Most foreign missions in South Africa are in Pretoria, with consulates in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban for some countries. Details change, so check your government’s official page before you travel.
Where the main missions are
- United Kingdom: the British High Commission is at 255 Hill Street, Arcadia, Pretoria. Emergencies go through the online contact form on the gov.uk page.
- United States: the embassy is at 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria (+27 12 431 4000), but routine citizen services run through the consulates. The Cape Town consulate is at 2 Reddam Avenue, Westlake (+27 21 702 7300).
- Canada: the High Commission is at 1103 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria (+27 12 422 3000). Cape Town has only an honorary consul, so emergencies are handled from Pretoria.
- Australia: the High Commission is at 292 Orient Street, Arcadia, Pretoria (+27 12 423 6000).
- Germany: the embassy is at 201 Florence Ribeiro Avenue, Groenkloof, Pretoria (+27 12 427 8900).
For other EU countries, South Africa’s foreign affairs department keeps a directory of foreign representation, and the EU’s consular protection site lists the missions for each member state.
In an emergency
Call the police or ambulance first: 112 from a mobile phone, or 10111 for police. Then phone your mission. Most have an out-of-hours line on their website, and we suggest saving it in your phone before you leave. Read our South Africa safety guide for precautions that prevent most problems.
What embassies can and cannot do
They can issue emergency travel documents, help you contact family, give a list of local lawyers and doctors, and check on you if you are arrested or hospitalised.
They cannot pay bills, get you out of jail, lend money, or act as your lawyer. Medical costs are yours to cover, so take cover that includes emergency evacuation, and see our health and vaccinations guide.
If you lose your passport
- Report the loss or theft to the nearest police station and keep the case number.
- Contact your embassy or consulate and ask about an emergency travel document.
- Bring the police report, photos, proof of identity and a copy of your itinerary or flight booking.
- Ask whether your document is valid for the onward flights and borders on your route.
- Check South Africa’s entry rules if you need to extend or re-enter.
Replacement times and fees vary by country, so confirm them with the mission. Travelling in or around the capital? Browse Pretoria tours once your documents are sorted.