Looking out “how one can 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 suitable journey papers, this information covers the whole lot 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. At all times test the DHA web site or an official DHA workplace earlier than beginning.
How Many Kinds 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.
- Little one 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 here are the steps to observe for the standard passport utility (not misplaced or stolen).
| Step | What You Do |
| 1. Resolve the place & how one can 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 | Photograph, 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 charge | Varies relying on kind of passport. Price range for R600 for a lot of commonplace passports. (Western Cape Authorities) |
| 6. Look forward to processing & acquire | Often 7-21 working days for traditional passports. Instances could differ. (Western Cape Authorities) |
Paperwork Wanted for Passport Software
Listed here are the paperwork wanted for passport when making use of below “regular” circumstances:
- Absolutely accomplished DHA-73 kind (passport utility kind).
- Legitimate South African ID doc or delivery certificates (if below 16).
- If in case you have your previous passport, convey it. If not, there may be further steps.
- Two color passport pictures (or none if the workplace makes use of digital/bio picture seize). Affirm at your department.
- If you happen to’re below 18, parental or guardian consent. Each mother and father could have to be current until distinctive.
- For foreigners residing right here, proof of identification, residence allow or non-citizen ID, and typically 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 kind) when making use of for a alternative.
- Nonetheless use DHA-73 for the applying. The method is comparable, 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 residence, 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
If you happen to’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)
- May have DHA-529 to find out citizenship or standing. (South Africa Portal)
- Different varieties & proofs (passport of origin, if attainable) could also be required.
You may additionally like: Can I journey if my visa is expiring quickly?
On-line Software by way of eHomeAffairs
Sure, South Africa goes on-line. Rather a lot (however not the whole lot) may be began by way of eHomeAffairs:
- Register an account.
- Fill in utility on-line (DHA-73 and so on.).
- 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 so on.
Tricks to Keep away from Passport Hassles
- Don’t go away 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 your images are right measurement & spec. A mistaken picture = additional 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?
Sometimes 7-21 working days for traditional passports. Instances could differ relying on location, department load, and if in case 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 companies. Test present charge 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.