Emergency passports are only issued in real emergencies and evidence of the need for immediate, emergency travel should be submitted with applications. Emergency passports are normally only valid for three months and cannot be extended. You must appear at the Consulate in person to apply.
The application process and fee is the same as if you were applying for a regular passport.
When you receive your emergency passport, you will also receive a letter that explains how to obtain a regular passport after returning from your urgent travel.
If you apply for your regular passport within 1 year of the issue date of the emergency passport, you will not have to pay the fee again.
If you are an American citizen with an emergency situation, please call your nearest U.S. Consulate and leave a message, the Duty Officer will return your call.
- Cape Town: After-hours emergencies: 079-111-0391 (outside South Africa: +27-79-111-0391)
- Durban: After-hours emergencies: 079-111-1445 (outside South Africa +27-79-111-1445)
- Johannesburg: After-hours emergencies: 079-111-1684 (outside South Africa: +27-79-111-1684)
For non-emergency issues, please see our general contact information.