Looking “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 previous one, or a foreigner residing in South Africa needing the best journey papers, this information covers all the things you want to know concerning the passport utility South Africa course of, from types and costs to biometrics, renewals, and what to do when your passport goes lacking.
Disclaimer: The Division of House 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 Kinds of Passports Are There?
Earlier than making use of, know your choices. Some varieties embody:
- Common/Vacationer passport (for adults 16+) legitimate for 10 years.
- Baby passport (for beneath 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 comply with for the standard passport utility (not misplaced or stolen).
| Step | What You Do |
| 1. Determine the place & methods 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 Kind DHA-73 | That is the primary utility type for passports / journey paperwork. (Division of House Affairs) |
| 3. Collect paperwork wanted for passport | See subsequent part. |
| 4. Biometric seize | Photograph, fingerprints, signature. Even when you apply partly on-line, you’ll must go in individual for this. (ehome.dha.gov.za) |
| 5. Pay prescribed price | Varies relying on sort of passport. Finances for R600 for a lot of commonplace passports. (Western Cape Authorities) |
| 6. Look ahead to processing & acquire | Normally 7-21 working days for normal passports. Instances could fluctuate. (Western Cape Authorities) |
Paperwork Wanted for Passport Utility
Listed below are the paperwork wanted for passport when making use of beneath “regular” circumstances:
- Absolutely accomplished DHA-73 type (passport utility type).
- Legitimate South African ID doc or beginning certificates (if beneath 16).
- When you’ve got your previous passport, convey it. If not, there may be extra steps.
- Two color passport pictures (or none if the workplace makes use of digital/bio photograph seize). Verify at your department.
- If you happen to’re beneath 18, parental or guardian consent. Each mother and father could should be current except distinctive.
- For foreigners residing right here, proof of id, 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 type) when making use of for a alternative.
- Nonetheless use DHA-73 for the applying. The method is analogous, 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 residence, then apply for a full alternative.
You may also 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 dwell right here and desire a passport (or journey doc), or must renew yours:
- Should present your international id/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 attainable) could also be required.
You may also like: Can I journey if my visa is expiring quickly?
On-line Utility through eHomeAffairs
Sure, South Africa goes on-line. Quite a bit (however not all the things) will be began through eHomeAffairs:
- Register an account.
- Fill in utility on-line (DHA-73 and so forth.).
- Pay the price electronically.
- Attend in individual for biometrics. You’ll nonetheless must go to a DHA-enabled financial institution department or House Affairs workplace for photograph, fingerprints and so forth.
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 that your pictures are right dimension & spec. A fallacious 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?
Usually 7-21 working days for normal passports. Instances could fluctuate relying on location, department load, and when you’ve got 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. Examine present price 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 must:
- Report back to the police and get a case quantity or affidavit.
- Full type DHA-335 for lack of passport.
- Submit the common utility (DHA-73) plus stolen/misplaced passport paperwork.
