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I was born in South Africa then migrated to New Zealand. Before I obtained my NZ citizenship, we had to renew my South African Passport. At the moment I have a valid NZ passport (expires end of this year) and a valid S.A passport (expires in 5 years).

I was over 18 years old when we applied for NZ citizenship and did not send any additional paperwork in to hold on to my S.A citizenship. So I don't have Dual-citizenship.

My S.A passport still has my NZ Permanent Residency paperwork in it which we needed to obtain NZ citizenship.

With this new Visa Requirements that came in force, it's going to take too long to get a Visa on my NZ passport to enter S.A. We have a family emergency and need to fly out ASAP.

Can I still use my S.A. passport to travel to S.A and back to NZ even though I have not retained my citizenship in S.A? Or would I get into trouble at the border for using my S.A passport while not having citizenship there? Or even worse denied entry to NZ because I did not use my NZ passport to come back into the country?

Kate Gregory
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Shane van Wyk
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1 Answers1

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If you have in fact lost your South African citizenship then you should not use your South African passport to travel. It could be seen as fraud, because using a country's passport means that you are claiming to be a citizen of that country.

Can I still use my S.A. passport to travel to S.A and back to NZ even though I have not retained my citizenship in S.A?

Legally, no, but you might be able to get away with it if South Africa doesn't yet know that you've been naturalized in New Zealand. This is very risky and decidedly not recommended. See the next paragraph for more information.

Or would I get into trouble at the border for using my S.A passport while not having citizenship there?

It is a distinct possibility. If they find out that you're fraudulently using a South African passport, I suspect the negative consequences would be fairly severe.

Or even worse denied entry to NZ because I did not use my NZ passport to come back into the country?

As a citizen of New Zealand, you cannot be denied entry into New Zealand. But in any event you should show your New Zealand passport when you arrive in New Zealand. See I have two passports/nationalities. How do I use them when I travel? for more information.

phoog
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