Immigrationboards.com

Hi,

I am British Otherwise By Descent. I currently reside in Zambia. I am expecting a child and would prefer to give birth in South Africa.

Is it possible to apply for an emergency travel document for the child to return with me to Zambia shortly after the birth?
Do I have to apply for, and wait in South Africa for a British passport for my child before returning to Zambia?

I am concerned about the length of time I would need to spend in South Africa waiting for the passport to arrive for the baby. How long would this take approximately?

Many thanks for any advice or information you are able to provide in advance.

All passport applications are processed in the UK. Often the wait is 6-12 months.

Any particular reason you cannot give birth in Zambia? In excess of R35,000 for a birth in South Africa, payable upfront (travel insurance unlikely to cover this cost).

Government hospitals in SA are appalling and also not a free service.

Thank you for your concern Char. I apologise for the ambiguous statement of "Many thanks for any advice or information you are able to provide in advance"

To clarify. I would be grateful for any information and advice pertaining to the 3 specific questions asked only.

CR001 wrote:All passport applications are processed in the UK. Often the wait is 6-12 months.

You can apply for a passport anywhere but the above applies.

I was only offering advice as a South African, use it/don't use, not issue to me.

ETDs are typically only issued to people who have already been issued with a British passport and have lost/misplaced it.

https://www.gov.uk/emergency-travel-document

You usually can’t get an emergency travel document if you’ve never had a British passport.

Search on these forums for the lead times on British passports overseas. Currently, it is between 6-12 months, as advised by CR001.

Is the child eligible for any other passport that it can use for travel between Zambia and SA? You could apply for the British passport after you and the child are back in Zambia.