The Department of Home Affairs has officially extended its festive season operating hours for December 2025 and January 2026. This is to help South Africans collect travel documents, Smart ID cards, and passports in time for the holidays.
If you’re in Gauteng, here’s what you need to know about the Home Affairs festive season operating hours and how to plan your visit.
Why the Extended Home Affairs Operating Hours Matter
South Africans often rush to collect documents before travelling. Delays during the festive period are common. To reduce long queues and improve service delivery, Home Affairs has introduced extended operating hours at select branches.
When Are the Extended Hours in Effect?
The following periods apply across major branches in Gauteng and the rest of South Africa:
- Monday, 8 December to Friday, 19 December 2025
- Monday, 5 January to Friday, 16 January 2026
During these dates, participating Home Affairs offices will operate from:
- 08:00 to 18:00 (Mon to Fri)
- Weekends and public holidays: Closed, unless otherwise announced
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Which Services Are Available During Extended Hours?
The following services will be available at offices with extended hours:
- Smart ID card applications and collections
- Passport applications and collections
- Temporary Identity Certificates
- Re-issue of birth, marriage, or death certificates
Please note: Other civic services may follow normal operating hours.
Not All Offices Are Participating
Only offices equipped to handle Smart ID and passport services will operate on the extended schedule. These include:
- Home Affairs Randburg
- Pretoria Office
- Germiston Civic Centre
- Johannesburg Central
- Edenvale Home Affairs
View the full list on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Booking an Appointment via BABS
To streamline visits, Home Affairs urges clients to use the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS). This online tool lets users book a slot in advance to avoid queues.
Can You Visit Without a Booking?
Yes. Walk-ins will be accepted, especially during the festive rush. However, priority will be given to those with bookings.
ID and Passport Backlogs: A National Concern
The department continues to face high demand and backlogs. In 2024, over 1.4 million Smart ID cards were issued. As the end-of-year travel season approaches, this figure is expected to rise by 15–20%.
Extended hours aim to address this seasonal pressure efficiently.
What to Bring for Faster Processing
To avoid delays, bring the following:
- Original South African ID or birth certificate
- Proof of residence
- Booking reference (if applicable)
- Applicable fees (R140 for Smart ID, R600 for a passport)
Office Closures Over Public Holidays
Home Affairs offices will be closed on the following public holidays:
- 25 December 2025 – Christmas Day
- 26 December 2025 – Day of Goodwill
- 1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day
Make sure to plan around these dates.
COVID-19 Protocols Still Apply
Although most restrictions have eased, safety protocols remain in place:
- Wear a face mask in crowded indoor spaces
- Sanitise your hands upon entry
- Maintain social distancing where possible
These help protect both staff and the public during busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are all Home Affairs offices open until 6 PM during the festive season?
No. Only selected offices with Smart ID and passport services are open for extended hours.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Appointments via BABS are recommended but not mandatory. Walk-ins are accepted, subject to availability.
Can I collect my ID or passport after hours?
Yes. You can collect Smart IDs and passports until 18:00 at participating offices.
Are offices open on weekends?
No. Home Affairs offices remain closed on weekends unless stated otherwise by the department.
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The Home Affairs festive season operating hours offer welcome relief for South Africans needing urgent documents. Gauteng residents are urged to take advantage of the extra time to avoid last-minute issues.
Plan your visit early, bring the correct documents, and use BABS where possible. For more information, visit the official Home Affairs website.
