Should I get my South African passport renewed?

Question

My passport expires in April 2007. I'm currently in Korea and plan to visit South Africa in January 2007. I'll be staying for a month. Which means I'll be back two months before it expires. I can get a new one at the embassy then. Do you think I should wait until then or get it done now? And wouldn't it be too early to do it now? And if I wait, will I be allowed to travel back to Korea with a passport about to expire?

OK, guys! No need to answer anymore. I've just made an appointment with the embassy. I'm gonna go on Thursday. Thanks for the wake-up call! Me very stoooooooooopid!

Answer 1

I think you need to sort it out now while you are still in Korea. Passport application takes about 6 weeks in South Africa while you'll be there for only 4 months. The process might even take longer than 6 weeks in January because of December holidays.

Here is your nearest South African offices situated in Seoul:

Korea (Republic of)
South African Embassy
1-37 Hannam-dong
Yongsan-gu
Seoul 140-885

Tel: + 82 2 792 4855
Tel: + 82 2 795 0948 (Trade)
Fax: + 82 2 792 4856
Fax: + 82 2 795 0949 (Trade)
Fax: + 82 2 793 5981 (Consular)

E-mail:

General Inquiries:
[e-mail]
Political Section:
[e-mail]
Administrative Section: [e-mail]
Consular Section:
[e-mail]
Economic Section:
[e-mail]

Website:
http://www.southafrica-embassy.or.kr/

Answer 2

You need to do it now. You most probably won't be allowed to travel back to Korea with a passport valid for less than 6 months (seems to be an international rule). Best to do it now, get it over and done with in Korea - you might have to wait awhile if you are trying to renew while in SA, it normally takes 4-6 weeks and a schlep - so I would do it before leaving there. Phone the embassy and ask them for their advice. I am sure they will do it without problems.

Answer 3

I'm with th rest of the folks on this. In SA you can wait up to 6months for it.
The embassy in Korea should give you a certificate, to say you applied for a new passport, so even if you don't receive it on time, you will be allowed back into Korea.

Answer 4

I'd do it now, before even going to SA. And what is more don't wait until you get to SA before trying, a month will probably not be enough time to have it done while you are in SA. And to go back you will certainly need at least 6 months still on the passport.

Be safe not sorry.

Answer 5

i ive in thailand my present south african passport expires in a years time can I
apply to my my bangkok embassy now for a renewal

Answer 6

Most countries do not allow entry if you have less than 6 mos. left on your passport.