Transvaal (now part of South Africa)

Transvaal (now part of South Africa) - flag

Listen to our BRITISH NATIONALITY WEBINAR on South Africa where our two British nationality experts - Philip Gamble and Mishal Patel - discuss a family birth in South Africa and its implications for claims to British nationality in the modern day.

Can you claim British Nationality?

Getting a British passport might be easier than you think. Thanks to the UK's historical laws and agreements with former territories, you may qualify for British nationality depending on where you, your parents and grandparents were born. 

The Transvaal

The Transvaal should normally be treated the same as South Africa for British nationality purposes. You could qualify for a British Passport if:

  • you were born in the Transvaal after 30.05.1962 and before 31.12.1982 and you have a UK-born grandparent; OR
  • you were born between 01.01.1949 and 31.12.1982, a parent was born in the Transvaal between 1881 and 31.08.1900 and that parent had a UK-born parent.

Fast facts

You could also be eligible for British citizenship if you were:

  • Born to a parent (a father or mother) who was born in the UK before 1983. 
  • Born in South Africa after 31 May 1962 but before 1983, and you have a UK-born grandparent. 
  • Born after 1948, and your parents were married before 1949 and your paternal grandfather (your dad’s dad) was born in the UK.

There are hundreds of other ways to qualify. As a general rule, if you were born in a country that is different to either parent or any of your grandparents, or you have a connection back to the UK, Ireland or a former British Territory, then you might have a claim.

Some claims to British nationality are relatively straightforward and can be completed quickly if you meet the above requirements. Other claims can be extremely complex and can only be determined by researching old nationality laws. Our expertise in British nationality and immigration law means that when we submit an application on your behalf, you can be sure it will be successful. To find out whether you or your children might have a claim, take a couple of moments to complete our FREE online passport assessment.

 

STATUS OF SOUTH AFRICA

The Cape, Natal, Transvaal and Orange Free State (now part of South Africa)

Between 1815 and 30.05.1910, the Cape Colony was within the British Crown Dominions.

The Natal Colony fell within the British Crown Dominions from 1844 until 30.05.1910.

The Transvaal was within the British Crown Dominions between 1877 and 1881. From 1881 until 31.08.1900, it was a British Protectorate. From 01.09.1900 until 30.05.1910, it was within the British Crown Dominions as a colony.

The Orange Free State was within the British Crown Dominions between 1848 and 1854. Between 1854 and 23.05.1900, it was a foreign country. From 24.05.1900 until 30.05.1910, it was within the British Crown Dominions as a colony.

Click here for more information on the status of a British Protected Person (based on birth in a British Protectorate).

South Africa

Prior to 31.05.1910, South Africa comprised of four separate territories.

From 31.05.1910 until 31.12.1948, South Africa was within the British Crown Dominions.

Between 01.01.1949 and 30.05.1962, it was an independent Commonwealth country.

From 31.05.1962 until 25.07.1994, it was a foreign country.

From 26.07.1994 until the present day, it was an independent  Commonwealth country.

img4

Ask Philip Gamble whether you (or your children) have a claim to British nationality.

ASK PHILIP GAMBLE NOW!
Learn more about these routes to British Nationality:

WhatPassport.com is a specialist UK Nationality and British Citizenship site offering an online search and assessment. Claims to hold a British Passport can be complex and the site offers a quick, simple search to give you the answers. While many people qualify for the UK Ancestry Visa based on holding a Commonwealth passport with a UK born grandmother or grandfather, we have found that if you have a grandparent born in the UK, or if your mother is British or your father is British, then there are several scenarios where you can claim British Nationality and the right to hold a British Passport. This stems from Britain’s collection of British Colonies, British Protectorates and British Protected States in the middle of last century and the Nationality rules concerning what are now the countries of the Commonwealth.

WhatPassport.com is a subsidiary of Sable International.

Sable International offers a range of services relating to UK and Australian immigration. For over 20 years, we have been helping people with their UK and Australian visa applications. We assist with applications for Ancestry visas, spouse visas, work visas, Tier 1 visas, UK working holiday visas, UK dependant visas, Tier 4 visas, UK Visitor visas, sponsorship visas or UK permanent residency or indefinite leave to remain. We also specialise in UK visa extensions. If you’ve overstayed your visa, our Overstayer Status Trace service can assist to regularise your visa status.