Looking “the right way 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 Whether or not you’re a South African getting your very first passport, renewing an outdated one, or a foreigner residing in South Africa needing the best journey papers, this information covers every thing you must know in regards to the passport software 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 probably the most present data on passport guidelines. Guidelines, charges or processes might change. All the time 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 varieties embrace:
- Common/Vacationer passport (for adults 16+) legitimate for 10 years.
- Baby passport (for underneath 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 here are the steps to comply with for the standard passport software (not misplaced or stolen).
| Step | What You Do |
| 1. Determine the place & the right way 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 primary software type for passports / journey paperwork. (Division of House Affairs) |
| 3. Collect paperwork wanted for passport | See subsequent part. |
| 4. Biometric seize | Picture, fingerprints, signature. Even in case you apply partly on-line, you’ll must go in particular person for this. (ehome.dha.gov.za) |
| 5. Pay prescribed price | Varies relying on sort of passport. Funds for R600 for a lot of normal passports. (Western Cape Authorities) |
| 6. Look forward to processing & gather | Often 7-21 working days for normal passports. Occasions might fluctuate. (Western Cape Authorities) |
Paperwork Wanted for Passport Utility
Listed here are the paperwork wanted for passport when making use of underneath “regular” circumstances:
- Totally accomplished DHA-73 type (passport software type).
- Legitimate South African ID doc or start certificates (if underneath 16).
- When you’ve got your outdated passport, carry it. If not, there is likely to be further steps.
- Two color passport pictures (or none if the workplace makes use of digital/bio photograph seize). Affirm at your department.
- Should you’re underneath 18, parental or guardian consent. Each mother and father might should be current except distinctive.
- For foreigners residing right here, proof of id, residence allow or non-citizen ID, and typically willpower 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 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 residence, 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 need 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 doable) 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. Rather a lot (however not every thing) might be began by way of eHomeAffairs:
- Register an account.
- Fill in software on-line (DHA-73 and so forth.).
- Pay the price electronically.
- Attend in particular person 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 sure your images are right dimension & spec. A incorrect photograph = additional 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. Occasions might fluctuate relying on location, department load, and when you’ve got 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 price with DHA.
Can I apply for a passport on-line?
Sure. The DHA gives eHomeAffairs for on-line submissions of passport purposes 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 software (DHA-73) plus stolen/misplaced passport paperwork.
