South African High Commission - London

Giovanna Di Monte

We actually had a pleasant surprise at the embassy today. The staff from the door, to the counter, to the staff seeing us out were very productive and helpful and worked as a team. Its important to read the requirements for your applications online and bring as much documentation that is explained is needed. There is a post office and library within 10min walk if you have forgotten some copies.
Again the staff were honestly efficient and very approachable. Thanks again

Stephen

Giving one star is being generous. Too the lady who took my call today; you should be ashamed of the service you proved. You were rude, unprofessional and frankly should be ashamed. I tried my best to stay positive as a South African, but sadly due to the delays and the poor disregard for your citizens, after 23 years I have actually decided to become British. I am proud to be South African but sadly you have left me with no choice. I am ashamed to see who you treat fellow South Africans.

nms

The place where efficiency goes to die. Employees were actually pleasant which made a welcome change. Unfortunately, the actual passport collection process was a truly soul-destroying experience.

If you're trying to collect your passport, my advice would be to take a picnic, a folding chair and maybe a tent to shield from the weather. Unless you’re one of the first in line (you’ll need to arrive way before 14h00), you’ll be waiting a very, very long time outside before you get the opportunity to wait for a very, very long time inside. If you’re unlucky enough to have to travel from further afield, prepare yourself for a really rubbish day out.

I’ll probably avoid having more children as I don’t want the pain of getting them SA birth certificates/passports.

Damian Ballabio

The most miserable old woman with the short bob working at the reception. Please replace her with a person who represents South African values as soon as possible.

Atkinson Atkinson

Although limited opening hours, I can't complain, passport collection was fast. Staff are super helpful and pleasant. I have to admit the staff are great after noticing error on birth cert they responded within 3 days. And have notified Home Affairs to fix it for us. Much more personal touch feeling than when dealing with another western country embassy

Janine Dunford

We arrived at what we thought to be 'early' to collect our daughter's passport (after a 7 hour drive from Scotland) only to read that as of 11th Dec 2023 collection times had changed from 2 to 3pm on a Friday to 11 to 12 noon. Thankfully we caught some employees on their way out at 1:45pm who asked what we were doing there and My daughter pleaded and said 'I received an email to collect between 2 and 3pm Monday to Friday (albeit a couple months earlier) to which she was told that the times change all the time (but even the web site times still read Mon to Fri 2 to 3pm). A very kindly English gentleman requested that one of the three ladies on their way out please assist us and after literally ten minutes we were all on our way. So grateful we were able to get her passport and ID, please be aware collection times changed as of 11th Dec and if you received your email for collection prior to this you will have no way of knowing unless you arrive at the door and read their notice. (SA High Commission please update your times on the website too)

Chantal Mascarenhas

1* seems generous to reflect the services (or lack therefore) provided by this Embassy.

John Wainwright

I was helped by two incredible staff. A huge call out to Mrs Mabatho and another gentleman whose name I unfortunately didnt get AND the very friendly gentleman on the door who facilitated my visit. Three great team members.