How To Apply for a New South African Passport in Canada Once Yours Expires?

d you know that South African passport holders are required to keep their passports valid at all times, even if they are not travelling? If your South African Passport is about to expire while you are still in Canada, remember that it takes about six months to process new South African documents, including your passport.

Remember: Unlike passports that are issued in other countries which are renewable, South African passports are not renewable. You need to apply for a new one if yours expires.

How To Apply for a New South African Passport in Canada Once Yours Expires?

Passport applications can be mailed or dropped off by appointment only at the South African High Commission in Ottawa or South African Consulate General in Toronto. Thus, it is recommended that you apply at least twelve months or one year before the expiration of your current passport to avoid delays or violation of any laws.

In this how-to article, we have compiled some tips and steps that can help you re-apply for a new South African passport before yours expires. The succeeding tips and advice you will read are based on the procedures provided by South African High Commission Ottawa, Canada’s website

The Different Types of South African Passports

The following are some of the types of South African Passports you can apply for in Canada:

1. Regular South African passports. This type of passport is issued to South African applicants aged 16 and above. This type of passport is valid for ten years and is not renewable.

2. Maxi passports. If you are a frequent flyer, it is best to apply for the Maxi passport with 48 pages. They are also valid for ten years and are issued to applicants 16 years old and above. The only difference between this and a regular South African passport is that they contain double the number of pages for more visa pages.

3. Child passports. A child passport is issued to South African nationals aged 15 years and under.

4. Lost or Damaged passport.

General Information to Remember Applying for a New South African Passport

The following are some of the forms you need to fill in and photocopy:

• BI 73 - The Passport Application form.
• B 529 - The determination of citizenship.

• BI 9 / DHA 9 form*

• This is a compulsory form for all applicants aged 16 and older. Since this form is not downloadable, you will have to send a self-addressed stamped envelope that can fit an A-4 paper (30x21 cms) with a request for BI 9 or DHA 9 form because this form should not be folded. For the electronic fingerprints, please have them taken at the nearest police station, fingerprints taking centers or notary public offices near you.

When filling in these forms, here are some things you should note:

• All documents must be completed using black ink.
• Do not scratch or use white-out on your papers.

• Do not write “N/A” or draw lines on items or questions in the form that does not apply to you. Leave them blank.

  Other documents you need to submit for your application include:

• Divorce decree
• Certified copy of marriage certificate
• Certified copy of South African ID book and/or Birth Certificate for applicants under 16 years of age
• Certified copy of Exemption Certificate of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995
• Certified copy of Canadian Citizenship Certificate, PR Card, or study or work permit
• Notarized certificate of naturalization (for naturalized South African applicants)
• Certified copy of current passport front page
• Affidavit to change the surname*

*This is to be submitted by recently married female applicants who plan to:

1. Change their surnames accordingly,
2. Retained their maiden surnames, or
3. Wish to use double-barrel surnames

Money order for a fee payable to the South African High Commission or South African Consulate General. If you plan to walk in at their office, you should pay in cash the exact amount.

Passport Application Rates:

• Regular - $55
• Maxi - $83
• Child - $55
• Lost or Damaged - $110

Xpresspost self-addressed envelope with “signature on delivery sticker” from Canada Post for the return of your passport

• Four (4) Passport size photos with white background
• Identical
• Not more than one (1) month old
• Immigration size in Canada (35mm in width and 45mm in height)
• Close-up of your head and top of your shoulders
• High quality, no ink marks, creases, and other damages
• Look directly at the camera
• Show your natural colour
• Eyes should be open and visible. No hair across your face
• Show both edges of facE
• Uniform lighting, no shadows, flash, nor red eye

Note: If your passport is already full before the expiration date and you’re already applying for a new one, you need to provide a written explanation about it and provide a copy of your whole passport.

When submitting your application, prepare two sets: (1) the original application forms and supporting documents, and (2) the other is a photocopy of the completed forms and documents.

Additional documents required for those applying for a lost or damaged passport:

• BI 335E. Loss of Passport Report and Police Report for Loss of Passport

Once you’ve filled in, signed, and gathered your forms, documents, and photocopies, mail them to:

South African High Commission (Ottawa)
15 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1M 1M8
Tel: (613) 744 0330 Email: [email protected]
Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

South African Consulate-General (Toronto) 110 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario M2N 6Y8 Tel: (416) 944 8825
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

That’s it. We hope this helps you when you apply for a new South African Passport in Canada. If you have concerns about sending money from Canada to South Africa,

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