Consulate General of South Africa

What a pain-
1) no walkins because of Covid - seriously, you’re still using that excuse!
2) earliest appointment is two months away (all I need to do is drop off forms)
3) no response to emails - the automated message says 36hrs for a response. That was more than a week ago.
Useless - reminds me of South Africa (oh wait….).

I would like to show my gratitude to Mr. Semalane who was very helpful from the first day I reached out to the SA consulate NY . Thank you so much Sir for your calm response and assistance and also not forgetting Mrs. Garcia. I’m truly grateful for your services and your help. Thank you 🙏🏽

I will be visiting South Africa later this August and had to apply for a tourist visa. Before my appointment, I was feeling a little apprehensive because of the negative reviews on the internet, but my entire experience with the Consulate in New York was amazing! Everyone I met at the Consulate was extremely kind. The waiting area was spacious, clean and quiet. I was given a number during check in, and waited for about 20 minutes before I was called. The lady at the visa window thoroughly checked my documents, and told me it would take 5-10 days to process my visa. I applied on a Tuesday and received my passport within 10 days. I applied a little later than I should have (couldn't book an earlier appointment), so my travelling date was getting close. I was really stressed out over whether I could get my passport back before my travelling date. However my anxiety turned out to be unnecessary because South Africa Consulate is highly efficient and truly exceeding my expectations.
A couple of recommendations to people who will be applying for a visa:
1. Try to book an appointment as early as possible. They get filled up very quickly.
2. Print out the list of required documents from the Consulate visa service site, and use that as the guidance to prepare for the application. That was what I did and I didn't run into any issues at the Consulate. If you forget anything, there is a Fedex store downstairs so you can go there to use their printers and copy machines. The lady at the visa window would tell you what's missing. She is super friendly and kind.
I rarely write reviews but feel compelled to write one for the South Africa Consulate and hopefully correct some of the negative lights on them.

Great attitudes from the staff. Took longer than I expected but still 10 times faster than any home affairs office. My only issue is that they don't accept card/cash payments but money orders only so I had to walk to the post office down the street to get one but other than that it was a good experience.

I found the whole experience of working with the consulate very positive! I could make an online appointment without trouble.
I needed certain documents for my newborn’s birth certificate, and I received my documents with a written note inside in the mail quite fast after I mailed a request.
I also received a personal phone call from the consulate to inform me that my passport has arrived and that they will be sending it to me.
Thanks so much for your professionalism!

I am terribly sorry and apologetic for the disturbance I caused.

Please forgive me. With a view of respecting the ANC laws and respect for the United States Military I am on both sides.

I opted to receive injections for the sake of protecting the Presidents of both if not all regions.

Please reach out and I understand how concerned I am.

My dealings with the Consulate was excellent to say the least. From the 1st email to collecting the documents was a little over 5 months. Very efficient staff, everyone was helpful and friendly they communicated clearly and concisely. Keep up the good work! We appreciate your service.