Looking “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 previous one, or a foreigner residing in South Africa needing the correct journey papers, this information covers every part it is advisable to know in regards to the passport software South Africa course of, from kinds and charges to biometrics, renewals, and what to do when your passport goes lacking.
Disclaimer: The Division of Residence Affairs holds essentially the most present data on passport guidelines. Guidelines, charges or processes might change. All the time test the DHA web site or an official DHA workplace earlier than beginning.
How Many Sorts of Passports Are There?
Earlier than making use of, know your choices. Some sorts embody:
- 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: Methods to Apply for Passport in South Africa
Listed below are the steps to observe for the standard passport software (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 Type DHA-73 | That is the principle software type for passports / journey paperwork. (Division of Residence Affairs) |
| 3. Collect paperwork wanted for passport | See subsequent part. |
| 4. Biometric seize | Photograph, fingerprints, signature. Even for those who apply partly on-line, you’ll have to go in particular person for this. (ehome.dha.gov.za) |
| 5. Pay prescribed charge | Varies relying on sort of passport. Price range for R600 for a lot of commonplace passports. (Western Cape Authorities) |
| 6. Look forward to processing & gather | Often 7-21 working days for normal passports. Occasions might differ. (Western Cape Authorities) |
Paperwork Wanted for Passport Utility
Listed below are the paperwork wanted for passport when making use of below “regular” circumstances:
- Absolutely accomplished DHA-73 type (passport software type).
- Legitimate South African ID doc or beginning certificates (if below 16).
- When you’ve got your previous passport, deliver it. If not, there may be further steps.
- Two color passport images (or none if the workplace makes use of digital/bio photograph seize). Verify at your department.
- In case you’re below 18, parental or guardian consent. Each dad and mom might have to be current until distinctive.
- For foreigners residing right here, proof of id, residence allow or non-citizen ID, and generally dedication of citizenship (if wanted). (South Africa Portal)
Methods 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 type) when making use of for a alternative.
- 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 will situation 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?
Methods to apply for a passport in South Africa For Foreigners Residing in SA
In case 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 overseas id/residence allow/non-citizen ID. (South Africa Portal)
- Might have DHA-529 to find out citizenship or standing. (South Africa Portal)
- Different kinds & proofs (passport of origin, if potential) could also be required.
You may additionally like: Can I journey if my visa is expiring quickly?
On-line Utility by way of eHomeAffairs
Sure, South Africa goes on-line. Loads (however not every part) could be began by way of eHomeAffairs:
- Register an account.
- Fill in software on-line (DHA-73 and so on.).
- Pay the charge electronically.
- Attend in particular person for biometrics. You’ll nonetheless have to go to a DHA-enabled financial institution department or Residence Affairs workplace for photograph, fingerprints and so on.
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.
- Be certain that your pictures are right dimension & spec. A incorrect photograph = 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 normal passports. Occasions might differ relying on location, department load, and you probably have all required paperwork.
How a lot does a passport value in South Africa?
Commonplace passports are about R600 for a lot of grownup vacationer passports. Charges differ for maxi passports, minor passports, or particular companies. Verify present charge with DHA.
Can I apply for a passport on-line?
Sure. The DHA provides 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 type DHA-335 for lack of passport.
- Submit the common software (DHA-73) plus stolen/misplaced passport paperwork.
