Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs)

To comply with regulation 2(1)(a) of the Immigration Regulations, 2014 only MACHINE READABLE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (MRTDs) will be accepted to enter South Africa with effect from 24 November 2015.

  • In the case of a bona fide emergency situation, travellers utilising issued Emergency Travel Documents will be allowed to enter and depart from South Africa.
  • Travellers who entered South Africa before 24 November 2015 on non-MRTDs will be allowed to depart and return to their countries of origin or residence.
  • Travellers who entered South Africa with a MRTD and lost it will be allowed to depart with Emergency Travel Documents.

PLEASE NOTE THAT:

Machine readable passports that have been extended are not accepted!

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS: BRANCH IMMIGRATION SERVICES