How to Apply for a South African Passport 2026

A South African passport is your gateway to international travel. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an expired passport, you need to visit Home Affairs in person. This guide explains the full process: booking your appointment, what to bring, costs, and how long you will wait.

Types of South African Passports

• Standard passport (32 pages): Most common. Valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors
• Maxi passport (48 pages): For frequent travellers who fill pages quickly. Same validity
• Emergency travel certificate: For urgent travel when you are overseas and your passport is lost — issued by SA embassies abroad

Who Can Apply for a South African Passport?

• South African citizens aged 16 and older
• Minors under 16 must be accompanied by both parents or legal guardians (or provide documentation if only one parent is present)

How Much Does a South African Passport Cost?

• Standard passport (32 pages): R400
• Maxi passport (48 pages): R800
• Urgent processing: additional R200 (verify current amount at dha.gov.za)

How to Apply via eHomeAffairs (Recommended)

1. Go to ehomeaffairs.dha.gov.za
2. Create an account and log in
3. Select “Apply for Passport”
4. Complete the online application form
5. Pay the fee securely online
6. Select your preferred Home Affairs office and appointment time
7. Attend your appointment with your printed confirmation and all documents

The online system allows you to complete biographic details and pay before your appointment — speeding up the in-office process significantly.

Documents Required for Passport Application

For Adults

• South African Smart ID card or green ID book (original)
• Birth certificate (original — recommended to bring)
• Old or expired passport (if this is a renewal)
• Proof of payment (eHomeAffairs receipt or bank payment slip)

For Minors Under 18

• Child's birth certificate (original, unabridged)
• Both parents' South African ID documents
• Both parents must be present — or provide a court order, parental consent affidavit, or proof of sole guardianship
• If a parent is deceased: death certificate
• If divorced: divorce decree and custody/parental agreement

How Long Does a Passport Take?

Standard processing: approximately 6–8 weeks from your appointment date. Home Affairs recommends applying at least 3 months before your planned travel.

Urgent processing: approximately 5–10 working days at additional cost. Requires proof of urgent travel (e.g. confirmed flight booking). Request this at the Home Affairs office when you apply.

Collecting Your Passport

You will receive an SMS when your passport is ready. Collect it from the same Home Affairs office where you applied, or at a Post Office you selected during application. Bring your application receipt to collect.

South African Passport for Minors — Important Notes

Both parents must give consent for a child's passport application, even if divorced. Exceptions:

• A court order stating only one parent's consent is needed
• One parent has sole guardianship
• One parent is deceased (bring death certificate)

Unmarried fathers who are acknowledged on the birth certificate must also consent.

Home Affairs Contact Details

• eHomeAffairs: ehomeaffairs.dha.gov.za
• Contact centre: 0800 60 11 90
• Website: dha.gov.za