Expat Announcement: More passport offices open for South Africans abroad

After years of long waiting times and limited access, South Africans living overseas finally have more options for passport renewals and civic services. The Department of Home Affairs has expanded its global network of VFS centres, including a new office in Perth.

For South Africans living overseas, renewing passports and accessing civic services has long been a source of frustration.

Long waiting times and limited service centres have made what should be a straightforward process into a major headache. As an expat living in London, I’ve done my time in a VFS office and know the challenges firsthand.

But there’s finally some good news on the horizon.

Expanded Services Across the Globe

The Department of Home Affairs has significantly expanded its overseas services through new VFS Global centres.

Most recently, a new VFS Global Centre opened in Perth, Australia on 30 September 2025, making life easier for South Africans in Western Australia.

What Services Are Available?

The VFS centres offer essential services including:

• Passport applications and renewals
• Birth and civic certificates
• Smart ID cards (coming soon)

Where to Find VFS Centres

South Africans abroad can now access these services in the following locations:

Australia: Melbourne, Sydney, Perth

New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington

United Arab Emirates: Dubai

United Kingdom: Edinburgh, London, Manchester

United States: New York, Washington DC

Canada: Ottawa

Getting Started

For the complete list of offices and contact details, visit the official Department of Home Affairs website: https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/civic-services/dha-service-centres-abroad

While challenges remain, this expansion represents meaningful progress for the expat community. The DA Abroad has advocated for improved services for over a decade, and these new centres mark an important step forward in making civic services more accessible to South Africans living overseas.