Diplomatic representation of South Africa in Canada
South African High Commission in Ottawa
The High Commission for the Republic of South Africa in Ottawa represents South Africa in Canada and provides consular assistance, immigration services and official information for South African citizens and other eligible applicants.
Contact details
Contact the South African High Commission in Ottawa
The High Commission for the Republic of South Africa is located on Sussex Drive in Ottawa.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Appointments only: The High Commission currently states that there are no walk-in consular services. Contact the mission and follow the current appointment or application procedure for the service you require.
High Commission location
Where is the South African High Commission in Ottawa?
The South African High Commission is located at 15 Sussex Drive in Ottawa.
The current official address is 15 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1M 1M8, Canada.
About the mission
About the South African High Commission in Ottawa
The High Commission for the Republic of South Africa in Ottawa is South Africa’s resident diplomatic mission in Canada.
As South Africa and Canada are both members of the Commonwealth, the resident diplomatic mission is designated a High Commission.
The High Commission promotes South Africa’s interests in Canada and supports political, economic, trade, investment, cultural and other relations between the two countries.
Consular and immigration services are divided between the High Commission in Ottawa and the South African Consulate General in Toronto according to the applicable territorial and service arrangements.
Consular assistance
Consular Services
South African citizens in Canada have access to a range of civic and consular services, although the application route depends on the service required.
Passport services
South African passport applications in Canada are processed by the Department of Home Affairs and are now submitted through the designated VFS service.
Identity documents
Eligible South African citizens can apply for first-time or replacement South African identity documents under the applicable civic-services procedure.
Birth registration
The available civic services include eligible foreign birth registrations and applications for South African birth records.
Citizenship matters
The mission publishes procedures for eligible South African citizenship matters, including renunciation of citizenship.
Marriage and civil-status records
Eligible applications concerning marriage certificates, death certificates and other civil-status records are included among South African civic services.
Immigration services
Visa and immigration procedures are available for foreign nationals who require authorization to enter or remain in South Africa for their intended purpose.
Planning your visit
Consular Appointments
Consular and immigration services at the High Commission are currently provided by appointment rather than on a walk-in basis.
The High Commission publishes general office hours from Monday to Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m..
Public consular hours are currently Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
For appointment requests and consular matters, contact consular.ottawa@dirco.gov.za.
No walk-ins: Do not travel to the High Commission solely on the basis of the published office hours. Confirm the correct application route and appointment requirements for your service first.
South African civic services
Passports and Civic Services
The application process for South African passports and several other civic services in Canada has changed.
The High Commission currently states that passport applications must be submitted through the designated VFS services. Processing itself is performed by the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa.
South African passports are not renewed by extending an existing passport. When a passport expires or needs replacement, the holder applies for a new passport.
A regular South African passport issued to an applicant aged 16 or older is generally valid for 10 years.
The High Commission currently advises applicants to apply well in advance. Its published guidance states that processing of new South African documents can take approximately six months and recommends applying at least 12 months before an intended departure or passport expiry where possible.
Other civic services
South African civic services in Canada also include identity-document procedures and eligible birth-registration applications. The High Commission currently highlights expanded access in Ottawa through the designated VFS service for passports, IDs and birth registrations.
Check the current submission route: Do not mail or bring a passport application to the High Commission without first checking the current VFS and Department of Home Affairs procedure.
Travel to South Africa
South Africa Visa Information for Canadian Travellers
Canadian citizens currently benefit from a visa exemption for certain short visits to South Africa.
Canadian citizens travelling for tourism, holiday or business-conference purposes for 90 days or less currently do not require a South African visa.
The exemption is purpose-specific. Travellers undertaking activities outside the permitted visa-free categories must obtain the immigration authorization appropriate to their circumstances.
For travellers who do require a visa, the High Commission provides immigration services by appointment. The correct visa category depends on the intended length and purpose of the stay.
The current immigration guidance states that passports presented for entry should be machine-readable and valid for at least 30 days after the planned departure from South Africa. The traveller should also have the required unused visa pages and onward or return travel arrangements.
Canadian travellers: The current visa exemption applies to Canadian citizens visiting for tourism, holiday or business-conference purposes for 90 days or less. Different activities can require a visa or other immigration authorization.
Consular district
Jurisdiction of the South African High Commission
South Africa divides consular responsibilities in Canada between the High Commission in Ottawa and the Consulate General in Toronto.
The High Commission states that it serves Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Nunavut, together with the immediate area surrounding Ottawa.
The South African Consulate General in Toronto provides consular services for Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
Check the responsible office: If you live outside the Ottawa High Commission’s stated service area, verify whether your application should be handled through the South African Consulate General in Toronto or another designated service provider.
Visitor information
Before You Visit
Check both the responsible office and the current application route before travelling to the High Commission.
Confirm your jurisdiction
Ottawa and Toronto divide consular responsibilities geographically. Check which office is responsible for your place of residence.
Check VFS for civic services
Passport, ID and certain birth-registration services now use the designated VFS process. Confirm the current submission procedure before applying.
Book before visiting
The High Commission currently provides public consular and immigration services by appointment and does not accept walk-ins.
Frequently asked questions
South African High Commission Ottawa FAQ
What is the address of the South African High Commission in Ottawa?
The High Commission for the Republic of South Africa is located at 15 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1M 1M8, Canada.
What is the telephone number of the South African High Commission?
The High Commission’s current telephone number is +1 613 744 0330.
What are the High Commission’s consular hours?
Current public consular hours are Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Services are by appointment and walk-ins are not accepted.
Can I apply for a South African passport directly at the High Commission?
The High Commission currently states that passport applications in Canada must be submitted through the designated VFS service. Passport processing is completed by the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa.
How long is a regular South African adult passport valid?
A regular South African passport issued to an eligible applicant aged 16 or older is generally valid for 10 years and cannot be renewed by extending its validity.
How long can South African passport processing take?
The High Commission currently advises that processing of new South African documents can take approximately six months and recommends applying well in advance.
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Canadian citizens currently do not require a visa for tourism, holiday or business-conference visits of 90 days or less. Other purposes of travel can require the appropriate visa or immigration authorization.
Does the High Commission serve all provinces and territories?
No. The High Commission states that it serves Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Nunavut and the immediate Ottawa area. The Consulate General in Toronto provides consular services for the other provinces and territories listed in its jurisdiction.
Official information
Sources
Official South African and Canadian government sources used to verify the High Commission and current consular information on this page.