Looking out “tips on how to apply for passport in South Africa,”and even “what to do if my passport is misplaced or stolen”? You’re not alone. Whether or not you’re a South African getting your very first passport, renewing an outdated one, or a foreigner residing in South Africa needing the fitting journey papers, this information covers every thing you’ll want to know concerning the passport utility South Africa course of, from varieties and charges to biometrics, renewals, and what to do when your passport goes lacking.
Disclaimer: The Division of Dwelling Affairs holds essentially the most present data on passport guidelines. Guidelines, charges or processes could change. All the time verify the DHA web site or an official DHA workplace earlier than beginning.
How Many Forms of Passports Are There?
Earlier than making use of, know your choices. Some varieties embrace:
- Common/Vacationer passport (for adults 16+) legitimate for 10 years.
- Baby passport (for below 16) with shorter validity.
- Maxi passport (48 pages) for frequent travellers. Extra pages = extra visa room.
- Emergency Journey Certificates (for pressing return to SA if overseas).
Step-by-Step: Find out how to Apply for Passport in South Africa
Listed below are the steps to observe for the standard passport utility (not misplaced or stolen).
| Step | What You Do |
| 1. Determine the place & tips on how to apply | You’ll be able to apply at a DHA workplace in your province, or use eHomeAffairs, DHA’s on-line portal. (ehome.dha.gov.za) |
| 2. Full Kind DHA-73 | That is the principle utility kind for passports / journey paperwork. (Division of Dwelling Affairs) |
| 3. Collect paperwork wanted for passport | See subsequent part. |
| 4. Biometric seize | Picture, fingerprints, signature. Even for those who apply partly on-line, you’ll have to go in individual for this. (ehome.dha.gov.za) |
| 5. Pay prescribed charge | Varies relying on kind of passport. Funds for R600 for a lot of customary passports. (Western Cape Authorities) |
| 6. Watch for processing & accumulate | Normally 7-21 working days for traditional passports. Occasions could differ. (Western Cape Authorities) |
Paperwork Wanted for Passport Software
Listed below are the paperwork wanted for passport when making use of below “regular” circumstances:
- Totally accomplished DHA-73 kind (passport utility kind).
- Legitimate South African ID doc or beginning certificates (if below 16).
- When you have your outdated passport, carry it. If not, there may be extra steps.
- Two color passport images (or none if the workplace makes use of digital/bio picture seize). Verify at your department.
- When you’re below 18, parental or guardian consent. Each dad and mom could must be current except distinctive.
- For foreigners residing right here, proof of id, residence allow or non-citizen ID, and typically willpower of citizenship (if wanted). (South Africa Portal)
Find out how to apply for a passport in case your earlier passport was misplaced, stolen or broken?
Oops. It occurs. In case your passport is misplaced or stolen, right here’s what to do:
- Report it to the police instantly. You’ll want the case quantity or affidavit.
- Full DHA-335 (lack of passport kind) when making use of for a substitute.
- Nonetheless use DHA-73 for the appliance. The method is analogous, with added documentation (police report, affidavit).
- If overseas, contact the closest SA embassy or consulate. They’ll subject an emergency journey certificates (ETC) to return residence, then apply for a full substitute.
You may also like: Misplaced your passport overseas? Right here’s what to do?
Find out how to apply for a passport in South Africa For Foreigners Residing in SA
When you’re not a South African citizen however reside right here and need a passport (or journey doc), or have to renew yours:
- Should present your international id/residence allow/non-citizen ID. (South Africa Portal)
- May have DHA-529 to find out citizenship or standing. (South Africa Portal)
- Different varieties & proofs (passport of origin, if doable) could also be required.
You may also like: Can I journey if my visa is expiring quickly?
On-line Software through eHomeAffairs
Sure, South Africa goes on-line. Loads (however not every thing) will be began through eHomeAffairs:
- Register an account.
- Fill in utility on-line (DHA-73 and many others.).
- Pay the charge electronically.
- Attend in individual for biometrics. You’ll nonetheless have to go to a DHA-enabled financial institution department or Dwelling Affairs workplace for picture, fingerprints and many others.
Tricks to Keep away from Passport Hassles
- Don’t depart making use of or renewing till the final minute. Processing takes time.
- Make a copy (digital or bodily) of your passport, ID, and related docs.
- Ensure your photographs are right dimension & spec. A fallacious picture = further journeys.
- For misplaced/stolen, report instantly so id theft or misuse doesn’t occur.
FAQs
How lengthy does it take to course of a passport in South Africa?
Sometimes 7-21 working days for traditional passports. Occasions could differ relying on location, department load, and when you have all required paperwork.
How a lot does a passport value in South Africa?
Normal passports are about R600 for a lot of grownup vacationer passports. Charges differ for maxi passports, minor passports, or particular providers. Verify present charge with DHA.
Can I apply for a passport on-line?
Sure. The DHA provides eHomeAffairs for on-line submissions of passport purposes and ID/passport renewals. However you’ll nonetheless go to to have biometrics captured.
What do I want if my passport is stolen?
You’ll have to:
- Report back to the police and get a case quantity or affidavit.
- Full kind DHA-335 for lack of passport.
- Submit the common utility (DHA-73) plus stolen/misplaced passport paperwork.
