Applying for a passport in South Africa is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail. Whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing an expired passport, or replacing a lost one, there are several steps to follow. Below, we’ve outlined the step-by-step process to guide you through applying for a South African passport, either online or in person.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
The first step in applying for a South African passport is to gather all the necessary documentation. Depending on your age and whether you’re applying for a new passport or renewing an old one, the required documents may vary slightly. However, the basic documents include:
DHA-73 Form: This is the official passport application form. You can download it from the Department of Home Affairs website or pick it up at any Home Affairs office.
Identity Document (ID): If you’re 16 years or older, provide your original South African ID and a copy. If you’re under 16, a valid birth certificate and a copy will be required instead.
Parental Consent (if under 18): If you’re applying for a passport and you are under 18 years old, you will need to submit written consent from at least one of your parents or legal guardians. This is crucial to ensure the passport is issued lawfully.
Photographs: Two recent color passport-sized photographs are required. Ensure that the photographs meet the specifications outlined by the Department of Home Affairs (for example, proper size, clear background, no shadows, etc.). If you are applying for a smartcard passport, photographs will be taken during the biometric capture.
Fingerprints: For applicants 16 years or older, fingerprints will be captured during the application process. This is a security measure and is essential for the processing of your passport.
Existing Passport (if renewing or replacing): If you’re renewing or replacing your passport, bring your current passport. If it was lost or stolen, you will need to submit a loss report along with the application.
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can choose one of the following methods to submit your passport application:
1. In-Person at the Department of Home Affairs Office
You can submit your application at any Department of Home Affairs office in South Africa. This is the traditional method and requires you to visit the office in person. Ensure you have all the required documents and be ready to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
2. Online Application via eHomeAffairs
South Africa has introduced an online passport application process, which allows you to complete most of the application steps online. To apply online, follow these steps:
Register on the eHomeAffairs Website: Create an account on the official eHomeAffairs portal. This platform is linked to major South African banks, including Nedbank and Standard Bank.
Complete the Online Form: Fill out the required fields in the online application form.
Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of your ID, photographs, and any other supporting documents.
Pay the Application Fee Online: Pay the required fee using a secure online payment system through the website.
Biometric Capture: After submitting the application online, visit a participating bank branch for biometric data capture, which includes fingerprinting and taking a passport photo.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Once your application form is completed and the documents are in order, the next step is to pay the application fee. As of now, the fee for a tourist passport is R600, but this amount can vary depending on the type of passport you’re applying for and whether you’re applying from inside or outside South Africa.
Additional fees may apply for other types of passports such as child passports, official passports, or travel documents for crew members. If you’re applying from abroad, you should also confirm the applicable fees with the relevant embassy or mission.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After submitting your application and paying the required fee, your application will go through a processing period. Generally, passport applications are processed within 7 to 21 working days. However, during peak times or if there are any issues with your application, it could take longer.
You can track the status of your application on the Department of Home Affairs website. If you applied through the eHomeAffairs system, you can also receive SMS notifications about the progress of your application.
Step 5: Collect Your Passport
Once your passport is ready, you will be notified by the Department of Home Affairs or the participating bank (if you applied online).
In-Person Collection: If you applied in person at a Home Affairs office, you will need to visit the same office to collect your passport once it’s ready.
Online Application Collection: If you applied online, your passport will be available for collection at the branch of the bank where you went for biometric data capture.
Be sure to bring your receipt or any confirmation documents with you when collecting your passport.
Additional Information
Types of Passports
There are several types of passports that you can apply for, depending on your specific travel needs. These include:
Tourist Passport: The standard South African passport issued to citizens. It is valid for 10 years and is used for international travel.
Child Passport: For South African children under the age of 16, a special child passport is issued. This passport is typically valid for 5 years.
Official Passport: This passport is issued to individuals who need to travel on government-related business or for diplomatic purposes.
Crew Member Certificate: This is a special type of passport for South African citizens who work as crew members aboard international ships or aircraft.
Travel Requirements
When traveling abroad, it is essential to ensure that your South African passport meets the travel requirements of your destination country. Many countries require that your passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date and that it has at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
Applying from Abroad
If you’re living outside South Africa and need to apply for or renew a passport, you can submit your application at a South African embassy or mission in your country of residence. The process is similar to the one described above, but you will need to complete additional documentation, such as a determination of citizenship form (DHA-529).
Check also: Is Your ID or Passport Ready for Collection? Here’s How to Check Online
Applying for a South African passport can be a simple and efficient process if you follow the necessary steps. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing an existing passport, it’s important to ensure you have all the required documents, pay the correct fee, and choose the appropriate application method. By following this guide, you can confidently navigate the process of obtaining your South African passport, whether you’re applying in person or online.
