SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY BERN

Q:        MY BABY IS DUE SOON. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO REGISTER MY CHILD IN SWITZERLAND?

A:         You are required to present an extract of your birth register (full birth certificate) and of your marriage certificate.  Please e-mail to receive forms to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Q:        CAN I TRAVEL WITH MY NEWBORN BABY?

A:         You are requested to register your newborn baby as a South African citizen in Pretoria as soon as possible.  This process may take approximately four (4) months.

Once the baby is registered, you have the possibility of applying for a South African child passport.  This process may also take up to an additional two (2) months.

If your child is dual national by descent, then you may use the “other” national passport for immediate travel.

Q:        I HAVE SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION BUT DID NOT HEAR FROM YOU.  WAS IT RECEIVED?

A:         You are advised to post your application to the Embassy by registered mail.  If you have done so, please contact the Swiss post office for confirmation of receipt.

Q:        I SUBMITTED MY DOCUMENTS FOUR MONTHS AGO BUT DID NOT HEAR FROM THE YOU.  WHERE IS MY DOCUMENT?

A:         If you have submitted a complete application, it is processed WITHOUT delay.  You must remember that all documents are issued in Pretoria.  We have no control on this process and therefore are unable to guarantee the waiting period of four months.  It is APPROXIMATELY four months.   When a document is received in Bern, it is forwarded to your address in Switzerland within 24 hours.

Q:        I APPLIED FOR A FEW DOCUMENTS AT THE SAME TIME, BUT RECEIVED ONLY ONE. WHY?

A:         Each application is handled by the section responsible for that particular document.  Just because we send the applications in one batch, does not automatically guarantee receipt of all at the same time.

Q:        I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR MY DOCUMENTS AT LEAST 5 MONTHS.  HOW SHALL I PROCEED?

A:         Please e-mail your name, ID#, date of application and name of document requested to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   We will investigate.

Q:        IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO EXPEDITE THE PROCEDURE/ISSUANCE OF OUR DOCUMENTS?

A:         Unfortunately we are unable to assist you in this regard.  You may however contact the Department of Home Affairs directly www.dha.gov.za