Who to contact with regards to passports in Madeira?

Question

Hi,

Can someone please advise whom I can contact in Madeira to find out if a passport was issued to my great-grandfather. My great-grandfather was apparently baptised as Manuel Ferreira but changed his name to Jose Rodrigues Da Silva when he moved to South Africa in 1928/1929. The records on ABM Madeira only goes till 1925. I would like to obtain the passport so that I can compare the photo which I have of him to the passport photo (to confirm the allegations with regards to the identity).

I already contacted the SA Consulate in Madeira and they cannot assist. I also contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and they were also not able to assist.

Thanks in advance!

Kind regards,

Marize

Comments

Do they not have the book digitized? There are a number of Manuel's that are listed for that time period. Do you know which location he came from? You can try the FamilySearch books.

Answer 1

You may need to take a look at what privacy restrictions there are on such data in Madeira. If other vital records are only available up to 1925 then you may find even tighter restrictions on other information such as passport applications.

Comments

Hi there,

Thanks for the advise! Will check it out today. =)

Answer 2

Have you tried the Instituto dos Registos e do Notoriado, the Portuguese authority issuing passports?

Comments

Hi there,

Thanks so much! I did contact them but with regards to a divorce matter - whether my great-grandfather legally divorced his first wife before he married my great-grandmother from SA. But have not received a response yet. I just sent them a mail with regards to the passport as well.

Thanks for the assistance!

Answer 3

Have you tried the Portuguese National Archives?