What can and can't be done for you

South Africa's missions abroad - as well as the head office of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pretoria

Can:

• Issue emergency passports or travel documents.

• Legalise or authenticate documents, witness and certify signatures.

• Contact your relatives or friends for assistance.

• Advise you on how to transfer funds.

• Arrange medical help.

• Help put you in touch with local doctors, lawyers and interpreters/translators.

• Assist in the event of a death.

• Arrange for next-of-kin to be informed of an accident or death and advise on procedures.

• Assist South African citizens during extreme emergencies such as natural disasters and civil unrest.

• Assist victims of robbery and other violence.

• Provide assistance in dealing with the criminal justice system.

• Assist with locating missing persons.

• Help locate abducted children and attempt to reunite them with their custodial parents.

• Contact and visit South African citizens arrested or detained and, in certain circumstances, arrange for messages to be sent to relatives or friends.

• Make representations on your behalf to the local authorities in certain circumstances.

 Consular staff cannot:

• Intervene in court proceedings.

• Get you out of prison.

• Give legal advice or instigate court proceedings on your behalf.

• Get better treatment for you in hospital or prison than is provided for local nationals.

• Investigate a crime.

• Pay your hotel, legal, medical or any other bills.

• Pay your travelling expenses.

• Pay for the transport or cremation of the mortal remains of SA citizens.

• Undertake work better done by travel representatives, airlines, banks or motoring organisations.

• Obtain accommodation, work or a work permit on your behalf.

• Formally assist dual nationals in the country of their second nationality.