Frequently Asked Consular-Related Questions

1. Temporary German passport 

A temporary German passport (vorläufiger Reisepass) with a photograph may be used for entry into the Republic of South Africa. This document must also be valid for no less than thirty (30) days after departure from the Republic of South Africa, and contain at least one (1) blank page for endorsements.

2. German 'Kinderausweis' and 'Kinderreisepass'

A German child requires either a 'Kinderausweis' or 'Kinderreisepass' with a photo for entry into the Republic of South. This document must also be valid for no less than thirty (30) days after departure from the Republic of South Africa, and contain at least one (1) blank page for endorsements.

3. Yellow fever vaccination certificate

In terms of the |+| policy brief issued by the Department of Health, we hereby confirm that the Republic of South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all citizens and non-citizens over one year of age:

• travelling from a yellow fever risk country (including low risk countries such as Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia); or
• having been in transit through a yellow fever risk country.

Please note that that as Germany is not one of the yellow fever areas, as declared by a World Health Organisation, a person travelling from Germany directly to the Republic of South Africa is not required to submit a yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry into the Republic of South Africa.

4. Customs & Importation Regulations 

Updated customs and importation regulations for the Republic of South Africa may be obtained from the Customs Officer at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Brussels:

http://www.southafrica.be/sars.htm

5. Importation of pets

Information as well as the relevant application forms with regard to the importation of pets into the Republic of South Africa may be obtained from either the relevant airline or from the Department of Agriculture: http://www.nda.agric.za/ (Website works better with Internet Explorer)

6. Certification of documents & signing before a Commissioner of Oath

Documents may be certified by or signed before a Commissioner of Oath either at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Berlin or at the South African Consulate General in Munich (Tel. 089 231 1630). Persons who wish to visit the Embassy in Berlin for such certification must make appointment for this purpose.

7. Applying for a police clearance certificate for the Republic of South Africa

Persons living abroad must apply for a South African police clearance certificate directly from the Criminal Record Centre of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Pretoria:

http://www.saps.gov.za/%5Fdynamicmodules/internetsite/buildingblocks/faq/faq147.htm

Please note that only the fingerprint form is available at our office in Berlin or at the Consulate General in Munich (Tel. 089 231 1630). Applicants who wish to have their fingerprints taken at our office do not require an appointment, and may visit our office during the opening hours: Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 12:00.

8. Getting married in the Republic of South Africa

The following documents are required from a foreigner, who intends getting married in the Republic of South Africa:

1. a valid passport containing a valid residence permit for the Republic of South Africa e.g. visitor’s permit in the case of foreigners who have entered as tourists (the relevant entry requirements are available on request from our office); the requirement of a minimum period of stay is not prescribed to get married;

2. in the case of a previous marriage, final decree of divorce or deceased spouse’s death certificate, together with a sworn translation into English.

Prospective parties to a marriage should be informed about the procedure by the marriage officer, who will conduct the ceremony in the Republic of South Africa, to ensure that they comply with the legal requirements. Should they be unsure of any of these, we advise parties to a marriage to seek legal counsel before the marriage is entered into. Please note that the clergy as well as representatives of the Department of Home Affairs, as designated by the Minister of Home Affairs, may perform marriages i.e. act as marriage officers.

After solemnisation of the marriage, both parties to the marriage, the two witnesses and the marriage officer must sign the marriage register, upon which the marriage officer must issue the parties with a marriage certificate free of charge. The marriage officer must submit the marriage register to the nearest Home Affairs office for recording of the marriage particulars in the National Population Register (NPR).

Please note that a full (unabridged) marriage certificate with apostille is required to register a marriage in Germany; this document may also be applied for through the Embassy in Berlin or Consulate-General in Munich.

Further general information regarding getting married in the Republic of South Africa may be obtained from the website of the Department of Home Affairs:

http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/Marriage%20certificates.html

9. Refund of a cash deposit

A cash deposit shall be refunded on receipt of the following documents:

• original passport to confirm the holder's final departure from the Republic of South Africa, or whether a permanent residence permit was issued to the holder;
• letter confirming the details of applicant's bank account (Bankverbindung) and contact details; and
• a self-addressed A5-size envelope with postage paid for €3,50 (per Einschreiben), to return your passport (not necessary for applicants who submit the above-mentioned documents personally during the Consular Section's opening hours: Mon-Fri; 09:00-12:00).

10. Payment of an administrative fine for an overstay

The following documents should be submitted to our office in respect of each person, who has received an administrative fine for an overstay:

• original passport to enter the endorsement that the administrative fine was paid;
• original form BI-1731 regarding the administrative fine that was issued to the foreigner on departure from the Republic of South Africa;
• a self-addressed A5-size envelope with postage paid for €3,50 (per Einschreiben), to return the foreigner’s passport (not necessary for persons who submit the above-mentioned documents personally during the Consular Section's opening hours: Mon-Fri; 09:00-12:00);
• proof of payment of R1.000 = €107; R1.500 = €160; R3.000 = €320

The above-mentioned amount may be transferred electronically into the Embassy bank account: