Do you wish to apply for a passport in South Africa but you are unsure of how to do so,this article will provide you with the guidelines on applying for passport in South Africa.
A passport is a document issued by a national government for international travel and it certifies the identity and nationality of the holder.
Types of Passports
Determine the type of passport you need:
- Adult Passport (valid for 10 years)
- Child Passport (for minors under 16, valid for 5 years)
- Maxi Passport (for frequent travelers, with more pages)
- Temporary Passport (valid for one year, for urgent travel)
South African passports include the following information:
- A photo of the passport holder
- Type of passport
- Issuing country
- Passport number
- Given names and surname of the passport holder
- Nationality of the passport holder
- Gender of passport holder
- Birth date
- Birth place
- Issue date
- Expiry date
- Issuing authority
Required documents
- A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73
- Your original identity document and a copy, or a birth certificate and copy thereof if under 16
- If under 18 years, parental consent for issuing of the passport. Please see Tourist passports: persons under 16 for the requirements
- A completed determination of citizenship Form DHA-529 when applying from abroad
- Present any existing valid tourist passport or if you have lost your passport or it has been stolen and you are applying for a new passport, you must provide a loss of passport report (DHA-335 ) and confirmation that you reported the loss to the police
- Two colour photographs that comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally)
- Pay the prescribed fee for the passport
How to apply for a passport in South Africa
Apply Online via eHomeAffairs (Optional but Recommended)
- Visit the eHomeAffairs website.
- Create an account and log in.
- Fill in the passport application form.
- Upload required documents.
- Choose a branch or participating bank for biometric capture and collection.
- Pay the application fee online:
- Adult passport: R600
- Child passport: R400
- Temporary passport: R350
- Maxi passport: R1,200
- Book an appointment for biometric capture at the selected branch/bank.
Applying in Person (If Not Using eHomeAffairs)
- Visit your nearest Department of Home Affairs office.
- Submit your application and documents.
- Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be captured.
- Pay the application fee in person.
Processing Time
- Standard passports: Approximately 7 to 14 working days.
- Temporary passports: Usually issued quicker, within a few days.
Collection
You will be notified when your passport is ready. Collect it from the branch where you submitted your application or the bank if you used eHomeAffairs.