Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Helping you understand the importance of legal document verification and police clearance.
Apostille Documents
An Apostille is a certification that validates the authenticity of documents to ensure their recognition in foreign countries that fall under the Apostille Hague Convention.
Documents that can be apostilled include; birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts or degrees, power of attorney’s and company incorporation documents among other legal documents.
The apostille process may take anywhere from 24 hours dependent on the selected service delivery option and the type of Apostille required.
We offer various service delivery options to suit your needs.
Standard delivery is between 6 and 8 week time frame.
Express delivery is between 10 -15 business days.
Super express delivery is between 3 – 5 business days.
High Court Apostilles can be expedited from 24 hours – 5 business days.
Contact us to discuss your expedited service delivery requirements.
Contact our friendly customer service to advise on the DIRCO or High Court Apostille that applies to you. Supply us with your documents, country to be used and we handle the application and delivery on your behalf.
To submit your Apostille documents you are required to courier the necessary documents to our office.
The cost is dependant on the documents which need to be apostilled and country it will be used in. Additionally this will depend on the expedited service delivery options used. Contact us to get the information you need.
Police Clearance Certificate
A police clearance certificate is an official document issued to verify your criminal record, and thus also known as a certificate of good conduct.
Complete the SAPS 91 (a) application form available on our PCC page. Obtain a copy of your fingerprints, 2 copies of your ID / Passport and provide the country it will be used in. Contact us now for efficient delivery.
The same application procedure applies. In this instance -obtain your fingerprints and copy of your ID / Passport at your SA embassy.
A police clearance certificate is required for various purposes such as immigration, employment or study abroad, visa applications, professional licensing and adoption.
As it issued to ensure your criminal record is in good standing and you are of sound character.
Residing in South Africa: A police clearance certificate may take up to 3 months should you apply directly at SAPS. At The Visa Embassy we offer expedited service delivery options within 5 – 7 business days and 3 -5 business days which vary in fee structure.
Residing outside South Africa: It may take between 3 -6 months should you apply. At The Visa Embassy we offer expedited service delivery within 5 – 7 working days.
Should an applicant have any convictions, the process may be extended up to 40 days in SA.
Kindly attach the following:
- Completed application form
- Fingerprint prints
- 2 Copies of your ID
- Country to be used in
Should you require maiden name to reflect – a marriage certificate is required.
Opt to use the method that suits you best:
- Email to: info@visaexpertsa.co.za
- Upload via the contact form on our website
- Courier to our branch
Contact our friendly customer service for our competitive local, international and expedited rates.
Your fingerprint prints can be done at your nearest police station or at a commissioner of oath, should you reside in South Africa.
Alternatively, you can have them done at the South African Embassy if you are residing outside of South Africa.
The validity of a police clearance certificate varies from country to country. In South Africa, a PCC is valid for 6 months, however, countries such as Spain indicate 3 month validity.