At present, the UK authorities do not provide police clearance certificates. Applicants can however apply for a subject access reply under the Subject Access Provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. This is accepted by most foreign authorities in the absence of any other facility.

Applications for a subject access should be made by the applicant to the local police station that would have covered your last residential address in the UK. Applications can be made in person or by post. A completed application form, an original copy of government approved photo ID (for example a passport or driving license) and a cheque or postal order for £10 sterling (most police stations will not accept other currencies) are required.

By UK law, the subject access application must be processed and the results issued within 40 days of receiving the application.

South African Residence Permit Applications

The letter detailing what information the UK police hold on you is normally valid and recognised by the South African authorities for 6 months from the date of issue. All permanent residence permit applications require a valid police check. If you intend on applying for permanent residence, or for any other reason you believe the police check may be required, we advise you to apply for your police record check prior to your departure from the UK or arrival in South Africa.

Your application for permanent residence in South Africa should be made with your local Home Affairs office, covering the area of your residential address. The South African authorities do not require a local South African police clearance certificate, irrespective of the period of time you have been resident in South Africa prior to your application, as they will conduct their own internal checks as a matter or standard procedure.