Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by UKABROAD
This article will discuss the British Passport renewal process in South Africa.
Are you one of the many British citizens living in South Africa?
UK expatriates make up a significant proportion of South Africa’s foreign residents; there are more British expats living in South Africa than in most other areas of the world. U.K.ABROAD exists to make the UK passport renewal process as easy as possible for British citizens living in South Africa.
Apply Online NowMost British expats in South Africa are retirees, drawn to the warm climate and relaxed lifestyle. But there are also a growing number of young professionals who have moved to South Africa to take advantage of its burgeoning economy.
South Africa is a beautiful country with a fascinating history, and it’s also remarkably affordable. The cost of living in South Africa is significantly lower than that of the UK or other Western countries. In fact, by some measures, it has some of the cheapest cities on the planet.
South Africans are known for their warmth and hospitality toward foreigners, whether they’re from overseas or neighbouring countries. The locals are always happy to welcome newcomers and help them get settled in.
Renew a British Passport in South Africa
If you are a British expat in South Africa, the time will eventually come when you’ll need to renew your British passport. So, how does the process work?
Unfortunately, the process to renew a UK passport in South Africa is not always straightforward, and it can be difficult to find useful information online. In addition to how stress-inducing this situation can be, your passport renewal application process could be delayed or rejected if you don’t complete the forms accurately or provide sufficient supporting documentation.
It is also important to note that the passport office doesn’t grant any refunds if your British Passport renewal application has been rejected for some reason and you will end up paying another application fee when you reapply.
Here at U.K.ABROAD, we fully understand how frustrating this can be, which is why we can handle every aspect of your British passport renewal in South Africa and have your new passport sent to you as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
As an established British Passport specialist since 2008, we’ve helped countless British citizens in South Africa with their passport applications, renewals and replacements. Through this process, there are a few key questions that are repeatedly asked. In this article, we’ll answer them in a simple, straightforward way.
Can I renew my British passport in South Africa?
Yes! You absolutely can. U.K.ABROAD will guide you through the entire UK passport renewal process and we will ensure that your passport renewal application is completed accurately so that you don’t waste time or money. To get started, visit this page.
As mentioned above, HM Passport Office may reject your application entirely, even if there is only one small error. When this happens, you lose both time and money, in addition to the frustration of having to start the process all over again. This can be avoided by having U.K.ABROAD handle the process for you.
We will thoroughly check your application forms to ensure that they are 100% compliant. We will also make sure that your passport photos comply with the British passport office’s standards.
We use our registered and reliable courier to send in your old passport and this avoids any unnecessary delays or loss during your renewal process.
All you need to do is complete our easy, online application form which can be found here.
Can I renew my British passport online from South Africa?
Yes, the entire process can now only be done online. Unlike a few years ago when you could apply in person, you no longer have this option. You can now only do your British Passport renewal online.
The process to renew a British Passport in South Africa is as follows:
- Fill in our easy online application form.
- Complete your secure online payment via debit or credit card. Our payments are powered by Stripe – the world’s most secure payment gateway.
- Our experts will check your forms & documents and finalise the application on your behalf.
- We arrange safe & fast shipment of documents to the relevant government office in the UK.
- Your new, blue passport is delivered directly to your doorstep in South Africa.
When you use the services of U.K.ABROAD, a dedicated team member will check your documents before they are submitted to the passport office.
We specialise in UK passport renewals, applications and replacements. We therefore have a deep understanding of what is required in terms of documents to submit and the finer details involved.
Once your application has been submitted, we will keep you updated every step of the way.
Apply Online NowWhen do I need to renew my British Passport from South Africa?
In general, you should renew your passport if it has less than six months’ validity after the return date of your overseas trip; your passport needs to be valid for at least six months longer than your stay in a foreign country and must have at least 3 blank pages available.
Get in touch with us if you have any questions, one of our expert consultants would be happy to assist you.
How long does it take to renew a UK passport in South Africa?
The passport office requests 4 to 6 weeks to process the renewal upon receipt of the application. Our reliable courier service makes receiving your new British passport quick and stress-free. Your new passport will be delivered straight to your door within a few weeks.
Note that HM Passport Office experiences delays due to unprecedented demand from time to time. It is important not to make any travel arrangements until you have received your new UK passport.
The postal service in South Africa is unreliable- how can I ensure that my documents reach HM Passport Office?
U.K.ABROAD does not advise using the South African Postal Service to send in your documentation. We recommend using a reliable courier service and we, ourselves, make use of a courier service that has always safely delivered documents to and from our clients.
Do I need to send in my old British passport when renewing?
Yes, you must send in your old/current passport when you apply for a new one. Once your UK passport renewal has been completed, the old passport will be sent back to you.
How much does it cost to renew my British passport in South Africa?
Our prices are all inclusive of government fees, shipping fees, service fees, new passport delivered to the applicant – no additional payments will be required.
- Adult 34-page Standard Passport (latest passport issued AFTER 1 January 2004) £249.00 GBP* Click here to apply online
- Adult 34-page Standard Passport (latest passport issued BEFORE 1 January 2004) £299.00 GBP* Click here to apply online
- Child 34-page Standard Passport £229.00 GBP*Click here to apply online
- Adult 54-page Jumbo Passport (latest passport issued AFTER 1 January 2004) £259.00 GBP* Click here to apply online
- Adult 54-page Jumbo Passport (latest passport issued BEFORE 1 January 2004) £309.00 GBP* Click here to apply online
*GBP – British Pound Sterling
I am just writing to inform you that my new passport arrived on Monday, which is fantastic, taking only 4½ weeks since my initial application was submitted to U.K.ABROAD. I must say how impressed I am with the whole British Passport renewal process and would highly recommend your service to other Brits living abroad.
Thank you once again for all your assistance.
-Richard Atkins, South Africa (via Google reviews. Click here to read more third-party verified reviews)
What supporting documents do I need for a UK passport renewal?
The supporting documents required for a passport renewal often vary on a case-by-case basis. Our British Passport consultants are happy to assist you in this regard when completing your British Passport renewal online.
Have additional questions about renewing your British Passport in South Africa? Send us a message and we would be happy to help you!
Contact U.K.ABROAD
Infographic
How to Renew a British Passport from South Africa Explained
We’ve broken down the simple online British Passport renewal process from South Africa into five easy steps, below.
Looking to renew a British Passport in Canada? Click here.
Apply for British passport from South Africa
Are you looking to apply for a British Passport from South Africa for the first time? We can help. Click here for more information about first-time British Passport applications.
Topic: British passport renewal South Africa, renewing a British passport in South Africa
Easy UK Passport Renewal FAQs
Can I renew my British passport in South Africa?
Yes! You absolutely can renew your British passport in South Africa. U.K.ABROAD will guide you through the entire process and we will ensure that your passport renewal application is completed accurately so that you don’t waste time or money.
Can I renew my British passport online from South Africa?
Yes, the entire process is now done online. Unlike a few years ago when you could apply in person, you no longer have this option. You can now only do your British Passport renewal online. When you use the services of U.K.ABROAD, a dedicated team member will check your documents before they are submitted to the passport office. We specialise in UK passport applications, renewals and replacements. We therefore have a deep understanding of what is required in terms of documents to submit and the finer details involved. Once your application has been submitted, we will keep you updated every step of the way.
How long does it take to renew a UK passport in South Africa?
The passport office requests 4 to 6 weeks to process the renewal upon receipt of the application. Our reliable courier service makes receiving your new British passport quick and stress-free. Your new passport will be delivered straight to your door within a few weeks. Please note that HM Passport Office does experience delays in processing times based on demand.
Do I need to send in my old British passport when renewing?
Yes, you must send in your old/current passport when you apply for a new one. Once your application has been completed, the old passport will be sent back to you.