It allows the bearer to travel in foreign countries in accordance with visa requirements, and facilitates the process of securing assistance from South African consular officials abroad, if necessary.

"REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA", French: "RÉPUBLIQUE[12] D'AFRIQUE DU SUD" are inscribed in gold text above and below the coat of arms respectively.

Additionally, visa pages now contain pictures of the Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Elephant, and Rhinoceros – the Big Five animals of Southern Africa.

[13] These passports are not biometric but do contain sophisticated security features such as a seven-layer polycarbonate page where personal details and a photograph are laser engraved.

Until more modern and digital methods were introduced, to apply for a South African passport, one had to fill in application form BI-73,[14] and bring the appropriate-sized photographs to ensure correct identity.

Dual nationals using a non-South African passport to enter/exit South Africa may be turned away from border checkpoints and could be fined or imprisoned for up to 12 months.