VS Global has officially become the partner of the Department of Home Affairs of South Africa for the South African passport renewal service. As of July 2025, residents no longer needed to visit the Consulate General in Dubai.
Now, they will have the chance to renew their passports in the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Wafi City, Dubai. Moreover, they can also visit the VFS Global Centre at the South African Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Enhanced Convenience & Trusted Service for South African Passport Renewal
This development has established VFS Global as the leading outsourced provider for passport renewal services UAE. Therefore, Monaz Billimoria, the Regional Head for the UAE at VFS Global, expressed enthusiasm.
Monaz said, “We are excited to give the passport renewal service for South African nationals in the UAE. We thank the Department of Home Affairs for their 15 years of trust in us throughout the world”.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Initially, you should visit the official website of the VFS Global.
- Now, you have to navigate to Apply for Consular Services → Passport
- Here, you should book an appointment slot.
- Next, you should prepare all documents using the online checklists.
- At last, you have to visit the VFS center on the appointment date for document submission and biometric enrollment.
You can pay the fees during the appointment. Moreover, you can track progress online using their application reference number.
Important guidelines
- It would be best to apply 12 months before passport expiry
- You should avoid firm travel plans until you receive the new passport
- Expected processing time is 8 to 10 weeks after application submission
- Passports are processed in South Africa and returned to the Dubai center
Optional Premium Services Available
The VFS Global also offers an optional paid service to enhance its customer experience. So, take a look at those services:
- Premium Lounge Access
- Professional form-filling assistance
- SMS/email updates
- Prime Time appointments (outside regular hours)
It is important to note that these services will not affect the processing time or application result.
Global Reach
VFS Global is an international visa and passport administration outsourcing company for government and diplomatic missions. As of now, the company operates eight centers in four nations for the South African passport renewal.
In addition, the company also manages visa services in 19 countries through 47 centers. Notably, its headquarters is situated in Dubai with centers in around 147 nations.
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[…] South African Passport Renewal Now Easier in UAE via VFS Global Dubai Centre […]