Locate the closest South African Embassy or High Commission. In the Caribbean, it will probably be the High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica. This office is responsible for consular affairs in Antigua, Barbados, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, The Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, and Suriname. The South African Department of International Relations & Cooperation has an online list of South African diplomatic offices and their contact details (Reference 2).
Collect the necessary forms. Some application forms may be downloaded from High Commission websites (Reference 1). The forms are standard Home Affairs forms, which means that the application downloaded from the High Commission in Canada should be valid anywhere. Some forms (such as a BI - 9 fingerprint form) are unavailable online. The High Commission can mail you a copy if you send them a self-addressed stamped envelope (Reference 1).
Fill out the forms. You will need to fill out form BI 73 (Passport Application) with a thumbprint, and if over the age of 16, also complete form BI 9 with a set of fingerprints. Finally, you will need to complete form BI 529: Declaration of Citizenship (Reference 1).
Collect your supporting documentation. You will need a certified copy of your South African Birth Certificate or ID book, a notarized Certificate of Naturalization, or certified copy of an Exemption Certificate. You will also need to submit 3 passport photos that fit the South African passport photo guidelines (Reference 3). Finally, you will need to submit your current passport or a certified copy of its front page. Additional documentation may be required if you need to change your legal name or report a lost/stolen passport (Reference 1).
Go to your bank and get a money order for the passport fee, payable to the High Commission or Embassy that you are submitting to. These fees vary, so contact the office for the exact amount.
Mail your applications, documentation, photos, and money order with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the South African Embassy or High Commission responsible for the territory you are in. They will process the forms and mail you your new passport when it is ready.
