Passports

You may apply for a new Greek passport or the renewal of your Greek passport at the Consulate of Greece in Cape Town only if you are a Greek citizen , meaning if you are registered with a municipality in Greece. If you are of Greek descent, but you have not been registered with a municipality, please consult the “Greek citizenship” section.

Procedure & Supporting Documents

Applications for new passport/passport renewal are only accepted in person and by appointment. To schedule an appointment, please send an email to the passport section of the Consulate (   , noting “Attn: Passport Dpt” on the subject line). You will need to attach the following:

1. a copy of your most recent Greek passport, if you have one,

2. a copy of your Greek ID (front and back). In case you don't have a Greek ID, attach a copy of your municipal registration (“Merida”). If you do not have a “Merida”, please fill out the application form “Request registry data for passport” from the Section “Applications”.

3. Also, provide a contact number where we can reach you.

On the day of your appointment, you will need to submit the following documents:

1. Application (completed at the Consulate General)

2. Previous passport (if you have one).

3. South African Passport or ID (to confirm spelling of your name in Latin characters).

4. Two (2) recent (no more than a month old) colour photographs of particular technical specifications (4x6 cm, light-coloured background etc. – see full specs here:
http://www.passport.gov.gr/en/diadikasia-ekdosis/documents/specificationphoto.html

5. Greek identity card if you have one.

6. Sworn statement (completed at the Consulate General) in which you will specify whether:

o you have ever been convicted of crimes relating to the issuance, use, loss or theft of passports;

o there are criminal proceedings pending against you and whether you have been indicted for the aforementioned offences;

o you have ever been declared a draft dodger or deserter;

o you are banned from leaving the country;

o you possess a valid passport.

7. Males of 19-45 years of age only:  Certificate of military deferment (“Type B” certificate). In case you do not have one, you must complete this procedure first (please consult the section “Military Service Exemptions” for more details).

8. Minors : In the case of minors, supporting documents are submitted by their parents or legal guardians.  In case only one parent is present, the written consent of the other is required, with the latter’s signature certified either by local consular offices or a South African public authority.

9. Persons under Guardianship or Judicial Assistance : In the case of adult persons under guardianship or judicial assistance, the presence of the guardian and/or judicial assistant is required at the time of the submission of application. A certified copy of the relevant decision on guardianship/judicial assistance of a Greek Authority must be presented.

Passport Delivery

Passports must be picked up in person or by a legal guardian or by a person legally authorized. Proper identification must be provided. Legal guardians and legally authorized persons must also provide a written authorization (signature certified by a Greek Consular Mission or any other Greek or South African administrative authority).

When new passports are picked up, applicants are required to submit their old passport for invalidation.

Fees

The fees for the issuance of Greek passports are:

Passports for applicants over 14 years of age: €84,40 equivalent in Rand

Passports for applicants up to 14 years of age: €73,60 equivalent in Rand

Loss/Theft of passport

In case of loss or theft of a valid Greek passport in South Africa, it is the obligation of the holder to inform at the earliest the local Police, obtaining confirmation of the report (e.g. crime reference number) and then proceeding to the Consular Authority to report the loss/theft.

The Consular Authority proceeds with an investigation concerning the circumstances of loss or theft of the passport, which can last up to 3 months from the date of the report at the Consular Authority. In case the passport of the same person is lost/stolen again within 5 years, the investigation can last up to a year, depending on the case. As long as the investigation is in process, a new passport cannot be issued. In case of loss/theft, the submission of a new application is only possible 90 days after the the declaration on the loss/theft at the Consular Authority.

FAQ - Greek Passports

1. Are Greek passports secure?

The new (post-2006) Greek passports are among the safest in the world. They are produced by the Hellenic Police using the latest technology available. The passports are machine-readable and incorporate a microchip with biometric data.

2. Who can apply for a Greek passport?

Only Greek citizens can apply to acquire a Greek passport. Greek citizenship is proven by registration with a municipality in Greece, as shown on the family status document (“ikogeniaki merida”, often simply called “merida” by most Greeks in South Africa).

3. How long does it take to get a new passport?

Between 6 and 8 weeks.

4. Why does it take so long?

Because the passports are produced exclusively in Greece by the Hellenic Police to meet the highest security standards. Also, in order to protect your personal data, your application is physically sent by the Consulate General to the Hellenic Police.

5. I can't wait that long. Can I receive a temporary passport or an extension to my current one?

No,unfortunately these options are not available, as they would compromise the security of the passport.

On the other hand, please note that Greek citizens always have the right to return to Greece, even with an expired passport.

6. I live far from Johannesburg. Where else can I apply for my passport?

The Consulate of Greece in Cape Town is responsible for the Provinces of Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape. Therefore, you will need to come to the Consulate if you live in one of these areas.

7. Do I need to pick up my passport in person?

No, you will only have to come in person for the application. Conversely, you may authorize somebody to pick up your passport on your behalf.

8.  Does my passport number change?

Yes, every time you get a new passport, it will have a new number.

9.  What is the validity of the passport that I will receive?

The validity of the passport for adults and children over 14 years old is 10 years. For children under 14 years old, the validity is 3 years.

10. How long before the expiry date of my passport can I start the renewal process?

You can apply to renew your passport up to 1 year before the expiry date.