Looking out “easy methods 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 Whether or not you’re a South African getting your very first passport, renewing an outdated one, or a foreigner dwelling in South Africa needing the best journey papers, this information covers all the things you must know concerning the passport utility South Africa course of, from types 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 information on passport guidelines. Guidelines, charges or processes could change. At all times examine 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 sorts embrace:
- Common/Vacationer passport (for adults 16+) legitimate for 10 years.
- Youngster 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: The way 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. Resolve the place & easy methods to apply | You possibly can apply at a DHA workplace in your province, or use eHomeAffairs, DHA’s on-line portal. (ehome.dha.gov.za) |
| 2. Full Type 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 if you happen to apply partly on-line, you’ll have to go in individual for this. (ehome.dha.gov.za) |
| 5. Pay prescribed payment | Varies relying on kind of passport. Funds for R600 for a lot of normal passports. (Western Cape Authorities) |
| 6. Watch for processing & gather | Normally 7-21 working days for traditional passports. Occasions could differ. (Western Cape Authorities) |
Paperwork Wanted for Passport Utility
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 delivery certificates (if below 16).
- You probably have your outdated passport, carry it. If not, there could be further steps.
- Two color passport images (or none if the workplace makes use of digital/bio picture seize). Affirm at your department.
- Should you’re below 18, parental or guardian consent. Each mother and father could must be current except distinctive.
- For foreigners residing right here, proof of identification, residence allow or non-citizen ID, and generally dedication of citizenship (if wanted). (South Africa Portal)
The way 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 alternative.
- Nonetheless use DHA-73 for the appliance. The method is comparable, with added documentation (police report, affidavit).
- If overseas, contact the closest SA embassy or consulate. They will challenge an emergency journey certificates (ETC) to return house, then apply for a full alternative.
You may additionally like: Misplaced your passport overseas? Right here’s what to do?
The way to apply for a passport in South Africa For Foreigners Residing in SA
Should you’re not a South African citizen however reside right here and desire a passport (or journey doc), or have to renew yours:
- Should present your international identification/residence allow/non-citizen ID. (South Africa Portal)
- Might have DHA-529 to find out citizenship or standing. (South Africa Portal)
- Different types & proofs (passport of origin, if doable) could also be required.
You may additionally like: Can I journey if my visa is expiring quickly?
On-line Utility through eHomeAffairs
Sure, South Africa goes on-line. So much (however not all the things) might be began through eHomeAffairs:
- Register an account.
- Fill in utility on-line (DHA-73 and so forth.).
- Pay the payment 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 so forth.
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 that your photographs are right measurement & spec. A incorrect picture = further journeys.
- For misplaced/stolen, report instantly so identification theft or misuse doesn’t occur.
FAQs
How lengthy does it take to course of a passport in South Africa?
Usually 7-21 working days for traditional passports. Occasions could differ relying on location, department load, and you probably have all required paperwork.
How a lot does a passport value in South Africa?
Customary passports are about R600 for a lot of grownup vacationer passports. Charges differ for maxi passports, minor passports, or particular providers. Verify present payment with DHA.
Can I apply for a passport on-line?
Sure. The DHA affords eHomeAffairs for on-line submissions of passport functions 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.