection of Passports An announcement by the department on 12 August 2022: “Today, we are announcing the first of three steps to be taken by the Department to secure the integrity of our passports and make them foolproof against fraudulent acquisition. The following measures will have to be followed: A passport can only be collected strictly from the office where it was applied for. Only the person who applied for that passport can come and collect it by activating it through a fingerprint. By the way, this is nothing new. This is a method that is being used to collect Smart ID Cards. For minor children, their parents or guardians who helped them to apply for that passport will be the only ones allowed to come