South African High Commission Home Affairs Consular Section

Many thanks to the marvellous advice of Barbara who is able to assist throughout the ID process. Khanji is delightful and personable in the process of gathering prints. Lets hope the personnel here are given better technology this year and beyond. Some other reviews reveal a lot of frustrations, although the service mostly depends on who will serve you on the day of your appointment.

Hopeless. London Home Affairs doesn't answer emails and disables their phone lines, even when you call after 3pm (when they are meant to take calls). How can it be acceptable to wait one whole year for a child's first passport? And still hear nothing! How are they meeting SA citizen's basic needs? They aren't and don't care. Unbelievable how they think it's acceptable to only put a sign on the door to tell you when they're hardly ever available (they can't be bothered to even keep their website running). So everyone, who doesn't live in the neighbourhood, can take a day off work to travel there to only then be able to find out when you CAN actually attend this joke of a sovereign service (unless you're lucky and they happen to be open). Updated photo to show latest passport collection times. The opening times roulette continues... 10am to noon Monday to Friday (except bank holidays on any known planets. Good Luck!).

Extremely happy with the service given throughout the whole process. Had to get an emergency travel document to go back home and the staff were so friendly and helpful. They were patient and answered all questions that we had. Applied for a birth certificate on 20 November 2024, received the ID number on 27 November 2024 and obtained the emergency travel document 28 November 2024. Absolutely appreciate the fast service and the friendly smiles.

I have been trying to register the birth of my daughter for over 10 years. I give up time and time again as not being able to get an appointment or any help. I have again tried (I have made multiple attempts at different times of the year over a 10 year period) The numbers on the SA Home office UK site does not work at all. The only number that rings is never picked up. The Bookings Calendar has no appointments available at all and I have to register the birth in person with my child but how can I when I can get no appointment? It is so frustrating when a simple thing like registering a birth has taken me multiple attempts over 10 years but never succeed. I just give up in the end because what else can I do? Absolutely terrible service, nothing works.

My son wishes to come home for Christmas. I need to give permission to renew his passport in south africa. I have been trying to get an appointment for 3 months. There aren't any showing on the system. Noone answers phones or emails. What to do?

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.

I had a good experience. Super efficient. Really nice and helpful staff. Was really difficult to get an appointment for an emergency travel certificate but once I got into the building the process went smoothly.

I have been trying to get in touch with Home Affairs London for 1+ month to understand how I register my marriage? 13 emails later no response. The information on the website says to post it to an address in Sydney? How come this is impossible?