South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA)
Date: 25 August 2025
Embassy Requests Postponement
The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Washington, D.C. has formally requested that SACCUSA postpone the planned Virtual Outreach Sessions with the South African diaspora in the United States. These session were planned for 27 and 28 August 2025
This decision was taken to allow Embassy officials additional time to secure legally sound and accurate guidance from the South African Government and specifically the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the Border Management Authority (BMA). The Embassy has emphasized that premature communication, before all departments are aligned, risks creating further confusion.
SACCUSA is a non-political independent business organization and not a government organization, we cannot provide legal or immigration advise on behalf of the South African Government. We provide information to assist our members to make informed decisions.
Kindly note that the only competent authorities to advise definitively on your questions are the Embassy of South Africa in Washington, D.C., Consulate Generals in New York and Los Angeles, and the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
Interim Guidance for Travelers
In the meantime, South Africans residing in the United States are advised to use the official BMA press release as a guiding document for travel to and from South Africa.
SACCUSA can, however, confirm—based on our own direct engagements with the DHA and the Office of the Minister that:
- South Africans will not be fined or arrested for non-compliance at points of entry.
- The DHA has taken note of SACCUSA’s concerns on behalf of the diaspora community.
- The Department is actively working on ways to improve consular services, particularly with respect to passport applications and renewals rolling out a VFS solution in the near future.
Embassy Assurance
The Embassy has reaffirmed that:
- No automatic penalties are currently being applied at ports of entry.
- Each case is assessed individually, with recognition that many travelers acted in good faith given prior uncertainty around dual citizenship and travel documentation.
- A new outreach session will be rescheduled as a matter of priority with in the next few weeks, with a dedicated focus on dual citizenship, passport requirements, and available options for South Africans in the USA.
SACCUSA’s Commitment
SACCUSA remains committed to advocating for the South African community in the United States and ensuring that accurate, transparent, and practical information is made available as quickly as possible.
We understand the frustration and concern this postponement may cause, particularly as many South Africans make travel plans for the holiday season. We therefore encourage all community members to remain calm, to consult the BMA press release for interim guidance, and to reach out to the Embassy with urgent, case-specific concerns.
Together, through constructive engagement and factual communication, we can safeguard both travel confidence and the strong ties between South Africans abroad and our home country.
CONTACT DETAILS
South African Consulate-General – New York
+1 212-213-4880 | 
nycg.consular@dirco.gov.za
South African Consulate-General – Los Angeles +1 323-651-0902 | sacgla@dirco.gov.za
Department of Home Affairs – South Africa
www.dha.gov.za