The High Commission of South Africa in London is South Africa’s diplomatic mission to the United Kingdom. South African nationals in the UK turn to it for passports and official documents. Between Commonwealth countries, embassies are known as High Commissions – it fulfils the same role as an embassy.
Contact Details
| Address | South Africa House, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DP, United Kingdom |
| Telephone | +44 20 7451 7299 |
| Fax | +44 20 7839 5670 |
| london.sahc@dirco.gov.za London.info@dirco.gov.za |
|
| Head of Mission | Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, High Commissioner |
| National Day | 27 April (Freedom Day) |
Opening Hours
The FCDO list gives no opening hours for this mission. Contact it by phone or e-mail before visiting.
Location of the High Commission
Before your visit
The high commission is located at South Africa House, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DP.
- Preparation: check the required documents on the mission’s website and bring originals with copies.
The high commission and its network in the UK
The high commissioner is Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, in post since 25 July 2022 according to the FCDO list. The London Diplomatic List names 26 accredited diplomats and attachés for the mission. Nine honorary consulates support South African citizens elsewhere in the UK.
Consular services
The consular section typically handles:
- South African passports and emergency travel documents
- Certification and legalisation of documents
- Powers of attorney and notarial acts
- Certificates for pensions abroad
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?
Walk-in capacity is limited, so check the procedure on the mission’s website first.
Travelling from the UK to South Africa
British citizens do not need a visa for short tourist stays in South Africa (up to 90 days); a valid passport is required. Details: UK government travel advice – entry requirements.
Closing days
The high commission is normally closed on UK bank holidays; the South African national day (27 April) often means a closure too. Check before visiting in the weeks around Christmas and Easter.
Emergency assistance
In an emergency, South African citizens should call the high commission on +44 20 7451 7299. Consular staff can help with lost passports, arrests and serious accidents, but cannot cover costs or interfere with UK authorities. In the UK, the emergency number is 999 (or 112).
Diplomatic missions of South Africa in the United Kingdom
South Africa in the United Kingdom
- London – High Commission of South Africa (this page)
- Angmering – Honorary Consulate
- Birmingham – Honorary Consulate
- Cambridge – Honorary Consulate
- Cardiff – Honorary Consulate
- Glasgow – Honorary Consulate
- Leeds – Honorary Consulate
- Nottingham – Honorary Consulate
- Preston – Honorary Consulate
- Trowbridge – Honorary Consulate
Frequently asked questions about the High Commission of South Africa in London
Where is the South African High Commission in London?
At South Africa House, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DP.
Who is the high commissioner of South Africa to the UK?
Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo (High Commissioner), according to the London Diplomatic List of October 2026.
What is the difference between a high commission and an embassy?
None in practice: Commonwealth countries call their embassies in each other’s capitals high commissions, headed by high commissioners.
Is the South African High Commission closed on the national day?
The FCDO list gives 27 April for South Africa; missions usually close or hold a reception on that day.
Do British citizens need a visa for South Africa?
No, not for short tourist stays (up to 90 days) – a valid passport is required.
Details checked on 10 October 2026. Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – London Diplomatic List (October 2026), UK government foreign travel advice – entry requirements for South Africa. Rules and opening hours can change. Confirm with the high commission before your visit.
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