A South African citizen cannot have dual citizenship, in other words, be a citizen of two countries at the same time. The original citizenship will automatically be cancelled if a person is granted citizenship of another country. However, a South African citizen can apply for the retention of South African citizenship BEFORE acquiring a foreign citizenship, against payment of a prescribed fee.

According to the South African Citizenship Amendment Act (No 17 of 2004) a citizen is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine or imprisonment if he/she:

• Enters or departs from the Republic by making use of the passport of another country
• While in the Republic, makes use of his/her citizenship from another country to gain advantage or avoid duty