Travelling with an expired South African passport can create serious complications for dual citizens who also hold a British passport.

Despite your UK citizenship, South African law still requires its citizens to enter and leave South Africa on a valid South African passport.

Failing to comply with this can result in denied entry, airline boarding refusals, or legal penalties.

Understanding how dual citizenship affects your travel rights is essential, especially if your South African passport has expired while living in or travelling from the UK.

Can I Travel With an Expired South African Passport?

Travelling with an expired South African passport is not legally permitted if you are a South African citizen, even if you also hold a valid British passport.

According to South African law, citizens must enter and depart South Africa using a valid South African passport.

This applies to all South African nationals, including those with dual citizenship.

Airlines departing from the United Kingdom may also refuse to board you if your South African passport is expired.

Carriers are responsible for ensuring that passengers meet the entry requirements of their destination.

If you arrive in South Africa on a foreign passport without a valid South African passport, you may be denied entry, fined, or detained.

This requirement is outlined in Section 26B of the South African Citizenship Act, which prohibits citizens from using a foreign passport to enter or leave the country.

Violating this law can result in a criminal offence, punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to 12 months⁴.

If your South African passport has expired and you plan to travel, it is essential to renew it well in advance or consult the South African High Commission in London to explore emergency options.

Attempting to travel without resolving the issue can lead to border delays, missed flights, or legal consequences.

What Are the Travel Rules for Dual SA–UK Citizens?

If you hold both South African and British citizenship, you must comply with the travel requirements of both countries.

This can cause complications if one of your passports is expired, particularly when entering or leaving South Africa.

Key Rules for Dual Citizens

• You must use your South African passport to enter or leave South Africa.
• You must use your British passport to enter or leave the United Kingdom.
• If your South African passport is expired, you cannot legally enter South Africa as a citizen, even if your British passport is valid.
• Attempting to enter South Africa without a valid South African passport may result in fines, detention, or refusal of entry⁵.
• If you voluntarily apply for citizenship in another country (such as British citizenship) without prior approval from the South African government, you may automatically lose your South African citizenship.

Travel Document Requirements for Dual Citizens

Travel Scenario	Required Passport(s)	Notes
Entering South Africa from the UK	Valid South African passport	British passport alone is not accepted for entry as a South African citizen
Departing South Africa	Valid South African passport	You cannot leave South Africa on a British passport if you are a citizen
Entering or leaving the UK	Valid British passport	Required by UK authorities; South African passport is optional for UK travel
Renewing a passport abroad	Either can be renewed independently	SA passports must be renewed through the SA High Commission

Keeping both passports valid is strongly advised to avoid delays, legal issues, or being barred from boarding at UK airports.

How to Renew a South African Passport From the UK

If your South African passport has expired and you are living in the United Kingdom, you must apply for a renewal through the South African High Commission in London.

Passport renewals cannot be completed online or by post.

All applicants must attend an appointment in person.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Your SA Passport in the UK

1. Book an Appointment
   Visit the official website of the South African High Commission in London and use the online system to schedule an appointment.
2. Prepare the Required Documents
   You will need the following:
   • Fully completed BI-73 passport application form
   • Original South African green barcoded ID book or smart ID card
   • Your current or expired South African passport
   • Two recent passport-size colour photographs (as per specification)
   • Proof of UK residency (such as a utility bill or bank statement)
   • Payment of the applicable fee (typically £41, payable by postal order or bank draft)
3. Attend Your Appointment
   Visit the High Commission in person. Your fingerprints, photos, and digital signature will be taken at the appointment.
4. Wait for Processing
   Passport applications are sent to the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria for processing. Standard processing times range from 3 to 6 months, though this can vary depending on system backlogs.
5. Collect Your Passport
   Once your passport is ready, you will be contacted to collect it in person. Some users have reported delays in notification, so it is advisable to follow up if you have not received updates after several months.

Quick Summary Table

Task	Details
Application location	South African High Commission, London
Appointment required?	Yes – must be booked online
Typical processing time	3 to 6 months
Application fee	£41 (subject to change)
Submission method	In person only
Passport delivery	Collection in person

✅ Tip: Keep a certified copy of your expired passport and your South African ID while waiting for your new passport. These may be helpful for banking, residency, or immigration queries during the interim period.

How Long Does It Take and What Does It Cost?

Renewing a South African passport from the United Kingdom typically involves a longer processing time than applications submitted within South Africa.

Applicants should plan well in advance of any intended travel.

Processing Time

Passport applications submitted through the South African High Commission in London are sent to the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria for processing.

The average processing time is:

• Standard time: 3 to 6 months
• Delays may occur due to courier backlogs, system outages, or increased demand during peak seasons

There is no expedited service currently available for South African passports abroad.

Emergency travel documents (ETDs) are available in certain cases, but they are not a substitute for a valid passport and are limited to one-way, return-to-SA travel only.

✅ It is strongly advised not to book travel until your new passport is physically in your possession.

Cost of Renewal

As of the latest update, the fee for renewing a South African passport abroad is:

• £41, payable by postal order or bank draft (cheques and cash are not accepted)
• Additional costs may include:
  • Postage or courier fees for notifications or follow-ups
  • Travel costs to London if you are not based nearby

Fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and are subject to change without notice.

Applicants should verify the current amount directly with the South African High Commission prior to payment.

Summary Table:

Item	Details
Typical processing time	3 to 6 months
Expedited service	Not available
Emergency Travel Document	Limited to one-way return to SA
Renewal fee	£41 (payable by postal order/bank draft)
Additional expenses	Travel and courier/postal fees

What Happens If I Try to Enter South Africa Without a Valid SA Passport?

If you are a South African citizen, regardless of dual nationality, and attempt to enter South Africa without a valid South African passport, you risk facing serious immigration consequences.

Legal Consequences

Under Section 26B of the South African Citizenship Act, it is a criminal offence for South African citizens to use a foreign passport to gain entry into or exit from South Africa.

Consequences may include:

• Detention at the point of entry
• Fines
• Refusal of entry into the country
• A permanent record of non-compliance with immigration law

These penalties apply even if you hold a valid British passport.

South African immigration authorities do not consider foreign passports an acceptable substitute for a valid South African travel document.

Airline and Border Control Issues

Airlines operating from the United Kingdom may also deny boarding if you cannot prove your right to enter South Africa.

Carriers are responsible for ensuring passengers meet all entry requirements, and failure to do so may result in fines for the airline.

As a result, check-in staff may request to see your valid South African passport before issuing a boarding pass.

⚠️ If you are allowed to board and arrive in South Africa without a valid SA passport, you may be detained by immigration officers until you can be deported or legal arrangements are made.

Emergency Travel Scenarios

In exceptional cases, such as medical emergencies or the death of a family member, the South African High Commission may issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD).

This is only valid for a single journey to South Africa and does not replace a passport for onward or return travel.

Applicants must still present proof of South African citizenship and meet the criteria set by the High Commission.

Even in urgent cases, processing time for ETDs is not guaranteed and may take several days.

Key Takeaways:

• South African citizens must enter and leave South Africa on a valid SA passport.
• Travelling without one can result in detention, fines, or refusal of entry.
• Airlines may deny boarding at UK airports without a valid SA passport.
• Emergency travel documents are limited-use and must be pre-approved.

Common Questions

Conclusion

Travelling with an expired South African passport is not only inconvenient, it is legally prohibited for South African citizens, including those who hold dual UK citizenship. Regardless of your British passport status, South African law requires that you enter and exit South Africa using a valid South African passport.

If you attempt to travel without renewing your South African passport, you risk denied boarding, detention on arrival, or refusal of entry. Airlines flying from the United Kingdom are obligated to enforce these rules, often requiring proof of entry eligibility before check-in.

For UK-based dual citizens, the best course of action is to renew your South African passport well in advance of travel. Given that processing times can take up to six months, early preparation is essential. Emergency travel documents may be an option in urgent cases but should not be relied upon for routine travel.

Maintaining valid passports from both countries ensures peace of mind, legal compliance, and the freedom to travel without complications.