South Africa Embassy The Hague

Before your visit

The embassy is located at Wassenaarseweg 40, 2596 CJ The Hague.

• Consular hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–12:00, according to the embassy’s official website (checked October 2026).
• Good to know: Visa applications are handled by the South Africa Consular Application Centre (VFS), Parkstraat 99, The Hague.
• Preparation: check the required documents on the official website and bring originals with copies.

Who runs the South African Embassy?

The ambassador is Vusimuzi Philemon Madonsela, who presented credentials to the King of the Netherlands on 8 July 2020. Because The Hague hosts the Dutch government as well as the International Court of Justice and the OPCW, diplomatic work here often covers international law and organisations too.

Consular services

The consular section typically handles:

• South African passports and emergency travel documents
• Registration of births, marriages and deaths
• Powers of attorney and notarial acts
• Certificates for pensions abroad
• Citizenship and civil register matters

Documents checklist

What South African citizens usually need to bring for the most common requests, based on official South African government information:

South African passport (application abroad)

• Passport application form BI-73 (DHA-73), completed in black ink
• Form BI-529 (citizenship), required for all South African citizens abroad
• Fingerprints for applicants aged 16 and over – taken at the mission
• Certified copies of your passport and ID or birth certificate (the passport alone is not enough)
• Colour photos as specified by the mission; documents in other languages need a sworn English translation
• Apply 6–12 months before expiry; collection only in person. Emergency: an Emergency Travel Certificate for the direct return to South Africa

Sources: South African High Commission in Canberra – South African passports (dirco.gov.za), South African Embassy in Bern – civic services (dirco.gov.za) (checked October 2026). Requirements and fees can change and individual posts may ask for more – confirm the current list with the embassy before your visit.

Do I need an appointment?

Many consular services require an appointment – check the website first.

Do Dutch citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Dutch citizens do not need a visa for short tourist stays in South Africa (up to 90 days); a valid passport is required. Details: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs – travel advice (in Dutch).

Closing days

The embassy is normally closed on Dutch public holidays and on South Africa’s national day (27 April). Many missions also close on their own national and religious holidays – call ahead.

Emergency assistance

For emergencies, the embassy’s number is +31 6 1561 0130. Consular staff can replace lost travel documents and inform family members; they do not provide legal representation or money. In the Netherlands, the emergency number is 112; for non-urgent police matters call 0900 8844.

Diplomatic missions of South Africa in the Netherlands

South Africa in the Netherlands

• The Hague – Embassy of South Africa (this page)