Notarial and documentary services guide for South Africa
Information on notarial and documentary services for South Africa, and how to access informative letters relating to these services.
Overview
Our offices in South Africa are unable to carry out notarial acts under the Commissioner of Oaths Act 1889, and on instruction from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in London.
This includes certifying documents as true copies of originals, administering oaths or taking affidavits. For these or other notarial acts, or the legalising of documents, approach a Notary/Commissioner of Oaths, or request the issuing authority attest the validity of the documents.
Letters we provide
If you are trying to access a service from a local authority, and have been asked to obtain a certificate from the High Commission, you can print one of our letters confirming that we do not offer the service in Commonwealth countries. You can download our letters or book an appointment to collect in person.
This service is for British nationals who require a notarial letter.
Letter confirming that we cannot provide notarial services or certificates
You can download a stamped and signed copy of this consular letter confirming that we cannot provide notarial services. Download the letter below.
Occasionally, local authorities will be reluctant to accept a copy of the letter without a recent date stamp. If that is the case, you can book an appointment to collect a letter in person. A third person can collect the letter on your behalf. This is a free service and no consular fees are charged. It is not necessary to bring any form of documentation to collect the letter.
Book an appointment to collect this letter in:
You cannot apply for a UK visa or passport by booking an appointment for this service. Contact UK Visas and Immigration for visa applications or view information about passport applications.
Letter confirming that we cannot provide certificates of non-impediment
You can download a stamped and signed copy of this consular letter confirming that we cannot issue a certificate of non-impediment. Download the letter below.
Occasionally, local authorities will be reluctant to accept a copy of the letter without a recent date stamp. If that is the case, you can book an appointment to collect a letter in person. A third person can collect the letter on your behalf. This is a free service and no consular fees are charged. It is not necessary to bring any form of documentation to collect the letter.
Book an appointment to collect this letter in:
You cannot apply for a UK visa or passport by booking an appointment for this service. Contact UK Visas and Immigration for visa applications or view information about passport applications.
Letter confirming the British government has no objection to dual nationality
The British High Commission (Pretoria) and Consulate General (Cape Town) perform citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the UK Home Office. This is the last step in the process of acquiring British nationality. If you wish to apply for British nationality, apply to the UK Home Office. You should also contact the Home Office if you have any questions or concerns about your application. When your application for British citizenship is approved by the Home Office, you will receive an approval letter, and they will send your certificate of British citizenship to us. We will contact you to arrange your ceremony. You must attend a citizenship ceremony within 3 months of receiving your approval letter from the Home Office.
South African Citizenship law allows a South African Citizen to acquire the nationality of another country. However, if a person acquires citizenship of another country, they automatically lose his or her South African citizenship. If you wish to retain your South African citizenship, you will need to make application to the South African Department of Home Affairs and obtain a retention letter. You must do this before attending a citizenship ceremony. It is up to you to decide if you wish to retain your South African citizenship.
Some offices of the Department of Home Affairs require a letter from the British High Commission confirming that the UK government has no objection to dual nationality (which it does not). You can download a copy of this letter or schedule an appointment to collect a copy in Pretoria or Cape Town. If you have not yet received your retention letter, but require one, let us know by replying to your email invitation, so we can reschedule your citizenship ceremony.
The British government has no objection to British nationals obtaining the citizenship of another country or citizens of another country applying for British nationality. You can download a copy of our letter confirming this.
Occasionally, local authorities will be reluctant to accept a copy of the letter without a recent date stamp. If that is the case, you can book an appointment to collect a letter in person. A third person can collect the letter on your behalf. This is a free service and no consular fees are charged. It is not necessary to bring any form of documentation to collect the letter.
Book an appointment to collect this letter in:
You cannot apply for a UK visa or passport by booking an appointment for this service. Contact UK Visas and Immigration for visa applications or view information about passport applications.
Services provided elsewhere
Confirmation of the validity of British driving licences
Find out more about driving in South Africa.
UK visas
You cannot apply directly to British embassies, high commissions or consulates for matters relating to UK Visas and Immigration. Check if you need a UK visa for information on the UK visa application process.
Passports
British embassies, high commissions and consulates do not issue British passports. You should apply for your passport online. If you cannot find the information you need on GOV.UK, contact the Passport Advice Line or telephone number +27 12 421 7500.
Data protection
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office holds and uses data for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998. Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK government departments and public authorities.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. Accordingly the FCDO and the British embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
Last updated 16 June 2023 + show all updates
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Updated information on completion of your citizenship ceremony, added links to further information on passport and UK visa applications.
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Addition of information about dual citizenship.
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Letters of services not provided have been updated.
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Update to information on notarial and documentary services for South Africa, and how to access informative letters relating to these services.
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A letter giving permission to travel during COVID-19 has been uploaded.
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First published.