South African Passport Requirements: Documents and Fees
A South African passport allows citizens to travel internationally. You can apply for a new passport, renew an expiring one, or replace a lost or stolen passport at any Home Affairs office or via eHomeAffairs. This guide covers all required documents and the current fee structure.
Types of South African Passports
- 32-page passport: Standard passport suitable for most travellers (fee: R400)
- 48-page passport: Larger passport for frequent international travellers (fee: R800)
- Emergency passport: Issued for urgent travel; valid for 12 months only
- Official and diplomatic passports: Issued to government officials through official channels
If you apply via eHomeAffairs, your photograph is captured digitally at the bank. Physical photographs are not required for eHomeAffairs applications.
Documents Required for a New Passport
Whether you are applying for your first passport or renewing an existing one, you must bring the following documents to your Home Affairs appointment.
- Completed BI-73 application form (available at Home Affairs offices and online)
- Original South African Smart ID card or green barcoded ID book
- Original South African birth certificate (unabridged)
- Two passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm, colour, white background)
- Proof of South African citizenship if born abroad (naturalisation certificate or citizenship certificate)
- Previous passport if renewing or replacing
Passport Application Fees
| Passport Type | Pages | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard passport | 32 pages | R400 |
| Large-format passport | 48 pages | R800 |
| Emergency passport | 32 pages | R400 |
| Child passport (under 16) | 32 pages | R400 |
| Replacement (lost/stolen) | 32 pages | R400 |
| Replacement (lost/stolen) | 48 pages | R800 |
Children travelling with only one parent or a guardian may need an affidavit or consent letter. Check the latest requirements at www.dha.gov.za before travelling.
Applying for a Child Passport
Children under 18 require their own passport for international travel. Both parents or legal guardians must consent to the application.
- Completed BI-73 application form signed by both parents
- Original unabridged birth certificate of the child
- Smart ID or ID book of both parents
- Certified copies of both parents IDs
- If one parent is deceased: certified copy of death certificate
- If parents are divorced: certified copy of divorce order and parenting plan
- Court order granting sole custody (if applicable)
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Passport
If your South African passport has been lost or stolen, you must report it to the nearest police station and obtain a case number before applying for a replacement.
- Report the lost or stolen passport to the nearest South African Police Service station
- Obtain a case number and certified copy of the police report
- Complete the BI-73 application form at Home Affairs
- Submit all required identity documents and the police report
- Pay the replacement fee of R400 (32 pages) or R800 (48 pages)
Processing Time
Standard passport applications take approximately 10 to 15 working days to process. Emergency passports issued for urgent travel can be processed within two to five working days but require proof of travel urgency (e.g., a flight booking, medical emergency letter).
You will receive an SMS when your passport is ready for collection. Collect from the office or bank where you applied.