Last checked: 21 Oct 2026
Lost South African passport in the USA and emergency travel
Replacing a lost or stolen passport
- Report the loss to the police and complete form DI-47 (loss of passport report); bring both to VFS with your other documents [source].
- Fees at VFS: lost adult or child passport $194 ($134 + $60); lost MAXI $326 ($266 + $60) [source].
- The Embassy also publishes a report of lost travel document form [source].
Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)
VFS does not issue ETCs [source]. The ETC is handled by the Embassy. It is a one-way travel document to South Africa only, valid for a maximum of three months from issue [source].
- Completed DHA-73 and DHA-9 (a copy of the original DHA-9 can be used; prints must be clear)
- 2 photos (colour, no smile, mouth closed, no glasses)
- Copy of passport, SA birth certificate or identity document
- Proof of travel arrangements and a written reason for urgent travel to South Africa
- Fee $12 money order payable to SA Embassy, plus a prepaid envelope for collection
- Minimum processing period 7 business days. Submit or mail to the South African Embassy, 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008.
Home Affairs will not approve an ETC for applicants eligible for a first ID (turning 16 and above) who have not applied for it [source].
DHA says a South African living abroad who still holds South African citizenship needs a valid South African passport to travel to South Africa, and that proof of a passport application is not accepted for travel. See citizenship [source].
Emergency contacts
- Embassy of South Africa, Washington DC: +1 (240) 937 5760 (main); +1 (202) 413 1953 (emergency) [source]
- South African Consulate General, New York: (212) 692-2401; cell (917) 200-8396; after hours, emergency only: (929) 698-0052 [source]
- South African Consulate General, Los Angeles: (323) 651-0902; emergency (323) 244-0360 [source]