[Updated October 2020]
Please note that due to COVID-19, Home Affairs is inundated with queries. Passport applications are currently taking longer than usual to process, so we encourage you to apply for your passport more than six months in advance.
Passports cannot be renewed once they expire; you will need to apply for a new one. South African citizens can apply via the eHomeAffairs website. Please note, you will need internet banking to proceed with your online passport application. Applicants will have to go to a Home Affairs branch to capture their biometrics and collect their passport. Alternatively, you can record your biometrics and collect your passport at specific Absa, FNB, Standard Bank or Nedbank branches. Whether you’re applying for a passport for the first time or doing a passport renewal, follow these easy steps and you’ll be booking your ticket to your dream destination in no time!
How to apply for your South African passport online
1. Register your account
- Simply go to the eHomeAffairs website and register.
- Create a profile
- Answer the security questions
- Create a password
- Capture the OTP (one-time pin) sent to your cellphone
- Finally, attach a copy of your ID
2. Make payment
- Enter your bank account details on the eHomeAffairs site.
- You will then be required to log in to your internet banking to authorise the payment.
- Log in to your internet banking account: go to the “My Bills” option under “Payments” to initiate the payment instruction.
- Add the Department of Home Affairs as a beneficiary, and a payment instruction will appear under “My Bills”.
- Finally, enter your reference number and approve the R400 payment to the Department of Home Affairs.
3. Record your biometrics
Option 1: Home Affairs Branch
- Once the Department of Home Affairs has registered your payment you will be eligible to proceed with your biometrics data – two thumbprints, a photo and your signature.
- You do not need to make an appointment at Home Affairs. Simply go to your local branch to have your biometrics done.
- You will need to take your ID book with you to the Home Affairs branch.
Option 2: Home Affairs-Equipped Bank Branch
- Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria residents can make an appointment for their biometrics at their local bank branch once their payment has been registered (see below).
- You will be given a choice of time slots. Once you’ve selected a time slot, you will be sent a confirmation via SMS and email.
- Take your ID book and confirmation email or SMS with you when going to your local bank branch.
4. Wait for an SMS or email
You will receive a notification that your passport is ready for collection at the Home Affairs or bank branch where your biometrics were captured.
When to apply for your passport:
Most countries require that travellers have at least six months validity on their passport beyond their date of departure. Therefore, you are advised to apply for or renew your South African passport at least six months in advance.
Passport fees:
First-time application for a passport: R400
Application for a new passport (with old passport): R400
Application for a new passport (if passport is lost): R800
South African Passport application requirements:
- A copy of your ID
- Passport fee
- Your old passport (if you have one)
With eHomeAffairs services available, your South African passport application and passport renewal process should prove to be a simple and easy task to do before booking your flight to your dream destination.
Biometrics equipped bank branches:
| Branch | City | Address |
| ABSA Centurion Lifestyle | Centurion | Centurion Lifestyle, c/o Old Johannesburg Road and Lenchen Ave |
| Absa Tower North | Johannesburg | 180 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg |
| Absa Gandhi Square | Johannesburg | Gandhi Square, Johannesburg |
| FNB President Street West | Johannesburg | 47 Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Street, Johannesburg |
| FNB Merchant Place, Rivonia | Johannesburg | 4 Merchant Place, Cnr Rivonia Road and Fredman Drive |
| FNB Centurion Lifestyle | Centurion | Old Johannesburg Road and Lenchen Ave |
| FNB Lynwood (The Grove Mall) | Pretoria | The Grove Mall, Lynnwood Rd, Pretoria |
| Standard Bank Centurion | Centurion | Standard Bank Building, 1263 Embankment Rd |
| Standard Bank Killarney, Rosebank | Johannesburg | Killarney Mall, c/o Riveria Road and Killarney Ave |
| Standard Bank Canal Walk | Cape Town | Shop 599LL, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City Dr |
| Nedbank Lakeside Mall | Benoni | Shop D6, Deck Level, Lakeside Mall, Tom Jones Street, Benoni |
| Nedbank Sandown | Johannesburg | 135 Rivonia Road (c/o Rivonia and Maude Street) |
| Nedbank Arcadia | Pretoria | Nedbank Plaza, 175 Steve Road, Arcadia, Pretoria |
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All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.
Good day,
I am assisting my friends parents. They live in SA but were born in England. They have SA Passports/ID’s
while on line trying to renew their passports it states its only for SA Born Citizens.
Please advise how I can renew their passports on line as its urgent and they need to travel and they are 90 years old
Hi Jesse, thank you for reaching out to us. Please can you contact DOHA so that they can assist you either with an online application or alternative means of applying for the passport, this would be the best option.
Good Day,
Can anyone assist, once I have registered and logged on and went to create a new application for myself. Once compete, I go to step 2 which is to “create a form” however there the box is blank and there is nothing to complete.
Is this a browser issue? I have tried both Chrome and IE, as well as using my phone with the same outcome. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Jei, thank you for reaching out to us. I know that there is a problem with the online application and believe it is due to congestion on the site. Please can you contact the DOHA and visit their offices in order to apply or reapply for your passport.
I am a South African citizen,
Work in England but my passport will expire end of March 2022 I have booked a ticket to fly back to South Africa 01/11/2021 and return to England 21/11/2021. I have applied for a passport renewal and will do biometrics when I land. Will I have problems at the airport.
Please Advise
Hi Mark, thank you for reaching out to us. To be honest the requirements for travel changes constantly and it is very difficult to keep up to date with the new information. I suggest that you reach out to the embassy for further assistance and information.
Dear Sir / Madam
Trust that you are well
I am a SA citizen with residence in Calcutta, India. The nearest SA embassy is in Dehli.
Can I apply online & then go to the embassy?
Thank you
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
You will need to contact the South African Embassy direct and they will advise on the correct procedures to follow and if one is able to apply online.
Hi there,
I’m a South African citizen living in the UK. My passport expires on 21st October (7 days away) and I have applied for a renewed passport at the SA embassy in the UK back in May.
My sister is getting married in SA at the end of the year so I need to get my passport ASAP.
I had a crazy idea to travel home in the next day or two and apply via online banking to get my renewed passport. However, can I make an application in SA via the bank if I already have an existing application being processed via the SA embassy in the UK?
I’ve been told I can’t contact them until at least 6 months since the application was submitted.
Thanks!
Hi Bianca,
Thanks for reaching out. If you have already done a passport application online you will not be able to submit again I’m afraid.
There was quite a back log so passport renews are taking longer then usual.
Are passports required for children younger than 6 months?
Is there still only 1 Bank branch doing passport applications in Cape Town?
Thanks
Hi Michael,
Thanks for reaching out.
Correct any person travelling abroad will need a passport.
ABSA, Nedbank, Standard and FNB all have a branch where one can do their passport application.
Thank you so, so much for the valuable info. I understand that Home Affairs stopped issuing passports in June this year. Do you have any idea if they have started issuing passports once again?
Hi Keegan,
Thanks for reaching out.
I’m afraid we do not. You welcome to check with Nedbank, Standard Bank or FNB. They offer this service and should be able to provide more information.
Please can you advise
We have applied online and Paid for passport.
Selected Standard Bank Kingsmead Durban.
Now it is impossible to get an appointment…?
Nobody to phone and no other options online?
Hi Mariette,
Thanks for reaching out and sorry you struggling.
Would be best to go into the bank for assistance to see if they can advise or directly to Home Affairs.
My passport expires on 14 Jun 2022 and my daughters on 06 Aug 2022, I am trying to renew them as we hope to be traveling. Should I apply for 2nd passport or just state they expire in more than 6 months?
I am trying to complete the online form to renew them. It does not allow me to complete the declaration to go to the next step. Getting frustrated, what do I do?
Hi Catherine,
Passport applications can be done through the bank. You can contact them and they should be able to provide you with further information or you would need to contact DHA and they will advise accordingly.
I’m also having problems completing the online declaration to go to the next step. Does anyone know what’s going on with the online application process?
Hi Lana,
Thanks for reaching out.
Best to contact the Home Affairs direct. They would be able to provide you with detailed feedback and assist further.
Hello,
I have two questions I need assistance with.
1. I applied for a new passport online. However I could not make payment as the bank I am using was not appearing on the list of banks to make payment. My application is completed, Can I still make payment when I arrive for Biometrics.
2. I applied online but selected DHA to do Biometrics and Photos, is it possible to go to complete the process at the bank, or do I need to go to home affairs to complete biometrics.
TIA.
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for reaching out.
You would need to contact DHA direct for the most up to date information regarding paying on arrival.
If you have selected DHA to do your biometrics and now wish to complete the process at the bank you would need to reach out to the bank to see if this option is now possible.
Hi, if I have submitted an application to renew a passport that is currently still valid does that application suspend the validity of my current passport? It does not seem to be the case but hoping for confirmation.
Hi Sergio,
Thanks for reaching out. You will need to contact Home Affairs direct. They will need to advise if they will cancel your old passport while processing your new one.
Hello,
We applied for our new passports and it will be here within 2 weeks.
Unfortunately my son is leaving SA before then.
Can I collect his passport on his behalf?
HI Carina,
Thanks for reaching out. You will need to contact DHA direct to see if they will allow this and if so what supporting document that person will need to bring on behalf of the person they will be collecting for.
I am needing to apply for my child’s passport as I have gotten work in the Netherlands but the eHome Affairs site is just not sending us the OTP. What must I do?
Hi Garith,
Thanks for reaching out. 24th June Department of Home Affairs currently not issuing passports.
This could have since changed, but you will need to contact them direct or go into DHA to see what they advise on issuing of passports.
I am planning on working in South Korea next year and noticed that my passport expires in December 2021. If I apply for a new passport would I only be able to apply for a visa once I have that new passport? How long would that process take (to get a new passport as well as a Visa)?
Is there anyway to speed up the process as the job requires me to be there mid February.
Hi Tania,
Thanks for reaching out.
For any visa queries you would need to contact the Embassy direct. They will be able to advise on the correct procedures to follow, what documents are required and the waiting time for a visa as they process from their side.
HI There
I am currently living and working in Italy and I am a South African citizen and currently have a SA passport , I am planning to go to SA at the beginning of December 2021 and my passport expires on the 19 December 2021. Can I apply for renewal now online and do all the necessary payments online and then when I am in SA do all the biometrics at my Nedbank Branch? How long does it take for me to then get my renewed passport after all that.
Here in Italy if we had to go to the SA embassy in Rome they told me that the turn around time is 9 months. Crazy!!!!!
Hi Lucia,
Thanks for reaching out.
The turn around time sounds about correct. Anything from 6 – 9 months. Also the DHA is currently not issuing any passports and we are not sure as to when they will start.
A passengers passport needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return. You would need to apply through your nearest South African Embassy in Italy.
Best to at the South African Embassy in Italy if it is possible to apply online for your SA passport and do the biometrics once here as well as see if it is permitted to travel on your passport which would expires in December 2021.
Hi, I and my wife got our South African Passports in May 2011 and now it is expired. We would like to renew them. When I tried to register on line, it says that it is only available to citizend who are born in south africa. unfortunately we are citizens due to naturalisation. What can we do now. Please help.
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
You would need to contact the DHA direct for any passport renewal related queries.
I am living in Dubai and need to renew my passport again due to a mistake in my surname. With the COVID is it possible to fast-track my passport?
Hi Johanna,
Thanks for reaching out.
You would need to contact the Embassy direct. They would need to adviseif this would be possible.
how long does DHA hold newly issued passports for collection from the issuing office in SA? I have successfully applied for a renewal but am not currently able to collect due to travel restrictions
Hi Anthony,
Due to the current situation they should be able to hold issued passports for sometime. However you would need to reach out to them direct.
They will be able to provide a time frame.
hi my sister and i have been trying to apply for a passport for the past 3 weeks. with no luck always being off line or covid cases and they had to close. we need our passports urgently for friday the 25th of june. we than went to apply yesterday the 21st of june successfully. we have asked them to prioritize it for us. can you kindly assist me by telling me what i need to do in order to get it by friday morning the latest please.
Hi Imogen,
Thanks for reaching out.
You would need to ask DHA direct, as they process the passports applications from their side.
They would need to advise if there is a away to escalate your passport application marking it as urgent and if any further documents are required.
My wife and I need to renew our passports. I am a Standard Bank client, but she is not. Can I pay for both renewals (as one amount) at Standard Bank and have the biometric checks for both done at Standard Bank?
Hi Abrie,
Thanks for reaching out.
I think the person needs to hold an account with them. Do do advise you reached out to the bank direct and they will be able to provide you with the correct and most up to date information.
Hi, I’m trying to apply for my South African Passport, unfortunately I have already Applied for my New Car ID and Payed for it, but I can’t pick it up as I’m still in the United Kingdom. How do I get it delivered to me here, plus I’ve been trying to get a South African Passport so I can Fly Home for a Month or so before it’s too late, plus I need to pick up my New South African Cricket Tracksuit as well. Can you Please Help Me resolve this small Issue thank you.
Hi Darren,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You would need to contact DHA direct or your nearest South African Embassy direct for assistance.
They will need to advise if they can have it your ID card sent to you in the UK. You would also be able to ask about applying for your new SA passport however the weighting time can be quite lengthy sometimes.
Good day Which bank is the easiest to use for passport payment. I am with Nedbank and seems it doesn’t work for the payment.
Hi Johan,
Thanks for reaching out.
Number of people have said Standard Bank & FNB is quite easy for passport payments.
Is there not a penalty (R800 compared to R400) if you renew your passport too early? If so, how early is too early?
Hi Mark,
You would need to go onto DHA website to see their most up to date tariffs when applying for a passport.
They will give tariffs when applying for a maxi passport, lost passport, renewal before your passport expires etc
HI. Does anybody know if there is a seperateline for colections or do you have to wait in line again?
Hi there
Please can you assist me. I have registered on the website and filled my form out but when I click to submit a message pops up saying:
“You already have a similar application open and in progress with Home Affairs on the old system”
This is very strange as this is the first time that I’m doing this online. Please may you assist. It also says that action required applicant to proceed to branch.
Kind regards
John
Hi John,
Sorry to hear you struggling with the online passport application.
You would need to contact DHA direct. They will need to check their database and see why their system is advising that you have a similar application open.
One of the DHA agents should be able to assist and provide feedback.
Hi John did you manage to get your passport application sorted?
I tried to apply online as well and received the same message. My current passport has expired and this is the first time I am applying to get a new one.
I have tried calling my local DHA branch but there is no answer.
Kind Regards,
Kat
Hi John, have you had any joy? I received the same message today and when I tried to email the two address provided on the DHA website they both bounced back to me. My next step is to sit on the telephone with them, if that works.
Regards
Amelia
Hi Amelia, I am sorry to hear that you have been struggling with the DHA and I think the best option would be to either call, or actually go down to their offices for assistance. Please let me know which worked out best so that I know for future references.
Hi,
Do you have idea how to delete a passport renewal application once it has been submitted to DHA?
Hi Rajesh,
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you would need to contact DHA they might need to delete for you on their back end system.
Hi
I am trying to renew my moms passport online and when I click next it says that the site is currently for SA citizens only which she is? How do I proceed with this as it does not allow me to go further?
Hi Violetta,
Thanks for reaching out and sorry you struggling to renew your moms passport.
If a person has dual citizen maybe this is why DHA system is saying this.
However to get assistance you would need to contact DHA direct. You will need to provide them with the relevant information you are entering when trying to do the renewal. Their team will then be able to assist and advise accordingly.
Good evening I’m kindly asking if you could kindly assist me with the prices for passport
I do have my old one with me but has expired…
Hi Chantelle,
Thanks for reaching out.
You welcome to read through our blog: A Guide to Your South African Passport Application and Renewal
We do ask that you contact DHA direct for the most up to date information and they could update their fees at anytime.
APPLICATION FOR PASSPORT
I wonder if you can please assist me.
I am busy applying for a Maxi Adult Tourist Passport for my son.
On the application work page the status reflects “Rejected”
Kindly advise what is the problem?
I hope you can assist me. Dept of Home Affairs does not answer and they dont answer my emails.
I am really stuck.
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for reaching out.
Sorry you are not able to get through to Departing of Home Affairs. However you would need to get through to them or go there directly.
As they process passports they would need to advise as to why the Status shows as Rejected.
We hope you manage to come right.
I am applying online for one of our staff members for his passport. I have already made the payment via our Nedbank business account. Now it is giving me an option to book his biometrics at a Nedbank branch close to us. He is not a Nedbank customer but our company is.
Am I wasting our time by booking him at Nedbank? Will they assist him?
Hi Daniela,
Thanks for reaching out.
To my knowledge he would need to have an account with the bank you paid too.
However please contact the Bank direct, they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Good day
please assist if you can
i wanted to find out ,a child born in Zimbabwe to a South African father which has now passed away in South Africa
Are we able to apply for a passport and what document is needed
and how long will it take
if you could assist i would be most grateful
Hi Rachelle,
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you will need to contact Department of Home Affairs and they will provide you with the correct information.
Hi I have a problem with the online application for a passport:
When I fill in my spouse’s ID nr (5205025019084) and Date of Birth (1952/05/02), I got an error message that the Date of birth doesn’t match the ID nr – How is that possible, because I filled in everything correctly?
Please help me.
Hi Ansie,
Sorry to hear you struggling with the online passport application.
For this you would need to contact DHA direct. They will need to check on their end to see if their is a technical glitch and provide feedback on the way forward.
We do hope you manage to come right and the rest of the process goes smoothly.
HI, I started an application online and then it would not let me complete my application , I went to hone affairs and because I had an incomplete online application they could not help me . I clicked cancel application and it shows canceled , howevet it still will not allow me to start a new one . I desperately need help
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for reaching out and sorry you struggling to renew your passport.
For this you would need to reach out to DHA for assistance as this is their porthole and will need to advise on the way forward regarding your online application.
We hope you manage to come right soon.
I had the same issue. I completed the form from my phone and it accepted the id number and birthdate. Try that and see what happens..
Thanks for this brilliant service! My passport has expired, is it true that, although a citizen, because I wasn’t born in S Africa I am unable to use the online process? Secondly my 10 year old’s (born in S Africa!) passport has expired – is it true that because she is a minor, I cannot renew her passport online? Million thanks for your help, Pierre
Hi Pierre,
Thanks for reaching out.
I have found the following on: Child’s passport
This passport is issued to South African children 16 years old and younger.
To apply, you’ll need to complete a DHA-73 form at a Home Affairs domestic office or, if you’re overseas, at a South African embassy or mission.
You must also:
Have proof of your identity. If you don’t have an ID, here’s how to apply for one.
Supply 2 passport photographs. Confirm with your nearest Home Affairs office if they’re using the new biometric system. If so, then you don’t need to bring your own photographs.
Pay the fee of R400.
* Both parents and the child must be present when applying. If you’re divorced, unmarried or 1 or both parents are deceased, this is what you’ll need to do.
It will take between 7 – 21 working days to process the application and issue the passport. The child’s passport is valid for 10 years.
Please contact your Home Affairs office before visiting, to confirm if they’re using the new biometric application system, or if you need to bring your own photos.
Regarding your first query for person’s not born in South Africa and where to apply, you would need to contact DHA direct. They will provide you with the most up to date information and correct procedures to follow.
Hi,
I am registered online at DHA, but my cell number has changed and I cannot receive my OTP pin. I need to renew my passport. Do I need to go the DHA to change it?
Hi Anneliese,
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you would need to contact DHA direct. They will need to advise on the correct procedures to follow if this an still be done via their site or if you would need to go to DHA to change it.
Hi,
Does anyone know whether the eHomeAffairs online platform is still working? I cannot get past the first step when registering online. I fill in my personal details and when I click “next”, it just keeps on loading and returns to the same page eventually.
Please help.
Hi Clinton,
Sorry to hear you experiencing problems.
Their site could be down. We do ask that you reach out to Home Affairs direct. They would be able to provide you with up to date information regarding their website and online application / registering online.
please can you assist me. I registered about 2 years ago with Home Affairs in order to obtain my son’s passport. I now want to renew my passport and cannot remember my password or previous details that I gave. The process with regard to my son’s passport was smooth, however I am having such trouble endeavouring to logon with Home Affairs.
Can you assist, or do you know of any firm that assists with obtaining renewal of passports in Johannesburg North area.
Hi Marian,
Thanks for reaching out.
You can go online and search: Forgot Password/ Password Reset. Reset your password. It should take you to the next page where you would need to enter your ID number and email address. Should you not come right you would then need to reach out to DHA direct. They will be able to provide detailed feedback on how to reset your password.
Good day
My husbands current passport expired and he needs to renew it, what is the best way to do it online or to go to home affairs and what documents are needed?
Your assistance will be appreciated.
Hi Zuré,
Thanks for reaching out. Online should be a faster way however this is never a guarantee.
You welcome to read through our blog where we provide all the following information including what documents would be required.
1. Register your account
Simply go to the eHomeAffairs website and register.
Create a profile
Answer the security questions
Create a password
Capture the OTP (one-time pin) sent to your cellphone
Finally, attach a copy of your ID
2. Make payment
Enter your bank account details on the eHomeAffairs site.
You will then be required to log in to your internet banking to authorise the payment.
Log in to your internet banking account: go to the “My Bills” option under “Payments” to initiate the payment instruction.
Add the Department of Home Affairs as a beneficiary, and a payment instruction will appear under “My Bills”.
Finally, enter your reference number and approve the R400 payment to the Department of Home Affairs.
3. Record your biometrics
Option 1: Home Affairs Branch
Once the Department of Home Affairs has registered your payment you will be eligible to proceed with your biometrics data – two thumbprints, a photo and your signature.
You do not need to make an appointment at Home Affairs. Simply go to your local branch to have your biometrics done.
You will need to take your ID book with you to the Home Affairs branch.
Option 2: Home Affairs-Equipped Bank Branch
Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria residents can make an appointment for their biometrics at their local bank branch once their payment has been registered (see below).
You will be given a choice of time slots. Once you’ve selected a time slot, you will be sent a confirmation via SMS and email.
Take your ID book and confirmation email or SMS with you when going to your local bank branch.
4. Wait for an SMS or email
You will receive a notification that your passport is ready for collection at the Home Affairs or bank branch where your biometrics were captured.
passport renewal
When to apply for your passport:
Most countries require that travellers have at least six months validity on their passport beyond their date of departure. Therefore, you are advised to apply for or renew your South African passport at least six months in advance.
Passport fees:
First-time application for a passport: R400
Application for a new passport (with old passport): R400
Application for a new passport (if passport is lost): R800
South African Passport application requirements:
A copy of your ID
Passport fee
Your old passport (if you have one)
With eHomeAffairs services available, your South African passport application and passport renewal process should prove to be a simple and easy task to do before booking your flight to your dream destination.
Biometrics equipped bank branches:
Branch City Address
ABSA Centurion Lifestyle Centurion Centurion Lifestyle, c/o Old Johannesburg Road and Lenchen Ave
Absa Tower North Johannesburg 180 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg
Absa Gandhi Square Johannesburg Gandhi Square, Johannesburg
FNB President Street West Johannesburg 47 Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Street, Johannesburg
FNB Merchant Place, Rivonia Johannesburg 4 Merchant Place, Cnr Rivonia Road and Fredman Drive
FNB Centurion Lifestyle Centurion Old Johannesburg Road and Lenchen Ave
FNB Lynwood (The Grove Mall) Pretoria The Grove Mall, Lynnwood Rd, Pretoria
Standard Bank Centurion Centurion Standard Bank Building, 1263 Embankment Rd
Standard Bank Killarney, Rosebank Johannesburg Killarney Mall, c/o Riveria Road and Killarney Ave
Standard Bank Canal Walk Cape Town Shop 599LL, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City Dr
Nedbank Lakeside Mall Benoni Shop D6, Deck Level, Lakeside Mall, Tom Jones Street, Benoni
Nedbank Sandown Johannesburg 135 Rivonia Road (c/o Rivonia and Maude Street)
Nedbank Arcadia Pretoria Nedbank Plaza, 175 Steve Road, Arcadia, Pretoria
HI there
I have my appointment at the bank for my ID Smart Card and Passport. I am supposed to take the bar coded confirmation email with but I cannot open this link anywhere – besides my laptop as well as colleagues, I even tried at various postnet branches to no luck. I am running out of time and I have no idea what to do.
Besides this confirmation email, what should I be taking with and will the bank be able to help me if I do not have this confirmation email with me?
Please help?
Hi Janie,
Thanks for reaching out.
You will need the following:
Reference number confirming your payment and booking before you visit your nearest specialised Standard Bank branch
Bring along your green bar-coded ID
However we do ask that you contact the bank direct for the most up to date information as this could change at anytime. They will advise on the correct procedures to follow, what they will be able to assist with from their side and what documents they will require.
I will be flying back to S.A. to renew my passport as applying overseas will take too long. Should I complete my application online as though I’m still in S.A. (so not fill in the overseas part of the application) and have my booking at the bank ready before I get to S.A.?
If the process takes longer than my stay, am I able to arrange that my passport be delivered to the S.A. embassy in my new country of residence?
Hi Gavin,
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you will need to contact DHA direct. They will have to provide you with the correct procedures they would like you to follow and will be able to provide you with the most up to date and correct information on applying for a passport.
I have a expired passport and would like to apply online to renew it. However I am in Mauritius and am in complete lockdown here (borders closed till June). I need to renew my passport as my visa for Mauritius is coming to an end at beginning of May and I can’t apply for my new visa without a valid passport. I have spoken to South African Embassy in Mauritius and to apply from here for a passport will take 8 months. The visa office here also want except any form of letter from South African Embassy stating that we have applied for our renew passports.
How can we apply for our renew passport online and do our biometrics here in Mauritius and get a company to send our passports here? If we leave Mauritius to come back and collect our passports we won’t be able to get back into Mauritius for another 6 months. This is too long as we can’t afford to be away for so long.
Hi Angela,
Thanks for reaching out.
When living abroad the only way to renew / apply for a passport is to do so through their nearest South African Embassy.
Hello, I am a South African seafarer currently working on a boat in USA. My passport is not about to expire However I only have one page left… How can I get a new passport quickly while in the USA and without sending my current passport in the post?
Thank you in advance
Hi Zara,
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you will need to contact your nearest South Embassy. The process usually takes up to 6 months – they will need to advise if there is a way to expedite the renewal on their side.
Hi there – do you have any advice for someone that applied for a passport online, but entered incorrect bank details?? It seems a major problem!
Hi Cath,
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you would need to reach out to your Bank or DHA. Please provide them with detailed feedback and they will need to provide feedback from their side.
We do hope you come right.
Hi, under the e-DHA forms where I choose ‘Passport/Travel Documents Application,’ there are only options for adult tourist, maxi adult tourist, and crew member – passports. Whereas I want to just renew my regular passport. Please advise.
Hi Zameer,
Thanks for reaching out.
Regarding your options when applying renewing or applying for a passport. You would need to reach out to DHA direct and they will need to provide feedback regarding the options they are providing on their website.
Hi, i have a question.
i will be leaving South Africa in July but my passport expires in November this year, can i apply for a new one now?
Also to apply do i need still bring photos or will they be taken there(DHA)?
do they keep the old passport?
Thank you.
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
Yes one is able to apply for their new passport before the old one expires.
Applying for tourist passports: Persons 16 years and older
These passports are issued to SA citizens who are 16 years and older.
The passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issue, and are not renewable. When your South African passport expires you have to complete a new application to get a new passport.
To apply for the passport, you must submit the following documents:
A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73
Your original identity document and a copy, or a birth certificate and copy thereof if under 16
If under 18 years, parental consent for issuing of the passport. Please see Tourist passports: persons under 16 for the requirements
A completed determination of citizenship Form DHA-529 when applying from abroad
Present any existing valid tourist passport or if you have lost your passport or it has been stolen and you are applying for a new passport, you must provide a loss of passport report (DHA-335 ) and confirmation that you reported the loss to the police
Two colour photographs that comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally)
Pay the prescribed fee for the passport
They will cancel your old passport. If you have valid visa’s still in that passport you will get to keep your old passport for future use with your renewed passport.
Hi,
I am 21 years old and I want to travel overseas at the end of this year.
My passport is expired, can I apply online for a passport renewal ? Or do I have to go to DOA directly?
Also, I am with Capitec. Do I have to be with an Absa or Nedbank branch in order for me to collect my passport that I applied for online?
Hi Klara,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You welcome to read through the article we have written: A Guide to Your South African Passport Application and Renewal
For the most up to date information regarding passport renewals we ask that you contact DOA direct or the Bank you will be applying through.
http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/guide-south-african-passport-renewal/
Dear Travel Start
I have applied online for a a passport renwal as current one is now expired, and the system indicated amount payable is R800 instead of R400. Is this correct?
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
You welcome to check on DHA website regarding their fees. They could have since increased the amount for renewals of passports. However you would need to follow up with them direct regarding their processing fees.
http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/fees
Hi with the SA embassy in London not posting passport application forms due to backlog how else can I get forms to apply for a passport as my current passport has now expired
Hi Sara,
Thanks for reaching out.
You would need to reach out to the SA Embassy and they should be able to provide you with further information should there be another option to obtain a passport application form.
I am helping my dad renew his passport, but it wont let me register a profile for him on E-HomeAffairs, as he wasnt born in SA. He has been living here for 53 years and is a citizen. He also has a passport at the moment that expires Feb 2022.
Please advise on if anything can be done, or must it be done at Home Affairs only?
Hi Claire,
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you would need to contact DHA direct. You will need to let them know what error you are getting / provide them with detailed feedback and they will need to assist from their side.
Good day
We recently applied for our sons passport. He is a minor at 5months old. We have just collected his passport but we see under Parents Particulars, it has my wife’s maiden name listed? The title does state MAIDEN/SURNAME so is this correct? I know you can be prevented from leaving the country with a minor if all details are not 100% accurate. Im just concerned now that this name does not match her legal name on her passport/ID?
Thanks
Hi Richard,
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you would need to contact Home Africa directly. They will need to advise if this is correct.
Thank you for this excellent information. I live in the UK, my SA passport is due to expire in Aug 2021. I had planned to visit SA in Feb and then March, to see family and to renew my passport while there. My flights have been cancelled both times. I am still hoping to be able to travel to Cape Town in July and renew my passport there then. HOWEVER, there are a number of possible curveballs that could scupper those plans (quarantine, 3rd wave in SA etc), so my question is: If I apply to renew via the London offices (which will take an absolute minimum of 6 months) would I be able to apply (i.e. effectively, a repeat application) in South Africa if I do manage to get my flights booked and a 3rd wave has not hit SA (which would close Home Affairs again)? OR is it a case of: pick your path and once you’re in the system (via London) you can only wait and hope? Many thanks.
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for reaching out.
If your passport is expiring in August you would not be allowed to travel. They say ones passport needs to be valid for minimum 6 months from date of return.
One is not able to do a repeat application when back in South Africa if they have already applied at the SA Embassy in London. Once you have applied you are in the system.
However you are welcome to contact them Embassy direct to see if this has since changed.
I need to apply to renew my passport that expires on 4 April 2021. I need to keep my current passport due to a 10 year US VISA that only expires in 2028. Do I need to apply and pay R800.00 (lost passport) or will DHA allow me to pay R400.00 and renew my passport and keep the expired passport?
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
When renewing your passport you should pay R400
DHA will cancel your current passport which is about to expire, but should still allow you to keep it, due to having valid visa’s for future travel.
Good afternoon.
I need to apply for my sons South African passport, 17 years old. Will be his first passport. What supporting documentation will I need – both parents are South African? also, since my sons dad has passed away, would I need to produce his death certificate as well as my sons unabridged birth certificate?
Would I be able to apply through my bank branch for my son for his first time, or will I have to go through the painstaking process of going to a Home Affairs office?
Hi Debby,
Thanks for getting in touch. The following can be found on DHA website.
To apply for the passport, you must submit the following documents:
Applying for Tourist Passports: Persons under 16 years
These passports are issued to SA citizens who are 15 years or younger. The passports are valid for 5 years and are not renewable. Once the validity period of a passport expires you will have to submit a new application for a passport.
To apply for the passport you must submit the following documents:
A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73
If the parents are married, the passport application form must be signed by both parents and the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted.
Please note that the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted to the nearest Home Affairs office or SA Mission/Consulate. If a parent cannot be in attendance, a letter of consent and copy of ID will no longer be accepted.
If divorced and sole parental rights and responsibilities in regard to guardianship have not been granted to one parent, the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted and both must sign the application form.
If a parent is deceased, his or her death certificate and a copy thereof must accompany the application for the passport
In the case of minors born out of wedlock, the biological father ’s consent will also be required if any of the circumstances as outlined in section 21 of the Children’s Act, 1995, are applicable, the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted.
If the applicant is in the care of a guardian other than the parents, proof of the High Court’s appointment must accompany the application.
If a parent cannot be located or refuses to consent, or a dispute concerning consent arises, the matter should be referred to the Children’s Court. The Court’s decision must be submitted with the application for the passport.
The child’s South African birth certificate and a copy thereof
Two colour passport photographs that comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally)
Payment of the prescribed passport fee
Applying for Official passports
Official passports are issued to officials attached to government institutions who have to travel on official business. These passports are only valid for a period of 5 years.
To apply for an official passport you must submit the following documents:
A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73
Your original identity document and a copy
A letter on the official letterhead and signed by the head of institution or his or her delegate confirming that the passport is needed for an official trip and that you are employed by the institution
Two colour photographs that comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally)
Submit your existing valid official passport or if lost or stolen a lost passport report (DHA-335) as well as confirmation that the loss was reported to the police
You will also have to sign an undertaking
To use the official passport only for duly authorised trips
To keep the passport in safe custody
Hand in the passport to the Department of Home Affairs if you leave government service or you will no longer require an official passport
To return your passport to a designated person in your department or organisation for safe-keeping on return from your official trip
To report the loss of an official passport to the SA Police Services and the designated person in your department or organisation as soon as possible after the loss.
Applying for Diplomatic passports
Diplomatic passports are administered by the Department of International Relations. Enquiries should be directed to the Protocol Section in the aforesaid Department.
Applying for Documents for Travel Purposes
Documents for travel purposes are issued to South African permanent residence permit holders who cannot obtain travel documents from their countries of origin. These documents are only valid for a period of 5 years.
To apply for a document for travel purposes, you must submit the following:
A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73
Written confirmation by your country of origin that the country cannot issue you with a passport, except in the case of refugees that have been granted permanent residence as a refugee.
If under 18 years, the prescribed consent by parents must be furnished. See requirements under Tourist passports for persons under 16
Your permanent residence permit and a copy thereof
Your original SA non-citizen identity document and a copy thereof
Two colour photographs that comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally)
Payment of the prescribed fee.
Applying for Crew Member Certificates
Crew member certificates are issued to South Africans who are crew members of an airline registered in South Africa.
To apply for a crew member certificate you must submit the following documents:
A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73
Your original SA identity document and a copy thereof
Two colour photographs that comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally)
Official letter from your employer confirming that you are employed by the airline
Hello there,
Do you perhaps have any idea when online passport applications might reopen?
Hi Tanya,
Thanks for reaching out. I’m afraid we don’t. I would suggest keep checking DHA website for the most up to date information.
Hopefully it will be soon.
Hi, I would like to know how does one know if the online application for passports are open or not. As there is a link on the DHA website to apply online. But I’m seeing comments on this page that it is offline. Could anyone assist please?
Hi Natheerah,
Thanks for reaching out.
DHA have opened up for passport applications again, however are dealing with a backlog so there could be some delays on their side.
Best would be to reach out to them direct for the most up to date information.
With the suspension of the online DHA services, does this mean that I can’t renew my passport at all right now? My current one is about to expire. Will they still accept it when they do start processing renewals again, or will I have to start the process all over again?
Hi Jon,
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
The DHA has suspended the application for smart IDs, with the exception of matriculates applying for IDs. Applications for passports (except for those permitted to travel in by the Disaster Management Act regulations), marriage registration and solemnisation of marriages are also suspended as is the collection of IDs.
For any further information you would need to contact DHA direct and they should be able to advise when they will start assisting with applications for passport renewals.
Hi..
I will like to have the information if the home Affairs did open for peoples
To come and renews the passport?
Thanks.
Hi Judith,
Thanks for getting in touch.
DHA is now open for renewals and issuing of passports.
To apply for the passport, you must submit the following documents:
To apply for the passport you must submit the following documents:
A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73
If the parents are married, the passport application form must be signed by both parents and the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted.
Please note that the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted to the nearest Home Affairs office or SA Mission/Consulate. If a parent cannot be in attendance, a letter of consent and copy of ID will no longer be accepted.
If divorced and sole parental rights and responsibilities in regard to guardianship have not been granted to one parent, the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted and both must sign the application form.
If a parent is deceased, his or her death certificate and a copy thereof must accompany the application for the passport
In the case of minors born out of wedlock, the biological father ’s consent will also be required if any of the circumstances as outlined in section 21 of the Children’s Act, 1995, are applicable, the child and both parents should be in attendance when the application is submitted.
If the applicant is in the care of a guardian other than the parents, proof of the High Court’s appointment must accompany the application.
If a parent cannot be located or refuses to consent, or a dispute concerning consent arises, the matter should be referred to the Children’s Court. The Court’s decision must be submitted with the application for the passport.
The child’s South African birth certificate and a copy thereof
Two colour passport photographs that comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally)
Payment of the prescribed passport fee
We do advise you check DHA website for the most up to date information as requirements and procedures could change at anytime.
I applied for my minor sons passport via FNB Grove in November 2020 and received the passport about 4 weeks later. I am now getting SMS’s and emails from Home Affairs saying if I do not collect the passport it is going to be destroyed. I already collected the passport. I am concerned that Home Affairs will just unilaterally cancel my passport. What am I to do?
Hi Jason, I suggest to contact the DOH near you and advise them that you already have the travel documentation, I can only imagine the stress and confusion you must be feeling.
HI Jason. I am having the same problem. Already collected my 2 son’s passport months ago but still getting sms’s and emails. If you don’t mind me asking, what was your outcome?
I’m currently living in Malta, due to covid I cannot fly to Rome or the Uk for my passport renewal, is there an option to do this and have my bio metric taken at the Consutant in Malta.
Hi Sonei,
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you would need to contact your nearest Embassy. They will be able to advise on the renewal process and the correct procedures to follow.
How do we renew passports when the website service of off?
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
The DHA has suspended the application for smart IDs, with the exception of matriculates applying for IDs. Applications for passports (except for those permitted to travel in by the Disaster Management Act regulations), marriage registration and solemnisation of marriages are also suspended as is the collection of IDs.
For any further information you would need to contact DHA direct and they should be able to advise when they will start assisting with applications for passport renewals.
I am a South African living in Los Angeles and want to renew my passport which expires this year. From my research it looks like I need a DHA-573, DHA-529, DHA-9, notarized marriage cert, notarized copy of current passport, notarized copy of ID book, and 4 passport photos. I am struggling to find a copy of the DHA-9 form anywhere online- can you please let me know how I can get one of these forms?
Thank you,
Daniel
Hi Daniel
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you would need to contact the nearest South African Embassy. They will be able to provide you with further information on where you can receive / get the DHA-9 form.
Hey Daniel,
the DHA-9 is the finger print form.
If you contact a company like DocAssist, they’ll send it to you for free.
just print it and take the form to your local fingerprint services, or your local SA embassy/Consulate can also send you the form.
Hi
I need to apply for a passport for my son (22months old) would I be able to make use of this online portal to do most of the work to avoid queuing numerous times with a toddler? Just the thought makes me anxious. I read above that there is no re-issuing at the moment, but are new applications being processed?
Hi Yasmien,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Currently online passport applications are closed. You welcome to reach out to your bank in the meantime to see if it is possible to apply for a passport for an infant via the portal.
Can i renew my stolen SA passport at The SA embassy in Madrid while working in Spain
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
This should be possible however you would need to contact the Embassy direct for the most up to date information.
I received an SMS on the 29th of December saying; “We acknowledge receipt of PASSPORT application for [my ID number] on 08 Dec 2020.” Does this mean that I can go collect or just that they have received the application?
Hi James,
Thanks for reaching out. You would need to contact DHA to see if they are open for collections of passport.
We would like to leave for the Philippines as soon as the borders open but our passports need to be renewed before that. Can we go no to have them renewed so it will be ready once the borders open or do we have to wait for level 3 to finish?
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
I’m afraid DHA are currently not open for re-issuing of passports. We ask that you keep checking their website for the most up to date information.
Hi there,
The contact us section has an email address that does not work:
Contact Us
Home Affairs Headquarters
Contact Centre
csc@dha.gov.za
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Phone: 0800 601 190
Home Affairs Headquarters
info@dha.gov.za
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Phone: 012 406 2500
info@dha.gov.za
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Hi Eugene,
Thank you for contacting us.
The following is mentioned on our Blog:
“”All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.””
Hi there registration page is not working on the deparments website,
This is the error:
The resource cannot be found.
Description: HTTP 404. The resource you are looking for (or one of its dependencies) could have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable. Please review the following URL and make sure that it is spelled correctly.
Requested URL: /ehomeaffairsv2/SGAccount/Register
https://ehome.dha.gov.za/ehomeaffairsv2/SGAccount/Register
Hi Eugene,
Thanks for reaching out.
This would be on DHA website, which we are not able to fix. They would need to do so from their side.
Can somebody advise me on retention of SA citizenship? My son is living in Australia, however I have applied for UK citizenship and understand that I need to apply for Retention of his SA citizenship. Since he cannot go to Home Affairs himself, can I go on his behalf?
Hi Bobby,
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you would need to contact DHA direct to see if this would be possible. You might be able to go on his behalf if you have a signed affidavit from your son.
However DHA will need to advise accordingly with the most up to date information what is possile.
hi
im applying to have passport renewd but can only apply for new one ONLINE
I WAS NOT BORN IN COUNTRY THOUGH I HAVE SA PASSPORT AND ID -ONLINE DO NOT ACCEPT IF NOT BORN IN COUNTRY
do i have to physically go to home affairs to apply for new passport
Hi David,
That is correct.
You would need to go into DHA to apply for your new passport.
Do I need to bank with one of the banks that offer this service in order to go to them to get the biometrics done and later collect my passport? I bank with Investec, so will I be able to make the online payment from my Investec account and then select for example standard bank as my branch I want to perform the biometrics at?
Hi Danie,
Thanks for reaching out and the great question.
To my knowledge you would need to be banking with one of the banks offering this service.
However would recommended you contact Investec direct to see if this would be a possibility.
I am based in DUrban and I applied on line for my passport as it had expired and a new smart card. When I went to prompt my payment it states that there is an existing application on the old system.
Not sure what that means but it will not accept my Standard bank payment so I can get my biometrics done at the Bank in DUrban – I am unable to get through to any of the offices – any suggestions
Hi Cheree,
Thanks for reaching out. You would need to go into DHA as they will need to look on their database and see if there is an existing application and cancel the one.
Hi
I applied for re-issue on my passport and ID as I thought I had lost them I applied online and made payment , all that was left was to do my biometrics however just 2 weeks ago I found my Passport and ID and now want to reverse the re-issue and get a refund , how do I go about doing this?
Hi Jamie-Lee
Thanks for reaching out. For this you would need to contact the Department of Home Affairs direct to see if it is possible for them to cancel the application on their database.
They will also provide feedback if they will process refund from their side.
Hello,
I, am resident in the UK and been living in the UK for the last 25 years with my spouse.
My spouse is a Portuguese EU National and has been granted ILR.
We are over 65 and retired.
I am South African and hold a South African passport and I see that this expired in 2015.
I want to apply for a British Citizenship but would need to produce a current SA passport.
I read on your page, that I cannot renew my passport and need to apply for a new one.
I am concerned that with the Brexit deadline at the end of this December I may not get this in time.
Can you please guide me as to what would be the best way to proceed.
Thank you.
Hi Ken,
Thanks for reaching out.
For the most up to date information regarding applying for a new passport we ask that you contact your nearest South African Embassy where you would need to apply through.
They will advise on the most up to date information on the correct procedures to follow, time frame it would take as well as documents required.
Hi,
Im a foreigner, I live abroad and Im divorcing from my wife which is a SA citizen, we have a little boy, she said needs a passport for him ASAP, she is been trying to use this against to me, finally I will flight into RSA next December to see the boy and get his passport sorted, I try to do an online application to do this through FNB branch, but look like I cant no register with Home Affairs using my foreigner passport, is any way how to get support for this process ? any suggestion? y just a South African citizen who can apply for this ?
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for contacting us.
The following is mentioned on their website: The Department of Home Affairs is proud to present eHomeAffairs to enable South African born citizen to apply your Smart ID Card and/or passport online.
For any further information you would need to reach out the nearest South African Embassy in your country and they will be able to provide you with further information regarding applying for a South African passport for your son.
hi there
am trying to apply for new passport , my passport is still left with 2 years period the reason why i want to do a new one is because , i will be leaving for the USA and the dues date of the passport expiring might be close . how much must i pay for the new passport i want ?
Hi there,
Thanks for contacting us.
When renewing ones passport the current cost is R400 however this could change at anytime.
You would need to contact the Department of Home Affairs and they will provide you with the most up to date information when you apply.
Hi,
I am moving overseas for a year of which within that year my passport will come within 6 months of expiry. It takes a very long time to renew your passport overseas so it is best for me to renew my passport before I leave but my current passport (valid) needs to go in to the embassy for my visa.
Can I apply for a new passport;
a) While my ‘old’ but valid passport is in for a visa
b) If I don’t receive my new passport in time, will I still be able to travel on my old passport or will my old but still valid passport be ‘deactivated’ because I have a new passport being issued?
Would really appreciate some advice.
Thanks
Hi Robyn,
Thanks for reaching out.
When applying for a new passport you will need to present your old passport. Once the renewal process has been completed you should be able to keep your old passport while waiting on your new passport, however we ask that you follow up with the Department of Home Affairs as passport renewal procedures could change at anytime.
Regarding travelling on your old passport it would need o be valid for 6 months from date of return on your ticket and have 2 consecutive blank pages.
For the most up to date information please contact DHA and they will advise accordingly.
Dangerous. Should you rather not update your post? Travel changes weekly and to give advise from 2018 gives a bad impression!
Hi Stef,
Thanks for reaching out and your feedback. We do put the following disclaimer in our blog:
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.
We do ask that you follow up with the relevant authorities for the most up to date information as this could change at anytime.
Good day,
I submitted an paid for my babies passport to be done, but when I want to choose a branch (Merchant Bank Sandton) it keeps advising me that there are no available dates.
Please would you be able to assist.
Thank you kindly.
Hi Lourien,
Thanks for reaching out.
I’m afraid we do not have access to their systems. For this you would need to contact the bank direct and they will advise accordingly.
Hi –
Just want to find out if you have any idea how long it might take to get ones passport after biometrics has been captured? Mine expires soon and I need a new one.
I have an appointment at a bank branch on the 24th of November but I am wondering if I should just go to home affairs and capture biometrics there if it means I will get my new passport sooner?
your assistance is appreciated.
Hi Brandon,
Thanks for reaching out.
I’m afraid we are not able to provide a time frame. For this you would need to contact the Department of Home Affairs direct. The time frame will depend if they have a backlog or not.
I would like to know if they deactivate your current passport when you do an online application. I want to do an online application for a renewal but I still have to travel with my current passport for the next 3 months.
Hi Hester,
Thanks for reaching out.
One should be able to keep their old passport during the renewal process without Home Affairs cancelling it. However we do ask you contact the Department of Home Affairs direct for the most up to date information as this information could have changed at anytime.
Could you clarify – you say in the blog “SA citizens” can apply online, but the eHomeAffairs site seems to indicate “South African born only”?? I’m a citizen but I wasn’t born in country – can I apply online or not?
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for contacting us.
Our blog was published in 2018 All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.
We ask that you contact the Department of Home Affairs direct for the most up to date information.
Please advise if you have to pay the R800 for a lost but expired passport (expired more than 10 years ago); it seems excessive for a passport that expired.
Hi Antoinette,
Thanks for reaching out. The following is mentioned on the Department of Home Affairs website:
“Applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports will be double the normal fee if the incident was as a result of the passport/travel document owner’s negligence.”
The fees to apply for a lost, expired or renew ones passport could have since changed as our blog was published in 2018.
We do ask that you follow up with Department of Home Affairs’ direct for their most up to date tariffs on applying for a passport.
Good Day,
I have a similar issue that someone has experienced from a previous comment; I am also receiving a message saying “You already have a similar application open and in progress with Home Affairs on the old system,” when trying to submit a passport renewal on E Home Affairs.
I understand that I need to call DHA but have had no luck whatsoever trying to call their Call Centre on 0800 601 190. Ive tried several times and spent over 8 hours on hold in total with no luck.
Does anyone have an alternative number that I could try, or please shed some light on whether they have had any success fixing this issue??
Regards,
Hi Craig. I am experiencing the same problem. The Home Affairs person at ABSa told me to go to DHA for renewal of passport. I got the same message as you. Did you come right?
Hello
Can I send someone to collect our passports or do we have to go in person
Hi Charmaine,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Anyone other than the applicant coming to collect the ID or passport book must bring his/her ID book and the acknowledgement of receipt slip obtained when the passport application was submitted. A driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification. The collector will have to sign a register.
We do ask that you contact the DHA as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information for someone collecting on your behalf.
Read more: http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/guide-south-african-passport-renewal/#ixzz6biAPaGOZ
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What number can i contact if i am having issues with the online passport application?
Hi Kate,
Thanks for reaching out.
We’ve searched and found the following number online: 021 468 4500
You can use the following link: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/contact-us and under Contacts select your province. There will provide a list of contacts.
Good Afternoon
I was wondering if you could be of assistance? My mother-in-law and myself are trying to renew my Nanny’s passport online from the UK, the application was submitted and the payment made, but we have not received any notification of the application and it would not let us continue to book the bio-metrics appointment at the bank. A friend in South Africa went to the bank with my Nanny to see whether her application has been submitted and verified but the bank said that they have no evidence of her application or the payment. Could you please help if possible?
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out and sorry to hear that you are struggling with the online application process.
It is best you contact DHA direct, as it is their online system they would need to check on the back end as to why the application has not pulled through and the way forward on the correct procedures to follow.
Good day
I applied for ID Re-Issue and Tourist Passport and my appointment at the Nedbank branch is the 27th of October 2020 – How long does the process usually take from doing the biometrics on that day and getting my passport back? Reason for asking it that I want to book my flight for the end of November, and I am quite scared that the passport might take longer?
Hi Schalia,
Thanks for reaching out.
The waiting time will depend if DHA has a backlog or not. As we do not have access to their systems only they would be able to provide a timeframe on the waiting time for your documents.
Hi My husband and I tried to register for online passport applications today. We did mine first and after completing everything my application could not be submitted due to – Status : You already have a similar application open on the old system and in progress with Home Affairs. So I could not submit and do the next steps of payment and appointment. We logged out and then did my husband’s with no problem at all and the application was submitted straight away.
Do you know how I can fix my problem ? Under status it says Action required: (Update). But when you try nothing happens.
Thank you
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you would need to contact DHA direct. They would need to check on their system as to what the error and the way forward.
They should be able to provide feedback if you would be able to cancel your application and start again.
Hi Cindy,
I have the same problem. How did you get it resolved? I have e-mailed them.
Many thanks
Hi,
I submitted my passport on the12th of October but now, I need to fast track the prosses for business travel.
Do you have any advice?.
Hi Juanitha,
Thanks for reaching out.
You would need to follow up with DHA direct as they are doing the renewals on their side. They would be able to advise if they can fast track it or not as there could be a backlog.
Hi I am doing this inquiry on behalf of a friend who carries an expired SA passport and SA ID who is based in Arizona USA and also carries a USA Green Card by virtue of marriage. Her SA passport and ID is in her previous married name. Officially divorced. She has booked returned flights Tucson to Cape Town for December 2020 / January 2021. Can she travel on a temporary travel permit and if so how does she go about it? Can she apply online to renew her SA passport and how does she then deal with the bio-metrics? Must she rather apply for a new passport in her new surname? Your guidance will be appreciated
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
The name and surname on the ticket need to match the passengers details showing in the passport.
I do not think the Embassy’s / Home Affairs issue temporary passport. For this you would need to contact the Embassy as well as the airline she would be travelling with. They will advise on the most up to date information, what documents are required and the correct procedures to follow.
Hi, how can we renew passports in level 1? i would really like to avoid going and queueing at Home Affairs (covid risk). i wanted to follow the above process but their EHomeAffairs site says they’re closed due to lock down and haven’t returned to work. anyone had any luck renewing their passport recently?
Thanks
Hi Ashley,
Thanks for reaching out.
Looking at their site it shows the following: OFFICE HOURS: Offices open to the public as follows:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 to 15:30 | Saturday: 8:30 to 12:30 (closed until further notice) | Every last Wednesday of the month: 9:00 to 15:30
DHA website might still be closed for online applications. As they resume more services, they urge everyone who will be visiting their offices to observe health protocols aimed at combating the spread COVID-19. One must wear face masks, maintain social distancing and adhere to all other applicable regulations.
Hi. My partner is a Greek EU citizen. we have been together for 10 years. He is travelling back on repat soon. Can I as his common law wife with SA Passport travel with him. I also need to re-apply for a long period visa.
Please advise
Hi Yvonne,
Thank you for reaching out.
Some Embassy’s are starting to process visa’s. For the most up to date information you would need to contact the Embassy direct or official visa handling agency direct. They will be able to advise on the correct procedures to follow and what documents are required.
HOW CAN ONE GO ABOUT TO OBTAIN PASSPORT RENEWAL WITHOUT HAVING TO BE DEPORTED BACK TO YOUR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN. Covid rules. prevented one to go and apply? My passport now expired 30 days. Desperately need support.
Hi Yehudi, thank you for reaching out to us. The blog post is on South African Passport Applications and Renewal, I strongly suggest you contact the embassy of your country in South Africa to find a urgent way forward. They should take into consideration that you were unable to obtain one prior due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Good day, how long beforehand can you apply for kids passports? My kids’ passports expires in May 2021, but we want to travel to EU in January 2021 (we will be travelling untill December 2021). I hear that you cannot apply for a new passport more than six months before the expiration date of the passport. Is that true? I’d like to apply as soon as possible.
Hi Annelize, thank you for reaching out to us. I have checked the regulations for passport renewal and was not able to get substantial information on it. Please note that it does state on the DHA website that a passport can no longer be renewed http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/civic-services/travel-documents. I do suggest that you contact Home Affairs directly for accurate information and the blog you are referring to was posted in 2018. furthermore with regards to 6 months I believe that the passport needs to be valid for 6 months and thereafter in order for you to travel. The 6 month time frame has nothing to do with the renewal or new application of a passport. Wishing you a good day further.
Good morning,
My passport is almost full but not expired yet. Embassy in Dubai takes 12 – 18 months to assist with passports. Is Home Affairs in SA accepting passport applications and how long does it take? Thinking of coming home to apply for a passport as it might be quicker to get.
Hi Merlene,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Due to DHA working on skeleton staff there could be a backlog. You would need to contact the DHA direct, hopefully they will be able to give a time frame on how long the process would take.
Hi, I am currently in The UK and need to renew my South African passport. Would you let me know what the process is i.e. documents I need, processing time and cost, and any other vital information to bear in mind.
Thank you.
Hi MJ, thank you for reaching out to us. Please note the following information might have changed as this is published in accordance with the Department of Home Affairs and can be found http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/travel-documents2#:~:text=the%20following%20documents%3A-,A%20duly%20completed%20passport%20application%20Form%20DHA%2D73,ID%20images%20are%20captured%20digitally)
To apply for the passport, you must submit the following documents:
A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73
Your original identity document and a copy, or a birth certificate and copy thereof if under 16
If under 18 years, parental consent for issuing of the passport. Please see Tourist passports: persons under 16 for the requirements
A completed determination of citizenship Form DHA-529 when applying from abroad
Present any existing valid tourist passport or if you have lost your passport or it has been stolen and you are applying for a new passport, you must provide a loss of passport report (DHA-335 ) and confirmation that you reported the loss to the police
Two colour photographs that comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally)
Pay the prescribed fee for the passport
The Fee for the reapplication is subject to change and verification and at current is R 800.00. Should you require further information I suggest that you reach out to the South African Embassy in the country you are currently in and the Department of Home Affairs.
Wishing you a good day further.
Hi the DHA site states that one can no longer renew a passport, one has to reapply. So I think this site must be updated. Also, is it true that one can apply online? How does one complete the DHA73 and attach it? The site says that the form has to be completed in order to apply for the passport. Thanks
Hi Samantha,
Thanks for reaching out.
During lockgown DHA are not assisting with passport applications or renewals unless if for work, and immigration purposes.
We have put a disclaimer in our blog saying all the information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change.
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.
I notice in a number of recent replies to comments, you say the eHomeAffairs site is open. This is just to say I went there now (22nd July 2020), and was met with this notice:
“eHomeAffairs site is closed due to the nation wide lockdown, this service will resume in future”.
And if that’s the case, I imagine their physical offices are also closed. Which means the banks can’t provide passport services either. Is there any way, right now, that passports can be applied for or renewed?
Thanks,
Steve.
Hi Steven,
Thanks for getting in touch. Feedback has been provided that if you state your case they will issue a passport. The person will need to go with supporting documents to please their case. It would be up to Home Affairs discretion.
I am not sure if others are facing the same issue but we applied for our son’s passport renewal at the SA consulate in Dubai, UAE in January. Even hired a private courier to pick up the package from the UAE consulate and deliver it to Pretoria to help expedite the process. However, it has been 7 months now and we have no update on the passport (or dont even know how we can follow-up since noone seems to answer the DHA helpline). His existing passport has already expired now and his residency in the UAE is also set to expire in 30 days time. If others have faced this issue and know of a way to follow-up on this would greatly appreciate if you could let me know. Stressful times.
Hi Fahad,
Thanks for reaching out. The usual processing time when renewing ones passport outside of South Africa takes about 6 months.
However given the circumstances, the renewal of passports are unfortunately taking much longer. These delays are due to various reasons, which include skeleton staff working through the lockdown and high volumes of queries they are currently receiving.
We do understand these are stressful times and hope your son receives his passport soonest.
Hi
Is it possible to apply for passports for my kids online aswell?
Hi Maureen,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Some people have said they have been struggling to do so. You can try, if you not able to their online system could still be off due to a back log of online request/
Hi, eHome Affairs is still offline. Are the physical offices open yet? My passport application was done in January but with the lock-down nothing happened, now the Passport expired. I need to travel soon; Please advise.
Hi Chantell,
Thanks for reaching out.
Looking at their website it shows Home Affairs is open. Their lines could closed due to the backlog of queries and applications they are trying to get through.
You can go direct to your nearest Department of Home Affairs.
Hi
i need to renew my passport but the online registration is down because of the lockdown, are we not on level three? or should i go myself to the nearest home affairs and renew it?
Hi Lelona,
Thanks for reaching out.
There could be a backlog so they have closed online applications.
Try calling Department of Home Affairs or go in direct to renew it.
The DHA online web is down, their offices don’t pick up the phone, and are closed. Same with the bank branches listed as agents. How now? Wher do I apply for a passport ?
Hi Danie,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Sorry to hear you struggle to reach Department of Home Affairs. Looking on their website it shows they are open. Maybe try go in to renew your passport.
Hi there, do you maybe know how long it takes to get a passport more or less? I am in London but doing it from this side will take up to 18 months with the given circumstances they say! How shocking!!! So I’m going to have to fly all the way home when I’m able to hopefully by end of year there will be flights etc.. and then apply for it there..my current passport is still valid but it’s completely full so I need a new one for work visas. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated as home affairs is a nightmare they don’t answer phones or emails?thanks so much
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for reaching out. Due to the current situation renewals are taking much longer then usual I’m afraid. This could be due to skeleton staff.
You would need to reach out to the nearest South African Embassy for further feedback on applying for a new passport. They will have to advise if they are currently only renewing passports for people who are needing to fly now on repatriation flights.
Hi there,
I am a South African citizen currently living in Los Angeles on a green card. My South African passport expires in 9 months and I’d like to get it renewed from here in the US. Is this something I can do? Some posts I’ve found online state that it can’t be renewed and that I’d have to wait for it to expire before applying for a new one. Please can you confirm whether that is accurate or not.
Thank you.
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for reaching out.
You should be able to renew your passport at your nearest South African Embassy in the U.S.
The process is quite long, but the Embassy will advise on the correct procedure to follow, what documents are required, the cost and length of time to process a new passport.
Hi,
I am a South African citizen, living and working in the UK. I applied for a passport renewal in October 2019 at the London based South African High Commission.
They informed me they would contact me via email when my passport is ready to collect which would be within the next 6 months.
It has now been 7 months and no one has contacted me. Further to this the offices are currently closed due to Covid-19 and no one answers the helpline or e-mails either.
Does anyone know who i can contact to find out when my passport will be ready for collection of how i can speed up the process?
Hi Richard,
Thanks for getting in touch.
They could also be working on skeleton staff and there might be significant delays due to the current situation. The South African High Commission could be focusing on trying to assist with repatriation flights during this time or other Covid-19 queries.
I am stuck in a country without a South African embassy and my passport is expiring in October.
I was due to fly home and 1 week prior to my flight, the airlines started to suspend flights. Is there any way to get an affidavit to travel with or an online renewal for my passport?
These are very different circumstances with Covid but I’m hoping there is a way for me to get back home when flights become available and borders open again.
Hi Roxanne,
Thanks for reaching out. You would need to contact the nearest South African Embassy. They will look into this and advise on the correct procedures to follow.
Can I apply for a baby’s passport via this online portal?
Hi Kate
Thanks for reaching out.
Please contact DHA direct. They will be able to provide yo with the most up to date information.
Hi there,
Is there any way one could request for an express renewal of the passport?
I work in the Maldives and will be back for one week only and will need to renew my passport within the week. I can not hand in my old passport as it contains my visas. There is no Higher Consulate in the Maldives where I can renew my passport..
Hi Carel,
Please contact DHA direct. Best you contact DHA direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information regarding emergency passports and give a time frame how long it will take to process.
Hi,
Thanks for the outline. I am due to start my studies in the US in August 2020. I will be studying until 2024. My passport expires in 2023. Is it possible for me to renew it now? I still need to obtain my study VISA.
Thanks
Hi Nina,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You should be able to renew your passport now, however please contact the Embassy direct as well as DHA for the most up to date information on correct procedures to follow.
Hi,
I would like to renew my children’s passports. Can I do this online through the DHA website?… when it works. I’ve tried to register twice but it gives me a time-out error message… I was hoping to avoid going in but I guess it will have to be done. (i.e. go into Home Affairs)
Hi Alan,
Thanks for getting in touch and sorry you struggling to do a renewal online.
If you are receiving error messages, best to contact DHA and let them know what error messages you are receiving. They will need to check on their back end to see what seems to be the problem and if they can assist. Or you would need to go in.
Can I only apply for myself and under age minors? I also like to renew my spouse’s passport.
Hi Richard,
To my knowledge this is correct. However you welcome to contact DHA direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
i have 2 South African passports – one to use for travel, while the other one might be stuck for visa’s
Are these two passports linked – would customs see that I entered a country on one and then a few weeks later, I enter on the other ?
I hope you can help
Hi Sonia,
Thanks for getting in touch.
To my knowledge, both passports would be linked as it is for the same person. However we do recommend you contact DHA direct for the most up to date information.
It says the Home Affairs site is under routine maintenance and has said that for the last couple of days. Anyone else had this issue and know how long this usually takes?
Hi there, you talk about 6 months validity which I understand for the certain visa application processes however on the government website it states we only need 30 days validity to leave SA? Is that correct?
Passports must be valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure. Passports should also have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. The blank pages cannot include the “endorsement” page at the back of the book. If you need a visa, you must ensure that your passport has two blank facing pages – one for the visa and one for an entry stamp.
Hi Tess,
Thanks for getting in touch.
When travelling internationally, your passport needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return. Even if a visa is not required for the country you are travelling to, your passport needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return.
If my daughter has never had an ID and only ever the passport will she be able to renew with just the existing passport (she is 18)?
Hi Sean,
Thanks for the interesting question.
I found the following information on DHA website:
Question: “I already have a passport, do I need to submit a copy of my ID/birth certificate?”
Answer: Yes. The South African passport alone is not sufficient. You must present a copy of your ID/birth certificate.
Hi, has anyone found a solution to ‘You already have a similar application open and in progress with HA on the old system?
This is my first attempt at an online renewal and have not submitted any other application as stated.
Its impossible to get anyone at the call centre.
Hi Naseeb,
Sorry you struggling to get through to DHA. Would suggest if you are close by, best to go in and speak to one of the agents. They would be able to provide you with the most up to date information and correct procedures to follow.
There is no point to using the Home Affairs online system. I spent two days (should I say I WASTED two days) trying to get an OTP and then get past the “You already have an application open…” message all to no avail. Just do it the old third-world way and go and stand in the queue.
If I apply online for a passport renewal do I have to collect it in person or can it be posted to me outside of South Africa or domestically?
Hi Shirley,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Please contact DHA direct. They will be able to advise if they offer this service or not.
Hello,
I completed the passport renewal application form last night and submitted it on the eHomeAffairs website. I didn’t authorise payment on my bank’s website and have since cancelled / deleted that notification.
I will no longer be needing my passport and would like to cancel my passport application.
I’ve tried doing that on the eHomeAffairs website but seem unable to do so. Any suggestions or will it expire by itself as no payment has been made.
Thanks very much
Hi Belinda,
Thanks for getting in touch.
We would recommend you contact Home Affairs direct. They would be able to cancellation the renewal application on their system, from their side.
Good Day,
I tried to renew my passport online, but I am so confused by the different options. Could someone please assist me with this?
Hi Judy-Rose,
Sorry to hear you struggling when renewing your passport online. Please contact DHA direct and give feedback where you need assistance.
They would be able to guide you through their online application.
My South Africa passport expires in 2024. I have just obtained a 4 year ~Schengen Visa. Problem is that I have run out of pages in my current passport. Along with the Schengen Visa I also have a valid US visa. Will I still be able to use these visas in the old passport when gravelling to 1) Schengen Countries 2) The USA or do I need to reapply for these visas?
Hi Justin,
Thanks for getting in touch.
if you have a valid visa on an expired passport, you can bring that passport along with your current valid passport to travel to the United States. The same should apply for a Schengen visa.
However we do recommend you contact the countries you are wanting to travel to, to see if this is permitted as well as the airline you will be travelling on. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi m trying to apply online for a passport but its wont verify my number or my email please help
Hi Fatima,
Sorry you struggling with your passport online application form.
For this you would need to contact DHA direct. Please give them the error you are receiving when trying to apply on their website. They will be able to advise on how to proceed.
Hi. I’ll be traveling back to South Africa to renew my passport. I only have my driver’s license with me and not my ID book. Will this be ok?
Hi Sarah,
The following information comes from DHA website:
To apply for the passport, you must submit the following documents. Best to contact them direct. As they are the one’s processing the passports they will be able to advise what documents they will and will not accept when applying for a new passport.
A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73
Your original identity document and a copy, or a birth certificate and copy thereof if under 16
If under 18 years, parental consent for issuing of the passport. Please see Tourist passports: persons under 16 for the requirements
A completed determination of citizenship Form DHA-529 when applying from abroad
Present any existing valid tourist passport or if you have lost your passport or it has been stolen and you are applying for a new passport, you must provide a loss of passport report (DHA-335 ) and confirmation that you reported the loss to the police
Two colour photographs that comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally)
Pay the prescribed fee for the passport
Hi
Please assist me. Am a South African. My wife comes from Zwaziland. We want to get married but she only has a passport. I would like to know that are we able to get married with me with my ID and my wife With her passport??
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. For this you would need to contact Department of Home Affairs.
They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on what documents would be required when getting married.
Hello. I renewed my passport at the bank branch. Is it possible to have someone collect the passport on my behalf?
Hi Travis,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Anyone other than the applicant coming to collect the ID book must bring his/her ID book and the acknowledgement of receipt slip obtained when the ID application was submitted. A driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification. The collector will have to sign a register.
We do ask that you contact the DHA as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information for someone collecting on your behalf.
Anybody else having problems registering on the eHome Affairs website? I have tried various browsers including microsoft edge, however only on a apple computer. I get to complete the 2 page form then submit. I then get an error with a different error code number each time?
Hi John
Sorry to hear you struggling registering on the eHome Affairs website.
Best to contact them direct. They will have further information if they are experiencing problems and will be able to answer any eHome Affairs website queries you might have.
Hi Guys,
I have just applied for my new ID (due to marriage) and new passport (due to being full) on eHomeAffairs. Firstly thank you for the all the tips with the payment process they don’t make it simple to understand. Then it says as a supporting document to upload my ID. Now because I did the application in one, under supporting documents it says upload ID but doesn’t say for which application would be. If I upload my old ID, will it not confuse the process of my passport that now has a name change? but I cannot upload my new ID as this is obviously only going to arrive through the same application. I don’t know if I’m overthinking this but I don’t want to create any unnecessary set backs. Should I rather leave that part of the online application and take my ID with me when I go for biometrics?
Thank you for your help!
Regards,
Candice
Hi Candice,
Thanks for getting in touch and the interesting question. Is there an option to upload a marriage certificate along with your ID in your maiden name? If not I would suggest contacting DHA. They would be able to provide you with the most up to date information, correct procedures to follow and what documents they would require.
Hi
Can you help please. I registered on the website some time ago, when I try to log on the response is “incorrect password”. I took the “reset” option, they sms’d me a new password but that still doesn’t work. Tried that three times with three new passwords none of which work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Graeme,
Thanks for getting in touch. For this you would need to contact DHA direct. They will need to look from their side as to why the password sent is not allowing you to access their website and reset your password.
Please help..
I’ve completed my online application and paid my 400r. I opted for the Bank option but now want to change my option to Home affairs office in DURBAN. Can I change this online?
Hi John,
For this you would need to contact DHA. They will need to check on their system and be able to advise accordingly.
We hope you manage to come right.
I would like to apply for a new maxi passport as my current passport is full, but the maxi passport does not seem to be an option on the ehomeaffairs application portal. Does this mean I need to go into Home Affairs with the correct form? Also, is there some sort of booking system for Home Affairs or do you just show up and queue? Thanks for your help!
Lyn
Hi Lyn,
Thanks for getting in touch.
If it’s not an option on the ehomeaffairs application portal you will need to contact them direct. They will be able to advise on the correct procedures to following when applying for a maxi passport, the cost and what documents are required.
Hi there.
We’re in the process of emigrating and will be leaving SA at the end of the month. Our children’s passports that their visas were issued on expires early 2021 and I want to apply for new ones whilst we’re still in SA since it can apparently take quite some time to be issued if applied for abroad.
I want to apply online and then just go to the bank to have our identities confirmed but I’m not sure what option to use. If I apply for new ones on the “Expires in more than 6 months” option I’m afraid their current passports might get cancelled and they could thus not travel as the visa details would not be the same. If I use the “2nd passport” option I’m afraid the validity date might be the same as their current ones and thus not of any use to us.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated please.
Regards
Hi Gerhard,
Thanks for reaching out. Best to contact DHA direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on the correct procedures to follow.
Hi, old passport will expire on 4 Mar. I was told, when i did the renewal last week, my old passport has now been cancelled (the moment my renewal process started ) Is this true? Thought the old one stay valid to at least the expiry date? I need to trave on the 14th Jan and was counting on using the old one if the new one did not appeart yet.
Hi Johan,
Thanks for getting in touch.
When applying for a new passport DHA would need to cancel your old one. However best to contact them direct as they would provide you with the most up to date information.
With regards to the expiration date, a passengers passport needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return or they would not be able to travel abroad.
Hi there
My passport expires July 2020, and I wish to travel to Australia in April 2020. When I wanted to renew my passport I was told to pay a penalty of R 400 ( in total R 800). Kindly advise me the reason for this.
Hi Wilna,
Usually if one has lost their passport there would be a penalty. Best to ask the agent at DHA, they would be able to advise correctly as to why they were charging you this amount.
Hi Wilna
I’ve just had the same issue.
Did you come to a conclusion?
Hello. I have made payment for a passport application from an ABSA bank account, however I need to collect (and have selected this on my application) from an FNB account as there are no registered ABSA branches in Cape Town. Does anyone know how to get the system to offer this when making the booking? It is currently only letting me choose from ABSA branches, which are all in Gauteng
Is it possible to apply for a passport at one DHA and collect it from another one in the country?
Thanks
Hi Lee,
Interesting question. I don’t think this would be possible. However you can get someone to collect on your behalf and they can courier it up to you.
The person collecting your passport on your behalf would need to give certain documents to the DHA.
Please contact them direct for the most up to date information on correct procedures to follow.
Hi – has anyone out there a number on which to contact DHA? The so-called hotline is not working.
I called DHA headquarters & was told it was the wrong number & before I could ask for the correct number he cut me off!
This is just not cricket!!
I am trying to register my account with DHA but the OTP number never works. I am in USA but need to get my application done online. Anyone suggest an alternative without having to go to a Home Affairs? Or I’ll be in KZN, I don’t mind I will drive to whichever one is good. please recommend where to go where you can get some service and get it done the same day.
Hi –
I’m having a torrid time trying to register online. I’ve just had a message to say I still have to go into a home affairs branch as I’m now only temporary registered!!
I need to activate my permanent profile according to them. Sounds very fishy to me.
Any ideas?
Hi Sureen,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I would suggest going into DHA as they will be able to look on their system and provide you with the most up to date information and answer any questions you might have.
Hi
My old Passport has expired and i need a new one. I cannot find the old one at all. What do i do now can i apply for a new one or must i say it was lost?
Regards
Hi Sean,
Thanks for getting in touch. You welcome to read the following blog of ours:
Replacing Your Lost Passport – All Your Questions Answered!
Here we provide all the relevant information. For any other questions you welcome to contact DHA direct and they will assist with any other questions you might have.
http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/replacing-your-lost-passport/
good day
how long after printing is in progress do you get your passport?
Hi Resh,
You will receive a notification that your passport is ready for collection at the Home Affairs or bank branch where your biometrics was captured, after approximately 10 days. However if there is a backlog it would take longer. I would suggest contacting Department of Home Affairs, they will be able to advise on the waiting time.
How can I change my cell phone number on my Home Affairs online application profile? I cannot access my profile because this cell number no longer exists. Cannot find any information about how to do this.
Hi Anne,
Best to contact them direct. They should be able to update any personal information from their side.
Question: I urgently need to renew my children’s passports. I have been told that I cannot register and process the applications online because although I am a South African citizen I was not born in South Africa. Is this true?
Hi Paul,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this you would need to contact Department of Home Affairs direct. They will be able to assist and answer your query if it is possible or not. As well as advise on the correct procedures to follow.
Good day ,
Thank you for the above thread!
I have two questions – I’m hoping you can help:
Any advice on minors travelling back to SA on an expired SA passport?
How many days do you need when returning to SA in your passport? If we land with a few days to spare, is that ok?
Many thanks in advance!
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for contacting us.
A passengers passport (regardless of the age) needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return. However you welcome to contact the Embassy or airline you are travelling with who will provide you with the most up to date information.
My son is currently in Colombia whose passport has expired due to the ongoing unrest in Venezuela where he could not renew as this is the represented embassy for that region. Is their any way his passport can be renewed. Thanks KeithM
Hi Keith,
Thanks for reaching out.
He will need to contact the nearest South African Embassy they will be able to advise accordingly. Alternatively you can contact DHA and see what information they can provide.
Please advise if I can renew my SA PASSPORT online if I am an SA Citizen but was not born in South Africa
Hi Karen,
This should be possible however please contact DHA. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi name is Thiloshini.. If I am doing a online application for my kids passports under 18years is it allowed or still need the father’s consent letter in the passport application. Thanks
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. To my knowledge if the father is mentioned on the child’s birth certificate they will need the father’s signature when applying for a passport.
Please contact DHA they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on correct procedures to follow.
Hi.
Do you know if you can do the biometrics abroad at an embassy?
And do you know if you can pay from a relative’s account who has internet banking?
Hi Jay,
Thanks for reaching out.
Best to contact the Embassy or DHA direct. They will be able to advise you on the correct procedures to follow when renewing your passport from abroad.
Evening.
I have dual citizenship and need to renew my South African passport. Can I do an online application and then complete biometrics etc when I go to South Africa?
Hi Cindy,
Please contact DHA direct for the most up to date information. They will advise on the correct processes to follow.
Hi there,
my wife and i have applied for a travel document since the 07th of may 2019 till to date we are still waiting for our documents.
we have send e-mail, made calls but nothing.
would you please advise.
Hi Roger,
Sorry to hear this.
I’m afraid we are not able to advise as we don’t have access to the Department of Home Affairs date base to see peoples applications etc.
You will need to contact them direct. They will need to check their records and files and should be able to advise accordingly.
What numbers did you use. I have been trying for ages
My son is turning 18, and has had two previous passports. The last one has expired but unfortunately has also gone missing. How do I apply on line, when I cannot hand the old one in? Still have birth certificate, and unbridged certificate. Still has no ID. Please advise what is the best way to go. thanks,
Hi Shaun,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I’ve found the following information.
“”To apply for the passport, you must submit the following documents:
A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73
Your original identity document and a copy, or a birth certificate and copy thereof if under 16
If under 18 years, parental consent for issuing of the passport. Please see Tourist passports: persons under 16 for the requirements
A completed determination of citizenship Form DHA-529 when applying from abroad
Present any existing valid tourist passport or if you have lost your passport or it has been stolen and you are applying for a new passport, you must provide a loss of passport report (DHA-335 ) and confirmation that you reported the loss to the police
Two colour photographs that comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally)
Pay the prescribed fee for the passport””
For any further information we recommend contacting the DHA direct and they will be able to assist and answer any other questions you might have.
Hi there, my passport is almost full and I have submitted an application for a new one. I will only be in South Africa briefly for the appointment and it is likely that the passport will only be ready after I have left. I wanted to ask – do they take in your old passport when you are getting your biometrics done? Will I be able to leave the country with my old passport?
Furthermore, is someone able to collect my passport on my behalf when it is ready?
Hi Tegan,
Thanks for reaching out.
One should be able to apply for their new passport and still keep their old one before they cancel it. However we do ask you contact the Department of Home Affairs. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information, if you can apply for a new passport and still travel on your old one before they cancel it.
Hi Tegan, did you ever find a solution to this?
I am in the same situation and wondering what to do.
Regards
Ashleen
Good Day
My mom has a South African passport, which she got after her PR. Her passport expires next year (5years). Can she renew her passport if yes how
Kindly advice
Hi Nadia,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this she would need to contact DHA they will be able to provide her with the most up to date information on correct procedures to follow when she renews her passport.
How long will it take before I will receive my passport after the renewal application?
Hi Sue,
Thanks for getting in touch.
This will depend on DHA. Sometimes it takes a week maybe two. If they have received a number of renewals it could take much longer due to a backlog.
You would need to contact DHA and they will be able to give you a time frame.
My daughter’s SA passport expired earlier this year. She is planning to travel to SA in December 2019, how does she go about applying for a renewal in the UK?
Many thanks
Hi James,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Some people have said applying for a new passport in the UK can take up to 6 months. However best to contact the SA Embassy direct. They will be able to give a time frame on the processing time when applying for a SA passport from the UK.
Good Day
I checked the DHA website. They speak of younger than 16 years and 18 years and older. My son is 17 years old and has an ID card. Does he still need both parents to be physically present when he goes for his passport? Thanks.
Hi Desleen,
Thanks for getting in touch.
As information changes all the time we recommend you contact the DHA direct for the most up to date info.
Hi there, we applied for our passports at Home Affairs and I know they are there and ready for collection (got the SMS). We have been very busy with work so was wondering how long do they keep the passports there, i.e. how long do I have from getting the SMS to go pick it up? Thank you!
Hi Lee,
I’ve tried to search but not able to find any info on how longer DHA will keep ones passport for.
Best to contact them direct. They will be able to advise and provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi, Is it possible to use this same system for the renewal of my children passports?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
This should be possible. However, best to contact DHA for the most up to date information. They will be able to advise accordingly.
Good day i am living in zimbabwe with a South Afican passport which expires in October 2019. how can i renew the passport without having to go to South Africa
Hi Jacqueline,
Thanks for reaching out.
You would need to go to the South African Embassy to renew your passport. Please contact them direct. They will be able to advise on the correct procedures to follow, what documents would be required and the cost.
Good evening,
My friend’s son lives in the UK with his mother. His SA passport needs to be renewed, can it be done online & what will be required to do so. He is now 14, so will he need to have his finger prints done again or just the usual thumb prints.
Kindest regards,
Paula
Hi Paula,
Thanks for getting in touch.
They would need to contact the South African Embassy in the UK. They would advise on the correct procedures to follow, what documents they would need and the cost.
My son (he is over 18) went to renew his passport but he won’t be able to collect it as he will be flying out to Cape Town for 2 months. My question is can I collect his passport when ready on his behalf?
Hi Ronel,
I’ve done a search and found the following information, however we do recommend you contact DHA to get the most up to date information.
If collecting in person is not possible, you may authorize another person to collect your passport on your behalf.
The authorized person will need to bring:
Original Payment Receipt of the applicant(s)
An original signed and certified authorization letter from the applicant
A photocopy of the applicant’s ID
The original ID proof of the authorized person
A photocopy of the ID proof of the authorized person
Hi
Does one need the online application with when visiting the bank or will the bank have it already? I tried numerous times to access the application to print but can’t access it.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this you would need to contact the bank direct to see if they would have it or if you would need to print it and bring it with you.
I have been struggling to apply online for the past week. I registered and received a confirmation mail. When I request to complete the application form nothing happens. I cannot get the form to open or download. I tried to phone DHA but their numbers are not working. What am I doing wrong?
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out. We suggest it’s best to do into the DHA. They will need to check on their systems to see where the issue lies and resolve it from their side.
We do hope you manage to come right.
Is it correct that you can not create a profile on eHomeAffairs if you acquired a SA citizenship and was not born in SA.?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. For this you would need to contact the DHA. They will be able to advise accordingly.
Can I get a temporary passport while I’m awaiting for my normal passport? How long does it take to obtain it through the SA Embassy in Ireland?
Hi Jan,
For this you would need to contact Home Affairs direct to see if it is possible to get a temporary passport new passport. From other peoples comments/feedback, they’ve mention it takes up to 6 months to renew their SA passport from abroad.
Best to contact the Embassy when applying to get the most up to date information.
Hello. My SA passport is valid until 2024. I married recently and have changed my name. Do I need a new passport?
Hi Christina,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You don’t have to change your passport as it is still a valid travel document. Just please ensure that when you book your flight ticket, the name and surname on your ticket matches the name and surname showing in your passport – the one you would present at check-in.
Hi there
I have tried to go the online application route, but they system is so buggy I now have 2 passport applications and a smart ID application that it wants me to pay for.
I tried calling the contact numbers, but they don’t exist. I would like to cancel all submissions I have and restart. Can I do this without having to go to Home Affairs?
Hi Amy,
Sorry to hear you are struggling to do your online application. I would recommend you contact DHA, they would need to check on their system if one of your applications can be cancelled. May they can do this for you or they can provide you with the step by step procedure how this can be done.
We hope you manage to come right.
How longs are passport renewals currently taking in Durban? Need to travel 08 Sept, but US requires 6months on passport.
Hi Amy,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this you would need to contact DHA. They will be able to check on their systems how long they taking to do renews, and provide you with the most up to date information.
HI,
I have a quick question. I am based in the UK but considering flying to SA to get my passport renewed there are the lead time from the UK is 6+ months. I will therefore be applying online and then flying to SA to get the biometrics done and collect the new passport. Unfortunately I lost my ID book some time ago and note that this is required – is it possible to do without?
Hi Adelle,
Thanks for getting in touch.
A valid ID book is one of the requirements when renewing ones passport. You would not be able to renew your passport without this, however you welcome to contact DHA to see what they advise.
You cannot use the e-website if you were not born in RSA
I live in Australia, can I apply on behalf of my mom and sister from Australua for their passports, they stay in South Africa. I will be able to upload their ID’s and do the payment from Australia. As I understand they can then go and do biometrics and collect from nearest Home Affairs office
Hi Rianda,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this I would recommend you contact the DHA direct to make sure if it is possible. Passport application rules can change at any time, so best to follow up with them direct to get the last information.
Hi there, I’m a South African citizen living in Durban KZN, and I bank with FNB.
I’d just like to clarify the difference between ‘renewing’ and ‘re-applying’ for a passport. My SA passport has long since expired, way back in 2014, but I will be visiting the US next year.. so would I need to ‘renew’ my expired passport or would I have to ‘reapply’ for a whole new passport? And would the process be the same for both (ie. the process outlined here on your site)?
Thank you for your helpful website!
Hi Luke,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Either way if your passport has expired or lost you will need to apply for a new passport.
To my knowledge if one has lost their passport they will need to pay an additional R400 on top of the R400 when applying for a new passport.
I applied for a renewal of passport as it expires in 6 months time. But the site says that I need to pay R400 for my renewal and a penalty of R400. Why are they charging me an additional R400 when my current passport hasn’t been lost nor have all my pages been used so It doesn’t need to be replaced?
Payment Type Amount Reason (if applicable)
Tourist passport (32 Pages) R 400.00
Replacement of active tourist passport R 400.00 Penalty: NoReasonYet
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this you would need to ask DHA as to why they have charged additional. They should be able to advise accordingly.
We hope you come right.
Hi Lauren,
Are you renewing your passport within the required – time less then 6 months before it expires. I see we have another query saying
“I have been told by Home Affairs that because I’m renewing my passport earlier than 6 months prior to expiry, I will have to pay a penalty of R400 which means in total I’ll have to pay R800.”
This could be the reason for the additional R400
Hi My passport expires in 6 months time, I think I just need to go visit a home affairs branch because I believe there is a bug in the online system that is charging and additional R400 and even when you edit that there is less than 6 months to expiry, the penalty remains.
Thank you for your help
Hi there, my old passport is still valid until end May 2020, but I went ahead and applied for a new one recently and picked it up the other day. I still have my other passport and it has a valid visa in it that I’d like to use – can I go ahead and still travel on my old passport, seeing as it hasn’t expired? Or does home affairs cancel a passport when they provide you with a new one?
Hi Jenny,
Home Affairs cancels your old passport. You will need to travel with both passport though. Your valid passport as well as your cancelled passport with your valid visa in it.
However we do recommend you contact the Embassy of the visa you are holding and DHA just to clarify this and passport and visa information could have changed at anytime.
My passport expires 8 March 2020. We’re going to Namibia end September 2019 for a week. I have been told by Home Affairs that because I’m renewing my passport earlier than 6 months prior to expiry, I will have to pay a penalty of R400 which means in total I’ll have to pay R800. Can this be right. If I applied to renew in mid September I could maybe get the passport in time but I’m afraid to leave it till the last minute. Home Affairs say a renewal should take a week or 2. Advise please
Hi Marilyn,
I’m afraid these are rules of the DHA
One can either wait and apply just before you leave so you are applying within the required time, but then taking a risk if you will received it in time. Or pay the additional R400 knowing you will get your passport back in time.
It really is an unfortunate, having to pay that extra.
My passport expires August 2020. How long before expiry can I apply for new passport?
I also have an USA visa in my current passport which only expires 2024. What happens with my USA visa if I apply for a new SA passport?
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
You can apply renew your passport 6 months or less prior to expiry. If you renew your passport more then 6 months prior to expiry you will be charged an additional R400.
They will cancel your old passport with your valid US visa in it. When you receive your new passport, you travel with both your old passport (with valid visa in it) and your new passport.
However we do recommend you contact the Embassy and DHA to see if this is still the case.
Hi,
I need to renew my passport, but have lost my ID book. Will I need to apply for the ID card first, or would I be able to do them at the same time?
Hi Rob,
Thanks for contacting us.
Looking at the requirements when rewing your passport it says:
A copy of your ID
Passport fee – R400
Your old passport
If you have a copy of your ID book, then it should be fine. I would just double check with DHA to see if this is still the case.
If they need the original then you would need to apply for your ID first and after your passport.
Best of luck.
Hi there!
I have a complex question here. I have a passport that has visas in it that I need in order to travel for work.
However, because I work a lot internationally, my passport is almost full.
I have heard that I can get a second passport (not a renewed one) that would allow me to have two passports.
My question
1. How do I apply for this second passport and what are the criteria?
2. Are the passport numbers the same?
Assistance would be appreciated
Hi
Im in the same situation and was told that you should apply for your second passport and travel internationally with both passports, make sure that your entry stamp is in the new passport and show your visa in your old passport. When in the country, go to the bureau where you apply for your visa and have them transfer your visa.
Hope this helps
Dear Bee,
I am im the same situation. So from what I know, you can’t have two concurrent passports. So you will have to apply for a new passport (maxi). Thereafter, when you travel your visas in your old passport are still valid and need only be shown along with your new passport. So there shouldn’t be any problems.
I have heard you could opt for an extended passport (the maxi tourist passport) which is a 48-page passport book (a regular tourist passport contains 32 pages). I will attach the link below for further information: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/civic-services/travel-documents
Hi. Did you get an answer to this question? I have the same situation.
Thanks.
Hi Bee,
Thanks for reaching out.
I have heard of some cases, where business people have 2 valid passports. Example if they are applying for a UK visa and in the interim need to make a trip to China, they can travel on their second valid passport while their other passport is waiting approval of the UK visa.
However for this you would need to contact DHA to see if this is still the case and it is possible and if so how one would go about applying for two valid passports. They will be able to advise on the correct procedures to follow, what documents are required and the cost.
With regards to are the passport numbers the same, to my knowledge your ID number will always stay the same but passport numbers are always different. Again best to ask DHA.
I need ro renew my daughters passport (15yrs old).Her Mother lives in Australia so it’s impossible for both of us to be there but the regulations say we do?
How does one go about getting the new passport?
My daughter’s passport only expires in a year. She lives in Finland. She applied for a new passport while visiting SA. I have collected her new passport. Can she still travel on the old passport or should I courier this one to her?
Hi Riana,
Sorry I cannot answer your question, but what documents did you take to home affairs to collect your daughter’s passport?
Hi,
We are 2 adults & 2 kids are under 16; is it still possible to arrive at HA Randburg, simply fill in the forms, make payment in cash/card and then submit. Does one have to apply online? The reason for my query is that my wife was born in Rhodesia/Zim and cannot apply online, she is required to go in to HA, it therefore makes sense that we just do the entire process together as a family.
Thanks
Hi,
I have applied for a new passport from Bangkok a month ago and was advised it can take 6-9 months.
I just recently used my last full page in my passport for a 3 month non-B Visa for Thailand and will need to apply for my 1 year non-B in 2 months for my current job.
Is there any way to fast track my new passport – as my new visa will require a full page?
All advise will be greatly appreciated!
Hi – as I live in the UK and don’t have time for the SA Govt to take 6 months to send me my daughter’s renewed passport, my question is can I ask a family friend who is still in SA to use her bank details on the app form or do they require that the bank account belongs to me? If I can’t do that will I need to go apply in person at HA in SA?
Hi Louise,
Thanks for reaching out.
I am not sure if this is possible. I would recommend contacting the DHA direct to see what they advise. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
I completed the application for my passport on 28 May. I have not heard from Home Affairs to date (18 June). I realise this is not a particularly long time, but I have been given the opportunity to do contract work abroad (Rwanda). The start date is 01 July.
Is there any way to “hurry up” my application, or at least to enquire on the possibility of it being processed in the next two weeks?
Hi Colin,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I would recommend contacting DHA direct or going in to see them. One of their agents should be able to see how far along your application is.
Applied for a passport whilst in Durban. Currently working in UK. Can I ask someone else to collect the passport on my behalf? What info will be required
Hi Terrence,
Thanks for getting in touch.
It shows on the DHA the following information for collecting someone else’s ID book. I would recommend contacting DHA to see if the requirements are the same when collecting someone else’s passport.
Anyone other than the applicant coming to collect the ID book must bring his/her ID book and the acknowledgement of receipt slip obtained when the ID application was submitted. A driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification. The collector will have to sign a register.
Please advise on if someone else was allowed to collect your passport for you from Home Affairs or not. I have heard the new system requires you to personally be there to collect as your thumb print is taken on collection ??? Many thanks
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
If collecting in person is not possible, you may authorize another person to collect your passport on your behalf. The authorized person will need to bring: Original Payment Receipt of the applicant(s) An original signed and certified authorization letter from the applicant
We do recommend you contact the DHA direct for the most up to date information as this could have changed at any time.
Hi Terrence,
Are you able to advise if someone was able to collect your passport for you? I am working in Europe and have the same query?
Hi There,
I live in NZ and my SA passport has expired. I have some friends here who have been waiting over 12 months for the SA passports to be renewed…why is it such a mission to get this done when it supposedly only takes 10 days to get it renewed if in SA personally?
My questions are: can i travel back to SA on an expired passport from NZ?
If was was able to get back to SA, how long, realistically, will i have to wait to get my passport renewed once in SA?
Hi Margot,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this you would need to ask the SA Embassy as to why it takes so long. As they are the wants processing the passports they should be able to provide you with more information.
Travelling on an expired SA passport would not be possible I’m afraid. With regards to how long it would take to renew your passport in South Africa will depend if there is a back log. We have heard some people have waited 2 weeks and received there passports others have waited over a month or so.
Hi, having registered successfully, I cannot find the option on the website to renew the passport – kindly assist
Thanks
Hi Dave,
Thanks for getting in touch.
There is no option for passport renewal on the website. Once you’ve registered your profile on eHomeAffairs, you must complete the ‘new’ application and upload the requested documents. You will then be instructed to make the online payment.
Once your payment has been authorised, you can make a booking at a Home Affairs enabled bank office or head to your closest Home Affairs branch (no appointment needed). At the Home Affairs or bank, you will fill out a form that states your reason for applying for a passport. On this form, you must choose “passport renewal”.
Hope this helps.
Here’s also a link to a How to Guide pdf: https://ehome.dha.gov.za/eHomeAffairs/Content/HowToGuide.pdf
Hi, does anyone have an idea what the current processing time is if I apply for a passport through RMB?
My passport was stolen and have since applied for a new one, which will be ready in several days. I need to book a flight today. Would I be able to use my old passport number?
Hi Kyle,
Client can book as long as when they make sure that their full names and surnames on the ticket are spelled correctly as it will appears on the new passport they will be travelling on. No spelling mistakes and title must be correct. Generally when clients apply for a new passport and they haven’t gotten married or divorced in the mean time, their details ( Full Names and Surname) should be exactly the same as their previous passport.
We do not need passport numbers to be able to make a booking, we only need Title, Full First Name and Surname as it is spelled in passport and dates of birth. Passport number and expiry date is only entered into the booking when check-in is done. It is up to the passenger to make sure they have 6 months validity on their passport available when the travel, correct visa’s, 2 consecutive blank pages and any health requirements.
I cant find my old passport. Can I still apply for a new one? And what must I do?
Hi Suzanne,
Thanks for getting in touch.
We have put out a blog: Replacing Your Lost Passport – All Your Questions Answered! https://bit.ly/2Ne4nJS
You welcome to go through it. For any further info please feel free to contact DHA they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
We are due to fly to Nairobi from SA and then travel back overland through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and then fly home from Vic Falls. We leave on 8 June and due back on 9 July.. However my wife`s passport expires on 28 September 2019 . Will this be a problem ? No visas are required for each of these countries.
Hi Brian,
Thanks for reaching out. Ones passport needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return of their travel.
On your departure flight this is information is checked by the airline at check-in as well as immigration.
Hi, thanks for the information. Can you renew minor’s passports in the same way? Will they just require their birth certificates and old passports?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You welcome to find the relevant information using the following link:
https://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/pp_child.htm
If you have any further questions you welcome to contact the DHA direct. They will be able to assist.
Hi. can anyone please help me. I live in southern Cyprus and my South African passport expired. There is no consulate in Cyprus. What is the quickest way that I can renew my passport from Cyprus?
Hi Lynette,
Thanks for contacting us.
I found the following information, please contact the South African Consulate. If they are not able to assist I would suggest contacting the DHA in South Africa.
Address:
South African Consulate General in Nicosia, Cyprus Commercial Union House 101, Archbishop Makarios III Avenue P.O.Box 21312 1506 Nicosia Cyprus
Telephone:
(+357) 22 374 411
Fax:
(+357) 22 377 011
E-mail:
artemis@commercial-union.com.cy
Website:
Consul:
Mr. Andreas C. Artemis – Consul General
Office Hours:
08:30 – 13:00
Hi there
I want to travel later this year, however my passport will have less than 6 months valiidity from the end of my trip, which means I cannot apply for Visas as they require 6 months validity from the end of travel. Currently my passport still has 9 months of validity.
Does this mean that i have to pay the R400 penalty fee for having no reason to renew my passport? I can’t wait until there are only 6 months left on my current passport as it will be too close to my date of departure.
Thanks
Hi Nic,
Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return or a visa will not be granted and if you already had a valid visa from before the airline check-in agent and Immigration would not allow you to travel.
You will need to renew your passport and pay the relevant fees before travelling and applying for a visa.
Hi,
I’m in the UK but i need to assist a family member with their 1st passport application however she lives in Port Elizabeth.
If i understand the article correctly are we in a position to apply online do the biometrics at a local bank in Port Elizabeth and collect the Passport directly from the bank as well?
If this is correct what are the turn around times for all of this? In terms of uploading documents are their any specifics that are required when uploading etc..?
Looking forward to your response.
Hi Jade,
Thanks for reaching out.
South African citizens can apply via the eHomeAffairs website. Please note, you will need internet banking to proceed with your online passport application. Applicants will have to go to a Home Affairs branch to capture their biometrics and collect their passport. Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria residents also have the option of recording their biometrics and collecting their passport at specific Absa, FNB, Standard Bank or Nedbank branches.
We have given a list of Biometrics Equipped Bank Branches on the blog. I don’t see there is one in Port Elizabeth, however you welcome to contact your bank direct to see if there is now a bank in PE which offers this service and or what the closest branch would be. They would also be able to advise on turn around time.
Good Morning,
I applied for a passport and have received notice that it’s ready for collection. Do I still need to stand in a long line or can I go straight into Collections?
Hi Rochelle,
Thanks for contacting us.
There will be a separate line for collections and usually it is much shorter.
How long did you wait for yours?
Hi there, my husband’s new passport is ready for collection at a Branch but he is away in Australia for business and will only return in July. He applied for the passport before he left because it was going to expire this year. Am I able to collect it on his behalf and what documents will I need to bring?
Hi Sanny,
If your husband is not able to collect in person he may authorize another person to collect his passport on his behalf. The authorized person will need to bring: Original Payment Receipt of the applicant(s) An original signed and certified authorization letter from the applicant and copy of the persons ID and their ID.
We do recommend you contact DHA before going through to get the most up to date information as this could change at anytime.
Good day
I bank with Capitec. Do I then have to visit home affairs office?
Hi Johanna,
Thanks for reaching out.
As Capitec is not a Biometrics Equipped Bank you would need to visit DHA direct.
You welcome to contact your bank direct to make double sure.
Hello,
Thank you for providing such an informative blog. The information is very helpful and appreciated.
I am currently residing in the UK. My passport will expire in Jun 2019. I reside about 2 hours from the SA Home Office, based in London. I have tried numerous times to contact them to ask a few questions but I’ve not had any success in making contact with them.
Would you be able to advise if I should try to renew my passport online?
The only concerns, I have are::
-Will I be able to renew my passport whilst being based in the UK?
-Will the SA Home Office, be able to take my finger prints and send them to the SA DHA?
-Will they accept my passport photo’s and send them to the SA DHA?
-Will I be able to have my new passport sent to my home address, as I am not based near central London?
Your reply, would be most appreciated.
Kindest regards
Hi Manesh,
Thanks for reaching out and sorry you struggling to get in touch with them.
I’m afraid you would need to contact SA Home Office direct. As they are issuing and processing the legal documents, they will be able to advise what documents are required when applying, the correct procedures to follow as well as the cost.
Hi Manesh,
I have been through this process a few times, the process is really simple and in total you would have to make two trips to the Embassy in London, 1 for the submission of the application and 2nd for the collection.
You can request a passport renewal application via the post, so you send a postpaid A4 envelope directly to the embassy and they will send you the application.
Alternatively you can just go there early and complete the application directly at the embassy.
Here is a link to view all this information.
link: http://southafricahouseuk.com/civic/passintro.php
I would advise either using public transport because it’s a nightmare driving in London and not to mention very expensive but if you drive don’t forget to pay for the congestion charge at your local post office for the day you will be travelling to the embassy (charges for weekend travel only), i usually park near the travalga square because i have kids but if you are alone i would just use public transport.
Generally speaking, at the embassy in London they are very organised and services move along at a steady pace so take along a packed lunch just to be safe.
Hope this helps..
Hi there, i keep getting a message “an error ocurred – error code 1” when trying to register to renew passport. Could you advise if you have encountered this before?
Thank you
Hi Gee,
Best to contact DHA. As it is there site they will need to check on their side if there is a technical error or not, or what seem to be the problem as to why you are receiving this message.
Hi There,
Last year in September I had to renew my Passport as I got married in Feb 2019 and I needed it for our honeymoon. I would now like to renew my passport to my new surname. Is that possible? Will they not charge a penalty as my current maiden name passport is still brand new. I need a new passport for immigration reasons to reflect my new surname.
Any help and advice please.
Thank you
Hi Liesel,
I think they would charge you when applying for a new passport.
However I do recommend you contact DHA direct as they will be able to advise if they will charge or not and the correct procedures to follow.
My sister is in Kuwait, she applies for the renewal of her passport early February because her passport is full. It is now more than two months and still no word from home affairs. When you phone the phones are just ringing. She needs urgent help to get her passport by middle May. What must she do to get into contact with anybody at home affairs ? The situation is desperate .
Regards
Hi Trevor,
People applying for the South African passport abroad have said it can take up to 6 months.
Maybe she should contact the South African Embassy to see what information they can give. Or if you could go to Home Affairs on her behalf to get an update.
Hi,
My passport expires on the 4th of October 2019 (expires in less than 6 months)
I have done an online application to apply for a new one (appointment 8 May 2019).
Will I need to leave my old passport or not, or will I leave it when I pick up the new one?
Thank You
Hi Michelle,
To my knowledge they will allow you to keep your old passport while applying for a new passport. Just follow up with DHA to confirm this.
However please keep in mind ones passport needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return or you will not be allowed to travel.
My daughter lives in the UK and has an SA and an Irish Passport. She will be traveling to SA for a wedding in May and will use both passports. Her SA passport expires in July and she has applied for a new one in the UK but no progress yet. Do you know if she will be able to leave SA with her SA passport being valid for just over 2 months when she eaves
We are getting very conflicting answers – her Irish passport is still very valis
Thanks
Janeen
Hi Janeen,
Thanks for getting in touch.
A passport must be valid for 6 months from date of return. Please contact the airline she will be travelling on to see what they advise.
Hi
Is it possible for someone to collect your passport on your behalf when applying at a FNB branch? I have heard conflicting answers to this as they do biometrics when you collect the passport?
I am running out of pages on my passport and want to apply for a new passport however I will only have a limited time in South Africa (+/- 5 working days). Would it be possible for someone to collect my passport on my behalf? and what do they need to provide to collect it?
Hi Shan,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I found the following information, “”If you cannot collect your passport in person, it is possible to arrange for a friend or relative to collect it on your behalf. That person will have to present a written authorization from you and a photo ID.”” however this could have since changed and I would recommend you contact DHA for the most up to date information.
Hi
I received the below error
“You already have a similar application open and in progress with Home Affairs on the old system.”.
What number can i contact to validate with Home affairs what the issue is. This is when i tried to do an online application. The numbers on the contact us screen does not work pr
Hi Zaheera,
Sorry you struggling with the application form. The number I have found is: 021 468 4500 If you still struggling to get through best to go direct into DHA where one of their agents will be able to assist.
Hi Zaheera, I received the same error. Have you been to home affairs yet? ANy idea why we got his error?
I also received this error message, if anyone has any advice, please respond to this thread.
Any solution to this problem, I am receiving this same issue my side.
Thanks
Hi All
Has anyone been able to rectify this?
I have been having the same issue for days, urgently need a passport and I cannot get ahold of anyone through the contact centre.
I have been to the branch and was told I cannot be helped with online applications, I have to sort it out with the contact centre, which is almost impossible to get through to.
Hi There
I applied for my passport renewal in Feb , I’ve since heard nothing from home affairs.Is there anyway to follow up ? I need to travel in May and getting rather concerned as I still need to apply for visa.
Any advice
Hi Shaun,
I would go to Home Affairs direct. They can check on the back end and see what the delay is and hopefully give a time frame of when you can expect your passport.
Please advise how do you enter your cell number as I dropped the zero and had spaces in between and no spaces but it still give the same error
Hi Soraya,
Sorry you struggling to complete the application. Maybe try put the country code, again not to sure.
If you don’t come right I would suggest contacting the DHA direct and they will need to check on their back end and advise accordingly.
Hi Marcelle,
Once the renewed passport has arrived at the Home Affairs office; how long does one have to collect it..?
Hi Kerry,
Best to contact DHA direct to see how long you have until you have to collect.
You can also get family member to collect on your behalf, they will need certain documents though.
Sorry, I forgot to say that the passprt expires on 2 december 2019 ie more than 6 months time. Is this why there is a penalty?
Hello. I tried renewing my passport which expires on the eHome Affairs site today. it billed me for R400 which is the cost but it also billed for another R400 and said it was a penalty. There was no reason given for the penalty. Can you please advise why this could happen?
Hi Desiree,
Thanks for reaching out.
I’ve gone onto the DHA website and looked under “Fees”
Looking at the Tariff and services, no where does it show an additional R400 for a passport that has not expired. If one has lost their passport you have to pay an additional R400 on top of the R400
As their site is charging this, I recommend you contact them direct to see the reason why.
I do hope you manage to come right.
Hi, did you find out the reason for the penalty? Thanks,
Hi.
When will the service be available at banks in KZN?
Hi Zaheer,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this you would need to contact your bank. They will be able to advise when they will offer this service at one of their branches.
Good day
Thank you for the info above, really helpful.
Need your advice :
My current passport is full, and I have a proposed interview in the US next month.
I have applied for a new maxi passport, but the time period to get my new passport and apply for a USA visa in time will be almost impossible.
Is there any way to fast track my new passport?
Can I travel to the US with a temporary passport?
Thanks for your help
Erich
Hi Erich,
Thanks for getting in touch.
To my knowledge they don’t issue temporary passports anymore. What I would recommend is maybe making your appointment now as sometimes one can wait some time for this. And then apply for your passport. Try motivate that you are travelling soon and hopefully they could speed up the process.
Hi Marcelle
Thank you for the feedback.
last Q, can I go for a new maxi passport without my old passport?
it’s still currently with the UK visa office.
Hi Erich,
I’ve checked and see when you re-apply you have to bring your old passport. This is what shows on their site.
However I recommend you contact the DHA direct to get the most up to date information for this.
I have registered my husband for the renewal of his expired passport. However, on the Application Workpage, it says ‘No payments needed’. Because of this, I have not been able to get any further with the application – the branch of DHA at the FNB branch in Lynnwood cannot help me, and just tells me to go back to the Internet and to ‘complete the process’. He is 85 years old – is this the reason why I cannot complete the process?
Hi Martha,
thanks for contacting us and sorry you struggle in trying to renew a passport. I would suggest contacting the DHA to see what the issue is. As it should be asking for payment and once received you could continue the process.
Hi. Do you have to bank with standard bank in order to renew your passport at the bank?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
If you are renewing your passport through Standard Bank you will need to hold an account with them. Your holding account does not need to be at the branch you are renewing your passport through but you do need to hold an account at that actual bank.
Hello
Is it possible or am allowed to help my young sister(13 years old) in getting/applying for her passport since well am responsible for her.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
An adult family member is able to assist a minior in applying for their passport. Please contact DHA they will be able to assist in answering any questions you might have and provide you with the most up to date information on the correct procedures to follow when applying.
If my passport is still valid for a further 10 months can I apply for a new one now?
Hi Ted,
Thanks for getting in touch. Yes it is possible to apply for a new passport.
Hallo
I am trying to submit my online passport application but it doesn’t want to submit it just gives me a pending message? All my info is saved.
Should I just keep on trying?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
There could be a technical issue from their side. I would suggest contacting them direct, advise what error messages you are receiving and they will be able to assist.
Hi, can somebody please help. In the article, it says that you need to add Department of Home Affairs as a beneficiary and I tried to that, but on the FNB banking up it says that there is no such beneficiary. Is there another name we could use to make the payment.
Hi Annette,
Sorry you struggling to make the payment. I would suggest contacting the bank direct. They would need to look into it on their side and see if there is a technical issue or they would be able to advise where on their system you need to select to proceed to the next stage of payment.
My passport & new id are ready for collection at Nedbank Sandton. My question is till what time in the afternoon are they open so that i can collect the documents?
Hi Peter,
You would need to contact the bank direct. They will be able to advise on their hours.
hi i just want to find out how much is it to renew a passport and how long does it take?
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
You welcome to read through our Blog: A Guide to Your South African Passport Application and Renewal
http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/guide-south-african-passport-renewal/
Here we provide all the relevant information.
Good day, I have tried calling home affairs, not luck. However did speak to the home affairs official at Nedbank in Arcadia, is there a way to get a Passport an urgent case, in other words faster than the normal approx 14 working days?
Hi there,
For this you would need to maybe go into Home Affairs. One of the Home Affair Officials would be able to advise if you are able to get a passport faster then the normal processing time.
Hi, my mom needs to renew her passport, can i set her up an account with home affairs and then use my internet banking to pay for it?
Hi Taryn,
That is a good question. This should be possible however I would recommend you contact Home Affairs for the most up to date information, as this could change at anytime.
Hi All,
Has anyone ever come across this error when trying to submit their application online?
You already have a similar application open and in progress with Home Affairs on the old system.
Hi Angela,
Best to contact Home Affairs for them to check on their system. They will check on the back end and should be able to assist.
Hope you come right.
Hi Angela, i received this error today. What did you , to get past this error?
I am also having this issue – can anyone help?
If I live in Rustenburg can I still do my passport renewal at FNB in Pretoria? I am with RMB Private bank in Pretoria
Hi Chris,
To my knowledge as long as that bank offers that service it should be possible. However I recommend you contact the bank directly as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Please note that if you are an SA citizen but NOT born in SA you cannot apply for a passport renewal online. So it would be very helpful to have some details of the process to follow if you have to go to a Home Affairs office – especially info about whether you need to take your own photos with you. Thanks.
Hi Tanya,
Thanks for getting in touch.
To get the most up to date information on the correct procedures to follow please contact Home Affairs. As they are processing the passports from their side they will be able to advise accordingly.
Hi Tanya
I am in the same boat and not living in SA. Have you had any further info as how to apply for a passport renewal? I intend on flying into SA next month but need to d a quick renewal as work contract abroad.
gary_garnett@yahoo.com
Hi, thanks for the info.
I am wanting to apply for my 2 daughters’ first passports. We live in Durban, but will be in Cape Town for a week next month. We are planning to apply online and hopefully get an appointment to capture our biometrics while we are there at a Standard bank branch. Do you know if it will be possible for Home Affairs to send the passports to Durban for us to collect from a different home affairs branch?
Hi Caitlin,
For this you would need to contact Home Affairs direct to see if this is a service they offer.
Hi
When will FNB Cape Town be able to process passports and ID documents. I bank with FNB.
Thank you for your help.
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
For this you will need to contact the bank direct. They will be able to advise if and when they become a Biometrics Equipped Bank.
Hi, when you renew a passport which has still has 9 months before expiry, does it stay valid and can you travel on your existing passport while you wait for the new one to be processed?
Thanks.
Hi Shaun,
Thanks for getting in touch.
When applying for a new passport you need to advise Home Affairs to please not cancel your existing passport as you will still be using it. Once your new passport is ready for collection they will cancel the old passport and hand you the new one.
However rules and procedures could have changed at anytime, so I recommend you ask Home Affairs direct as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi, sorry to worry…
I need to to renew my and my wife’s passport. My daughter(12) also needs a renewal(she has never traveled on her old passport) Also have new application for my son. I believe Cape town branch of home affairs is very efficient…do I just take old passports and ID’s/birth certificates and fall into line?
Hi Rudi,
Thanks for contacting us.
My colleague just applied for her passport at the Department of Home Affairs Office in Khayelitsha
It took 2 hours in total to apply for their passports and they received 2 weeks of applying.
They did however go early morning.
You would need to take your ID, funds to pay for your new passport and your old passport.
Good afternoon,
We are living in Brunei. My son is 14 and is running out of space in his passport (only two pages left). His passport is filling up quicker since he is travelling to other countries for sporting meets. We are planning to go to Kuala Lumpur in March to renew his passport since that’s the closest embassy to us. We need his passport back as soon as possible to enable him to attend international sports events. However, we were told that it can take up to six months to get the new passport. Is there anything else we can do, something like an emergency passport that might not take six months?
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
If you are South African passport holders, the only other option I could think of would be to come down to South Africa and apply here.
You welcome to contact the Embassy to see if they offer any other suggestions.
Have you received a passport renewal application yesterday 04.02.2019 for Veronica Huber? Please confirm.
Hi Veronica,
Thanks for reaching out.
You have contacted Travelstart. I’m afraid we do not specialise in passport applications. You will need to contact Home Affairs direct.
hello, im moving to Burma end of february and my passport expires december, can i renew from burma or i have to do it in south africa? i hope i can renew from burma or thailand without having to come to SA.
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out. For this please contact Home Affairs direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Good Day
I have done the application for a new passport on the e-home affairs site. I have given bank detail as requested but we have not had any notification’ or something on the online banking that is asking for authorisation.
Does anybody know if you can simply bring up the home affairs bank details that are listed on the bank site and put in the reference number that was given in the application by home affairs ?
Any advice would be appreciated please, no phones are being answered for me at home affairs country wide…..
Thank you
Greg
Hey Greg.
On DHA online, you click on the payment tab, put in your account number (not card), bank and account type and click “send to bank” or something similar.
Then log onto you online banking. In FNBs case, you click on buy, then the tab on the far right is efiling/smart IDs. Under that, you click “pay” or similar, next to the amount.
It then goes straight through. Go back to DHA online, select your appointment slot (bank branch) or no appointment for DHA office.
Hope you found it or that helps.
Hi. I am about to renew my families passports via the online channel. I am a Nedbank client, can I opt to use the FNB Lynwood branch for the home affairs visit ? or is it a hard and fast rule that Nedbank clients must use the designated Nedbank branches , and FNB clients the designated FNB branches ?
Hi Eugene,
Thanks for getting in touch.
To my knowledge one would not need to have an account with that particular bank but you would need to have an account with that participial branch.
You welcome to contact the neareart Biometrics Equipped Bank Branch. Please see list below:
Branch City Address
ABSA Centurion Lifestyle Centurion Centurion Lifestyle, c/o Old Johannesburg Road and Lenchen Ave
Absa Tower North Johannesburg 180 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg
Absa Ghandi Square Johannesburg Ghandi Square, Johannesburg
FNB President Street West Johannesburg 47 Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Street, Johannesburg, 2000
FNB Merchant Place, Rivonia Johannesburg 4 Merchant Place, Cnr Rivonia Road and Fredman Drive
FNB Centurion Lifestyle Centurion Old Johannesburg Road and Lenchen Ave
FNB Lynwood (The Grove Mall) Pretoria The Grove Mall, Lynnwood Rd, Pretoria, 0081
Standard Bank Centurion Centurion Standard Bank Building, 1263 Embankment Rd
Standard Bank Killarney, Rosebank Johannesburg Killarney Mall, c/o Riveria Road and Killarney Ave
Standard Bank Canal Walk Cape Town Shop 599LL, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City Dr
Nedbank Lakeside Mall Benoni Shop D6, Deck Level, Lakeside Mall, Tom Jones Street, Benoni, 1501
Nedbank Sandown Johannesburg 135 Rivonia Road (c/o Rivonia and Maude Street)
Nedbank Arcadia Pretoria Nedbank Plaza, 175 Steve Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0082
Who will be able to assist in answering any questions you might have. You are also welcome to read our blog:
A Guide to Your South African Passport Application and Renewal: https://goo.gl/MKaZ2j where we advise on the steps to follow.
Read more: http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/guide-south-african-passport-renewal/#ixzz5eZw3gP7T
Follow us: @Travelstart on Twitter | Travelstart on Facebook
Hi my passport expires in September 2019 and I have to get a new one I have a job offer in the states and I need it within 2 weeks..I have been going to home affairs for 3 days now early and never get to get In..they are busy only doing change of names ect..and its really frustrating.. if I do the online application would I have to still stand and wait in line?or will they help I did try to ask and was stood to stand in line..is it still possible to get my passport renewed I time?
Hi there,
Sorry to hear of the frustration you have gone through in trying to renew your passport.
I have followed up and was told even if you complete the application online you would still need to stand in line.
We are not able to say how long it takes as we don’t have access to Home Affairs database to see if they have a back log etc.
You would need to ask one of their employees and hopefully they would be able to give you a time frame of the waiting period when applying for a new passport.
Hello my passport expires 11 august and i want to travel to Thailand 28 February till 13March , i read your reply about your colleague getting their renewed passport 7-10 days did they go to home affairs or applied on line?
September 11, 2018
Hi Riaan,
A colleague just renewed their passport and it took 7 – 10 days. Are you applying outside the county?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
They went directly to Home Affairs, however recently we had a colleague apply and it took a couple of weeks to receive the passport.
This really depends if they have a back log.
Hi
My passport was stolen last year, car break in. In the process my ID and passport were stolen. Can I go directly to a home affairs branch to get new documents off course with an police Affidavit stating the theft?
Regards
Hi there,
Sorry to hear this news.
This should be possible, however I would first contact Home Affairs direct to see what all documents they require from you.
This way you will have all the relevant documents when you go in.
Good day,
I am currently living in Vietnam and am planning on flying back home to SA to get a new (maxi) passport.
My passport is completely full.
I am only able to get about 3 weeks off from work.
Is there any express option when applying for a new passport in South Africa, Western Cape area?
I read it can take 7-21 working days.
Even if I have to pay more to get the passport quicker.
What are my options?
Thanks.
Hi there,
I’ve checked and can’t see that they offer an express service I’m afraid. It will take about 7-21 working days to process the application and issue the passport.
On arrival I would suggest going to Home Affairs and inquiring with them direct to see if this is something they do offer.
Hello Marcelle
Would you know if your passport number changes when. you renew it? As have to book flights and still need to renew my passport?
Much appreciated
Hi Carey,
Thanks for getting in touch.
When you renew your passport you will receive a new passport number. The only thing that will always be the same is your ID number.
Hi
My South African passport was handed into the London Home Affairs in June 18, to date I have not received my new one. In December, I was informed by the SA Home Affairs that it had been despatched, and that the London embassy will be able to trace it, this week I went to the embassy and all they say is that it has not yet arrived. Please could you supply a number for me to speak to someone in London. I am due to fly home mid Feb. It would be very helpful to have a tracking system.
Hi Barbara, my son living in the UK had a similar problem. He had to fly to London a few times to try and get his passport without success.
Eventually I got so frustrated that I wrote a letter to the DA and stated the problem. Within a week my son was contacted by the London Embassy [Home affairs]! and he got his passport.
With elections just around the corner, this is now a good time to get a political party to assist you with the job – they are all looking for votes.
The issue in Cape Town and around province that we can not get easy access to home affairs. Que’s as 6 hrs long (yesterday I did not get in) in each office plus offices runing without air conditions , people swearing, pushing and you have to watch for your staff – pocket pickup very often especially in Belville. One word – these offices are not organized for amount people which are waiting to get to a officials.
Good day
My South African passport expires in February 2019 and I will apply for a new one. I have a US visa that is approved until 2028 that is glued into my old passport. Do I then travel with two passports (expired one with visa in and new?)
Hi Margo,
Thanks for contacting us.
This is usually the case where one will then travel with both their old / cancelled passport with their valid visa in it as well as their new passport.
However we do recommend you contact the Embassy and Home Affairs direct to get the most up to date information. As visa requirements and information change all the time.
Hi Team
Please help, I have applied for a renewal of my passport(which ends in Oct 2019) i will be travelling to USA for 3 months from Feb 2019 so i have to re apply as the return date falls within 6months of expiry.
I have applied online but it says i must pay R800, R400 for the application and R400 penalty(which is gives no reason). Not really sure if i should just pay it? I Selected the option for Renewal passport which expires in more than 6months(which is the truth). I have also selected to use FNB Merchant for the biometrics submission. I cant go there unless i pay the full amount and i cant get ahold of Home Affairs (not sure why i expected them to answer, this is the SA gov we dealing with). Should i be paying this penalty?
Thanks in advance
Hi Adrian,
Thanks for reaching out.
I’ve looked on their website and see they charge R800 if one is applying for a new passport as the other one has been lost.
I can’t see why one would be pay R400 for renewal and an additional R800
Sorry that I am not able to provide more information. I would suggest you go into Home Affairs, hopefully the queues are not to long and one of the Home Affairs agents will be able to assist.
Hi Adrian
I have also been charged an additional R400. Did you eventually discover why there was a R400 penalty?
Thanks in advance
Desiree
I renewed my one daughter’s SA passport with no problem and made payment online as well in August 2018. With the second daughter I went through the same process, and tried to make payment with the same Standard bank account. Three months later I am still trying to get that application cancelled so that we can make a new application using my husbands Home Affairs login and payment using his bank account, which is what the Home Affairs contact centre advised me to do. Why does this bank only allow one online payment for minor passport renewal as confirmed by a home Affairs contact centre person today over the phone? This doesn’t make sense if you have more than one child whose passport needs renewal. I even tried paying for the second renewal using my husband’s bank account and this was not allowed. Very frustrated ….
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for reaching out and sorry to hear about the frustration caused.
This is the first time I have heard of this. I would recommend you contact the bank direct and see what they advise.
Im working in Malawi and my passport is expiring end of January 2019. Im going to SA to renew my passport but will I be allowed to fly back to Malawi for work if it expires in three weeks if I can show proof that I have applied for my new passport? My work wont allow me to stay till the new passport os issued
Hi Eben,
Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return and needs to have 3 consecutive blank pages.
When applying for a new passport Home Affairs might cancel your other passport. However we do recommend you contact Home Affairs of the South African Embassy in Malawi direct to get the most up to date information.
Hi there
I live in the NL but am due to move back to London in two weeks. I have a SA passport and I am running out of pages (as in, I have no pages left blank). The embassy in NL says it will take 6 months to get a new passport. Can I not apply online as you have outlines above and then go into the embassy in the NL to capture my biometric data? Kind regards
Hi Philippa,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I’m afraid I don’t think this is possible. However you welcome to ask the South African Embassy as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi TravelStart Team,
Apologies if you have answered this already, there are a lot of posts above to go through. I need to renew my SA passport (it is still currently valid), but I fly out on the second week of January. This is enough time to apply for a new one, but not enough time to wait for It to arrive. 1) can I still hold onto my current passport after application at the bank, so that I can exit on this passport, i.e. I don’t need to hand it in? I’d hate to start the process, pay for it and then have to abort half way as I need my passport. 2) can someone else pick up my new passport from the bank when it is ready?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
SB
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You should be able to keep your old passport when applying for your new one, however they will probably cancel your old passport in the system which means you would not be able to travel on that passport.
I recommend you contact Home Affairs direct to get the most up to date information.
I have valid foreign visas in my old passport which has to be renewed and have been told they will become invalid if my old passport is cancelled or defaced-is this so?
Hi there,
To my knowledge you would need to then fly with both passports. Your old passport with your valid visa and your new passport.
However rules could have since changed so we recommend you contact the embassy and airline you are travelling on, to get the most up to date information.
Hi There,
I am a South African living in the U.S. I applied for my passport at the N.Y. consulate in January of 2018. The process is supposed to take 4-6 months. I am due in SA on Jan 20th for University and have still not received my passport.
The consulate staff told me “Unfortunately we haven’t received any response to our query from our Head Office. we are trying to solve the problems of the applications that we haven’t received as late as Nov, Dec until April this year. ”
In other words the South African Consulate has no line of communication to South Africa in order to carry out consular services!
I have tried with the friends contact ing the Dept of home Affairs to no avail.
Please just point in the right direction.
Hi there,
Sorry to hear of your struggle. However the Embassy in New York needs to wait for confirmation from Home Affairs in South Africa.
Maybe you can try contact them direct to see what feedback they will give.
We hope you manage to come right and get your passport in time.
Hi there, I have completed an application for a passport renewal, i want to travel to the US in this week, I will be ok with the 6 month validity rule, will my old passport still be valid whilst I wait for my new passport?
HI Kyle,
If your old passport has not been cancelled by Home Affairs, you have 3 consecutive blank pages in your passport and you it is valid for 6 months from date of return you should be fine.
However as rules could change at anytime, we do advise that you please contact Home Affairs for the most up to date information.
Hi
When you apply for a new passport do they take the old one?
Thanks
Hi Belinda,
Thanks for contacting us.
When applying for a new passport they do not take the old passport.
Hi,
I need to collect my passport from Nedbank Rivonia. Is it possible to collect it on a Saturday?
Thanks
HI there,
Best to contact them direct to see what their office hours are as well as opening hours.
Please be aware that the cost for a new passport doubles if the old passport has been lost. The process at Home Affairs can be expedited by applying online – remember to let reception know when arriving, and be aware that the online payment cost may also be doubled due to a system error :(.
Hi,
I am currently living in the uk with an indefinite leave to remain in the uk visa, This visa is not in my current South African Passport, it is a separate document.
My passport expires on the 23 Feb 2019 and I have applied for my new passport 4 months ago in London, but it has not arrived yet.
I plan to fly to SA for Christmas and will be back in UK 3rd Jan 2019
If I take the Passport renewal form and explain my new passport has not arrived yet, will I be prevented from travelling to or from SA?
Is it possible to re-apply for my passport in SA when I am there?
Hi Alan,
This is up to the custom officials discretion. I would recommend you contact the airline you will be travelling on as well as the Embassy to see what they advise.
Hi,
I’m travelling on 10 January to return 21 January 2019. My passport expires 27 July 2019. I am aware of the 6-month post return validity rule and just wanted to find out if I would still need to apply for a new passport as mine will be valid for 6 months and 6 days upon my return?
Hi there,
Thanks for contacting us.
If you passport is valid for 6 months or more and has 3 consecutive blank pages in it, you should not experience any problems.
I am going to apply for my son’s (9yrs) passport in SA as it takes 6-9mths from abroad. I will do this at Home Affairs upon arrival in Jhb. Is it possible to request that the passport is delivered to the Cape Town Home Affairs for collection as we will be travelling onward and depart from CPT?
Secondly, he also has dual nationality (British) and the SA passport will expire whilst we are in SA awaiting the renewal. Will he be able to get a temporary travel document as he will enter our country of residence on his British passport? I’ve read that he can’t enter/leave on another passport.
Hi Gillian,
For this you would need to contact Home Affairs to see if they offer this service for sending his passport to be collected in Cape town.
To my knowledge this is not possible he will need a valid passport, but you welcome to contact the British Embassy direct. They will be able to advise accordingly and provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi
I have read that my passport will take 6 weeks to be processed,is this true? I need to leave within 3 weeks
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
This is the usual time however it is not a guarantee. Sometimes the process and be shorter or longer depending if they have a backlog.
Hi there,
When renewing your South African passport, does your passport number change?
Thank you.
Hi there,
I’ve found the following information
“Yes the passport number changes upon renewal. The new passport will have it’s own unique identifier i.e. its own passport number. This is a common practice. The old passport number will be invalidated and will appear as such when checked by border officers if you try to use it to travel.”
However you welcome to check with Home Affairs as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
So, to follow this on. I have renewed mine now to a Maxi passport and I now have a completely new number, this seems to be the norm, as I have read now by some of the comments. No worries. But, I do want to know if now, as I have a schengen visa in my passport- the one that is due to expire in June, I will then need to tavel with both documents Help! Please xx Lea
Hi Lea,
If you have a visa which is still valid in your old passport you will need to fly with both your old and new passport.
We do request that you contact the airline you are travelling with just to make sure.
Hi there,
Is it okay to leave SA with less than 6 months left on the passport. Only concern is immigration at OR Tambo?
Hi Ahmed,
Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return and you need to have 3 consecutive blank pages in your passport.
If you do not have this you could be denied boarding and or stopped at immigration.
My passport expires May 2019. I am working in China and will be home in January to renew. Will I have a problem at the Hong Hong airport because mine expires and it not valid 6 months before travelling home to SA?
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
The rule is your passport needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return or you could / would be denied boarding.
This is up to the discretion of the airline check-in staff and immigration.
I would suggest contacting the airline you travelling on and see what feedback they provide.
Hi there,
Please can you assist? My manager registered online to renew her passport. Unfortunately she has forgotten her password and the e-mail address she used does not seem to work. We have tried to reset the password on numerous occasions, but it keeps rejecting as it does not recognise the e-mail address we enter. Please can you help by advising how we can get this sorted? We have tried to contact Home Affairs telephonically but cannot get through to them.
Thank you so much.
Des
Hi Desiree,
Sorry to hear this.
I would suggest you go into Home Affairs then for one of the consultants to assist in trying to reset the password.
Hi
How do you change your appt date and time on the DHA website?
Hi Nam,
For this you would need to contact Home Affairs directly. They will be able to advise on how to change an appointment on their website.
Hi I have received an sms to say my passport is ready for collection How long do I have to collect as I am out of town for two weeks
Hi Henriette,
For this you would need to contact Home Affairs. They will be able to advise how long you will have before you can collect. I would think 2 weeks is still fine.
Hi there
Do you know if both parents need to be present when applying at home affairs for a passport renewal for minors? Thanks
Marije
Hi Marije,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I don’t think so, however I recommend you contact Home Affairs direct as they deal with the passport applications and will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Good morning,
Firstly thank you for such excellent information! You sound very informed on this. I am in a unique situation. I live in Vancouver Canada and still hold a south African passport. It expires in 2021. But it is completely full. No more pages. I need a new maxi passport because I am travelling back to Spain on January 10th 2019. I have been advised that applying directly in Home Affairs in south Africa would be faster. So I am organizing my flight down there. I do not have a south African bank account only Canadian one.
How do you advise I go ahead with this process? Should I open an SA bank account when i get there? Also if i arrived on Dec 22nd, would that be a bad time to apply for a passport considering Christmas and New year?
Thanks so much for your help.
Hi Meghan,
I have followed up with a colleague who advised when he moved back to South Africa and his SA passport had expired, he did not have a South African bank account and was able to renew his passport. However I recommend you contact the Department of Home Affairs as rules could have since changed.
One is not able to say if December is a busy time. We’ve had clients who’ve applied for their passports in Decembers, a day apart. Both arriving early morning. One just walked in and was assisted within minutes, other had to queue for quite sometime.
I have a 10 year visa to the UK which is expiring in March 2019. I am travelling to the UK on the 7th December returning 14 January 2019. Is this visa alright to travel on as it’s within 3 months of expiry?
Thanks
Hi Arlene,
We recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct.
They will need to advise if this is ok. Best to check before departing to avoid any disappointment.
HDoes anyone know if it’s possible to just drop into FNB Merchant without an appointment?
I’ve just booked a timeslot at FNB MERCHANT but the earliest date I can get is the 27th of November. When I submitted the booking a pop window said that this location can “process without a booking”. It’s a long way for me to drive only to be turned away.
Hi Michelle,
I would suggest to maybe give them a call and see what they advise.
Hope you manage to get an earlier time slot.
My Za passport expires in 2020 has some pages damaged can i apply online and get from bank
Hi George,
This should not be a problem if you have no pages left in your passport, if the others are damaged.
For any further queries you welcome to contact the Branch you will be applying through or Home Affairs direct, they will be able to answer any passport renewal queries you might have.
The eHome affairs app is a waste as you still need to stand in the queue and wait your turn to get your finger prints done. Which is seriously a waste of time, because of the time it takes to wait at home affairs.
This may be a silly question, but do I have to be an account holder with the particular bank in order to be able to have my bio-metrics tests done with them?
Also, once I have registered online, are you possibly able to guide me with the application form? (feeling lost!)
Hi Courtney,
Thanks for reaching out.
To my knowledge one would not need to have an account with that particular branch but you would need to have an account with that participial bank.
You welcome to contact the neareart Biometrics Equipped Bank Branches below
Branch City Address
ABSA Centurion Lifestyle Centurion Centurion Lifestyle, c/o Old Johannesburg Road and Lenchen Ave
Absa Tower North Johannesburg 180 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg
Absa Ghandi Square Johannesburg Ghandi Square, Johannesburg
FNB President Street West Johannesburg 47 Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Street, Johannesburg, 2000
FNB Merchant Place, Rivonia Johannesburg 4 Merchant Place, Cnr Rivonia Road and Fredman Drive
FNB Centurion Lifestyle Centurion Old Johannesburg Road and Lenchen Ave
FNB Lynwood (The Grove Mall) Pretoria The Grove Mall, Lynnwood Rd, Pretoria, 0081
Standard Bank Centurion Centurion Standard Bank Building, 1263 Embankment Rd
Standard Bank Killarney, Rosebank Johannesburg Killarney Mall, c/o Riveria Road and Killarney Ave
Standard Bank Canal Walk Cape Town Shop 599LL, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City Dr
Nedbank Lakeside Mall Benoni Shop D6, Deck Level, Lakeside Mall, Tom Jones Street, Benoni, 1501
Nedbank Sandown Johannesburg 135 Rivonia Road (c/o Rivonia and Maude Street)
Nedbank Arcadia Pretoria Nedbank Plaza, 175 Steve Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0082
Who will be able to assist in answering any questions you might have. You are also welcome to read our blog:
A Guide to Your South African Passport Application and Renewal: https://goo.gl/MKaZ2j where we advise on the steps to follow.
Hi Marcelle
I was wondering whether you could give advice. We are leaving for Mauritius on 23 November 2018. I have an appointment for my new passport (my previous passport is full) on 17 October. I have made an appointment for our new baby’s passport on 30 October. Do you think this will be enough time? If I have to do it earlier I’ll consider going to a different ABSA branch to get an earlier appointment. (I’ve booked at ABSA Centurion Lifestyle). I’m really having problems with my 5-year old’s passport renewal. I’ve done her application but they keep op saying the cost of the application is R0.00 but I can’t make a booking without paying! Very frustrating. Is it possible to just visit ABSA Centurion Lifestyle and try and speak to someone there? Or do I need an appointment to chat to someone for advice?
Hi Alet,
I’m afraid I am not able to advise if this would be enough time. It really depends on Home Affairs and if there is a back log. What I do recommend is doing it as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
I would suggest going into the branch to see what they advise and they should be able to answer any online applications you might have and see why the cost is showing a R0.00
Hope you come right.
Hi, I have an expired SA passport, and have dual citizenship with New Zealand. My NZ passport is up to date.
I have read that it is an offense for SA citizens to travel into/out off SA and NOT use their SA passport… but renewing takes 6 months or more and I need to travel to SA from NZ in 2 months!
Someone at the SA high commission in NZ told me I had no options, but then someone else from the same place told me to just apply for a tourist visa with my NZ passport and it should be fine since the SA passport has expired.
Does anyone know?
Hi Mark.
Did you have any luck with this enquiry? We are having the same problem and are desperately trying to find a solution.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Application is less than 10 days to receive your passport.
Hi. Any idea if the OTP (one time pin) function is down? Have tried numerous times to login and no OTP sent to my phone. Without the website can’t be used. Thank you
Hi Steve,
I’m afraid we are not able to confirm if it’s down or not.
Hope you manage to come right in the end.
Only works on local numbers
when I complete the online application, do i need to sign them before submitting?
Hi Nazley,
Once the Department of Home Affairs has registered your payment you will be eligible to proceed with your biometrics data – two thumbprints, a photo and your signature.
Good day,
I hope you can help. Hone Affairs has not responded to my query. My son will be traveling to Botswana, Namibia and Zambia with my parents in December /January but his passport expires in May 2019. As most websites confirm that the passport must be valid for at least six months after date of departure, I have followed the online renewal application steps, however, a window pops up after inserting his details that a document for him already exists. Please be so kind as to advise. Am I missing something on the application? Surely this should be possible online. Thank you so much for your trouble and time.
Hi Mariette,
Sorry to hear you struggling with this.
However for this you would need to contact Home Affairs direct. They have access to their records and will be able to answer any passport application or renewal query you might have.
We hope you come right.
Can i apply online and collect at Standard bank in Queenstown, Eastern Cape
Hi Suretha,
Thanks for getting in touch.
In our blog we do mention the following: You will receive a notification that your passport is ready for collection at the Home Affairs or bank branch where your biometrics was captured,
However we do recommend you contact the Bank you will be doing your application through or Home Affairs direct to see if the information is still the same. As this could change at anytime.
Hi. What is the average time one can expect to obtain a a S.A. passport after application is lodged?
Hi Bharat,
Time frame depends on if Home Affairs has a back log or not. It will take roughtly about 7-21 working days to process the application and issue the passport. The tourist passport is valid for 10 years.
Hi I am awaiting my Babies passport, applied on the 22 August and the application still says processing online.
I’ve done the application at Standard Bank Killarney- there is no response telephonically and I really need to have her passport as we are planning a holiday soon.
Is there anyadvise?
Hi Zahra,
You can try go in and speak to an agent. Hopefully they can check on their records and give feedback.
Is it possible to apply online and do biometrics in Jakarta, Indonesia?
Hi Janita,
You would need to check with Home Affairs or the South African Embassy in Jakarta.
They will be able to advise accordingly.
Hi Marcelle
I have dual SA and UK citizenship.
I am in Bali on a 6 month social visa which is in my UK passport.
I am leaving Bali on 18 Dec to go to Vietnam for 3 months and then returning to SA for a couple of weeks on 16 March 2019
My SA passport expires 1 Jan 2019.
I see that I can get apply for my passport to be renewed in either Jakarta or Hanoi but they state that it takes up to 6 months to get the passport back since it has to all go back to SA.
If I arrive back in SA in March 2019 with a valid UK passport and an expired SA passport, do you know if that would that be a big issue?
If so, do you have any advice on what I should do?
Thanks
Hi Rich,
Thanks for contacting us.
I think it could be a problem arriving back in South Africa on an expired South African passport.
For this query you would need to contact the Embassy direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information and correct procedures to follow.
Hi, do I need a police clearance before applying for a new passport, how long does a police clearance last.
Hi Bret,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You welcome to read through our blog: A Guide to Your South African Passport Application and Renewal. Here we provide the steps and what is required when renewing your passport.
http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/guide-south-african-passport-renewal/
Hi,I didn’t get the answer in your blog.Do I need a police clearings sertificate be for applying for a new passport.?
Hi Bret,
I’ve checked on Home Affairs website. They state if the passport is lost you need to report it to the policy but nothing about a police clearance certificate.
However please contact home affairs as they will can provide you with the most up to date information on what documents they require from you when applying for a new passport.
Renewing a SA passport from outside South Africa is an absolute nightmare!! It takes 6 months minimum!
Thanks for the useful article. have gone through the online process with no difficulties, but making a booking I’m having an issue with.
I am only offered to make a selection of dates from the 04-09-2018 (tomorrow) to 01-10-2018, but not any further and there are no available time slots within that range apparently.
What is my recourse? Do I now have to go to Home Affairs, or can I keep trying to make a booking?
Hi Tom,
You can keep trying to make a booking on the time and date slots available. However I would recommend contacting them and they will be able to answer any queries you might have.
Hi Marcelle,
We just applied for a new passport for our son.
He’s passport is still valid for one year, it takes 6 month’s for the new one to arrive “according to the embassy.
When will his old passport be cancelled, only when the new one arrives or as soon as they get the application.
We are going to Turkey at the end of the month?
Regards Riaan
Hi Riaan,
A colleague just renewed their passport and it took 7 – 10 days. Are you applying outside the county?
I would suggest contacting Home Affairs, when applying did you advise them you will be travelling soon and still need to travel on the old passport.
Please contact them direct and they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information,.
Hi There,
I have a work commitment in Mauritius and my handbag was stolen with my passport in it. i need to find out – can i get an emergency passport for this? How much does the emergency passport cost?
Hi Tarryn,
Sorry to hear this.
I’ve looked up some information however not sure how updated this is. So I would recommend you please contact Home Affairs and they will be able to advise accordingly. Also contact the Embassy of the country you will be travelling too, to make sure when travelling there they will accept temporary or emergency passports.
Please be informed that the Department of Home Affairs will no longer issue Temporary Passports as from 01 September 2014. South African citizens travelling abroad as well as to the neighbouring states are refused entry into a number of countries when travelling on Temporary Passports. This has resulted in accusations and claims against the Department in cases where citizens are refused entry into a particular country despite the Department having issued the Temporary Passport.
A Temporary Passport was initially issued as an interim travel document due to longer turn-around times taken to issue a permanent 10 years tourist passport. This turn-around time has improved drastically rendering issuance of Temporary Passports redundant. Finally, Temporary Passports have been abused for corruption purposes and this threat remains, which puts South Africa at risk of its travel documents being unreliable and not trustworthy. Elimination of Temporary Passports aims to remove this risk.
Only EMERGENCY TRAVEL CERTIFICATES (ETC) will be issued to an applicant under circumstances of emergency travel purposes:
if passport is lost/stolen while abroad
if traveling to countries accepting ETC on emergency cases, such as family member in distress that needs immediate assistance or deceased family members.
August 30 2018
I’m an American and South African Citizen, my SA passport expired and I entered South Africa on my American passport, but was repremanded and threatened with jail time and a fine at immigration. I was told I had to renew my SA passport before I can leave the country. I have a flight in a few days, I renewed the passport as soon as I could the next day after arrival. Can I leave the country on my USA passport or am I stuck till my SA passport arrives and I also have a trip to Russia booked on Sept 17.
Hi Angela,
I’m afraid we are not able to advise on this. I would suggest you contact the airline you will be travelling on as well as Home Affairs to get the most up to date information.
Did u apply to SA for dual citizenship or fill in a form at all….. My son has the same problem….. Been a USA citizen for 10 yrs….. Just upped and never came back…. He will have the same problem I believe but is not interested in renewing the SA passport… Any ideas??
Id like to renew my passport in my married name, what documentation would i require?
Hi Lori,
Please contact Home Affairs direct they will be able to advise on the correct procedure to follow and what documents they would need from you when renewing your passport in your married name.
Online registration and form submission.
Online form confirmation letter, Marriage Certificate, and your old Passport.
You may need your proof of address, and to go in to a bank or Department of Home affairs to register your Biometrics.
Source, just did it with my wife a week ago.
Do you have to bank with that particular bank to use them for passport renewal? i.e I do not bank with ABSA but can I still do biometrics there?
Hi Ronnie,
Thanks for contacting us.
You need to have an account with that bank, but you don’t need to have specifically opened up your account at that branch where you wanting to renew your passport.
I was taken for a ride by some woman to obtain my passorts x4 – 2 adults and 2 kids. I paid a damn hefty price for it because she used the que as a way to deal with her. With all that, however what she did was, she paid for my passports though and gave me non stamped receipts, however anyone can pay without standing in the que is what I was told by a supervisor there at the home affairs department – this is such a schlep in the system because if we unaware we can get conned so easily really. So after this woman, I tried a reputed agency cos I had dealt with them previously. They couldn’t help me because they said that they only deal in one area and since my payment was made in another area, I will unfortunately need to go back to the same place to do my passports. How do I even get my passports done now since the ehome website only allow for one person to log in and do only one passport. It doesn’t allow to enter any other info for the spouse or kids. So this is out of the question also. Can I not go into another area where the que may be smaller to get my passport done even though my payment was made somewhere else?
Good day
Hope you can provide me with advice. I am travelling from JHB to Vietnam
11 December-1 January 2019. My passport expires the 28 May 2019. Your passport have to be vallid 6 months from when you depart and I can not renew it 6 month before it expires because i will be out of the country then and i can’t do it before i depart because they penalise you and you have to pay R 800.00.
Can you extend our expiring date?
Can some one please explain to me way i will be penalised for not having a choice to renew it before i depart? I have called Home affairs and they can’t give me a reason.
Hi there,
Thanks for contacting us.
You can renew your passport at any time. When you renew your passport, time left on your existing passport is added to your new one, up to a maximum of 9 months.
You would need to contact the Department of Home Affairs to see if this is something they offer (extending the expiry date) I don’t think so, but you welcome to check.
I need urgent help. My daughter in the UK is renewing her SA passport online, however how does one make payment ?? Is it even possible to do it this way…
Hi Megan,
For this she would need to contact the Embassy direct.
They will advise on the correct procedures to follow when renewing her SA passport.
When you’re a citizen applying from abroad, you could run into severe issues if you do not plan your renewal application and allow enough time.
You CANNOT use the eportal to apply.
If you renew your passport from an embassy abroad, the expected turnaround time is SIX MONTHS!
While you are waiting in the foreign country, there is no way to check the status of your application, since the contact center only has a 0800 number that you cannot phone from abroad.
So for the people who are most dependent on their passports, a passport is like a shot in the dark, hoping that everything will be OK after the 6 months….
Unbelievable….
Does Home Affairs keep previously scanned biometric info? For example if you have done your smart ID before? Do I still need to do the biometrics part for passport renewal?
Hi Louis,
For security purposes, I think this would need to be done each time when applying.
However we do recommend you contact Home Affairs direct as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi Marcelle / Jeanette – I have tried the online application several times over a period of 1 month. Like Jeanette I am asked to pay R400.00 plus a R400.00 penalty fee otherwise I cannot get an appointment with the bank. Not sure what your colleagues did and how they managed to get the applications through. Comments from others who have gone the same route would be appreciated.
Hi Helen,
I would suggest to contact Home Affairs direct then. Process could have since changed. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
I hope you manage to come right.
Home Affairs charges R400.00 for passport renewal plus another R400.00 penalty fee for online passport applications. In other words you must pay R800.00 for passport renewal whether you have your passport (or lost it). Without paying R800.00 you cannot book an appointment with the bank. This is a scam on the part of Home Affairs! The public should not allow it. Guess some people will pay the extra R400.00 just not to queue at Home Affairs but what is wrong is wrong and the public should object loudly and clearly.
Hi Jeanette,
Two of our colleagues have done the online application for renewing their passport and only paid R400.
They paid through the bank and got a receipt which they presented at Home Affairs when collecting their passport.
Dear Marcelle
If I live in Cape Town and want to renew my daughter’s passport at the Standard Bank that offers the service (in Canal Walk), do I have to have a bank account with Standard or could I just book an appointment? I am an FNB customer.
Kind regards
Hi David,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Only some banks offer this service and you will need to have an account with the bank to renew your passport.
You need to have an account with that bank, but you don’t need to have specifically opened up your account at that branch where you wanting to renew your passport.
Best contact FNB where you hold an account as they will be able to give you the most up to date information on this service they provide.
Hi, I am currently not in South Africa and my new employment company requires me to have 6 blank pages(I only have 4 left), my passport expires in 2021. I would like to know if I can apply for my passport online (from outside of South Africa) and collect it when I am back in South Africa.
Also , if I am in South Africa how long will it take to renew my passport ?
Hi Conrad,
I don’t think this is possible. However I would suggest contacting the South African Embassy where you and they will be able to advise accordingly if this would be possible or not.
Can a third party collect a passport if the applicant is out of the country?
Hi Mike,
Anyone other than the applicant coming to collect the passport must bring his/her ID book, a letter stating that you hereby authorise “so-and-so” to collect the passport on your behalf and the acknowledgement of receipt slip obtained when the passport application was submitted. A driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification. The collector will have to sign a register.
Please note this information could have since changed so we do recommend you contact Home Affairs direct to get the most up to date info.
Hi there, anybody know this? I was born in Johannesburg and moved to Switzerland when I was a young child. I received a Swiss passport and my South African passport expired in the early 1980s.
Can I just re-apply for a new South African passport? And can my two kids (both born in Switzerland) also apply for a South African passport?
Hi Craig,
For this you would need to contact the South African Embassy in Switzerland.
They will need to see if you are able to renew your South African passport there and if your children are eligible for a South African passport.
Hi can you assist me, can my wife and child also apply by Standard Bank or only myself as I’m a acoount holder there? Also what do I do with a new born baby regarding passport? Much appreciated.
Hi Mark,
To my knowledge it would only be able to be the account holder who would be able to renew their passport.
To apply for a child’s passport, you’ll need to complete a DHA-73 form at a Home Affairs domestic office
Have proof of your identity.
Supply 2 passport photographs. Confirm with your nearest Home Affairs office if they’re using the new biometric system. If so, then you don’t need to bring your own photographs.
Pay the fee.
Both parents and the child must be present when applying. If you’re divorced, unmarried or 1 or both parents are deceased, (please contact the Department of Home Affairs they will advise you on the correct procedures to follow)
It will take between 7 – 21 working days (estimate) to process the application and issue the passport. The child’s passport is valid for 10 years.
Please contact your Home Affairs office before visiting, to confirm if they’re using the new bio-metric application system, or if you need to bring your own photos and to get the most up to date information as this could change at anytime.
Hi! I applied for my passport on the 2nd of June. It was dispatched to the Bronkhorstspruit Department of Home Affairs on the 18th of June, but they don’t have it. After numerous phone calls & visits to the branch, I was finally informed yesterday by the supervisor that my passport along with 26 others was in hijacked on route to the department. No one contacted me about this. Nothing has been done to get the passports cancelled & renewed. Apparently they are still waiting for it to be signed off by the director general before the entire process has to start again.
I have contact details for supervisors, but they say their hands are tied. And in the mean time I cannot get out of the country to get to my father-in-law who has been hospitalized in Greece. What can I do? Who can I contact? Surely this must be due cause for a temporary passport while I wait for the department to sort out their lives.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
HI Liz,
Firstly sorry to hear about your father in-law.
I would suggest going into Home Affairs direct and ask to apply if you could apply for an emergency passport.
Again, best to contact Home Affairs, they will be able to advise on the correct and most up to date procedure to follow and how long it could take to receive an emergency passport.
Hi there, I wonder if you could possibly give me some advice. My passport will expire on 9 January 2019. I will be in Saudi Arabia at that time, and will only return to South Africa around June 2019. I should be able to renew my passport through the South African embassy in Riyadh shortly before the passport expires, but I’m not getting a response from them. I was wondering if I could I renew the passport now, before it expires. I am in Pretoria at the moment, and will leave for Saudi Arabia on 13 August. If I renewed it now, though, I might have a problem getting through immigration as my current exit/reentry visa is linked to my current passport number. Your thoughts on this?
Hi Erich,
Thanks for getting in touch.
To my knowledge you should be able to renew your passport before it expires.
You can also provide this information to Home Affairs as to why you will be applying now for a new passport as you will be out of the country when it expires. And one’s passport has to be valid for 6 months from date of return from your travel.
Hi, when registering on ehomeaffairs, an OTP will be sent to my SMS, but I’m not receiving it.
What now?
Hi Abigail,
This could be a fault / glitch on their side.
For this you would need to contact Home Affairs direct to see what the problem is.
We hope you come right.
Hi Can someone please advice me what sort of documents are needed for a 17 year old that is not travelling with both his parents but a guardian.
Thank you
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
We have written a Blog: “New Birth Certificate Issued By The Department Of Home Affairs” where we provide the following link:
https://www.drivesouthafrica.co.za/index.php/child-visa-checklist/
Click on: Child is travelling with 1 parent. Then click on: Child has legal guardian(s) and after select one of the below. It will then give what documents would be required:
With joint legal guardianship
Travel documents needed when child is travelling with 1 legal guardian, who has joint legal guardianship
Valid passport of travelling guardian and child
Valid visa, if required
Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
Guardianship Order
Plus one of the following
Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 4 months
Letter of Special Circumstances issued by Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has been appointed as yet.
With full legal guardianship
Travel documents needed when child is travelling with 1 legal guardian, who has full legal guardianship
Valid passport of travelling guardian and child
Valid visa, if required
Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
Guardianship Order
We do recommend you contact Home Affairs as this information could have changed at anytime.
Hi Marcelle, I would like to collect my children’s passports from Home Affairs. Do they have to accompany me and/or must I take copies of the their documents with me?
Hi Alex,
Thanks for the interesting question.
I’ve followed up with a colleague of mine who confirmed she collected her children’s passports and they did not need to accompany her. Her kids are under the age of 16.
The collection policy when collecting on behalf of you children could have since changed so we do recommend you contact Home Affairs direct to get the most up to date info.
Hi Marcelle
IfI do the online application and then just have to go to home affairs for the biometrics – does this save me any time in the q’s when I get there or do I still have to wait in the same q’s? If so – I may as well just do it all there. Thanking you in advice for the advice.
Hi Mike,
My colleague applied for his passport 2 months ago. Did the application online and then went to home affairs for the biometrics. He confirmed it did save him quite a bit of time not having to stand in the queue as he had already completed the application form so he went straight through to the next queue for the biometrics.
Good day
My sister is coming to SA just to renew her passport. She can only stay for 10 days. Can I collect her passport on her be halve? If so what document or letter must she fill in for me to do so?
Hi Christelle,
Anyone other than the applicant coming to collect the passport must bring his/her ID book, a letter stating that they hereby authorise “so-and-so” to collect the passport on their behalf and the acknowledgement of receipt slip obtained when the passport application was submitted. A driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification. The collector will have to sign a register.
Please note this information could have since changed so we do recommend you contact Home Affairs direct to get the most up to date info.
Hi Marcelle,
I need to renew both my passport and that of my wife.
(1) Do I need to register each of us separately?
(2) Can I pay for both from my Standard Bank Account? My wife does not have her own current account.
HI Richard,
To my knowledge you would need to have an account at the that bank you would be applying through.
I suggest you contact Standard Bank direct to see which of their branches offer this service of renewing a passport and ask if it would be possible for your wife to renew hers even if she does not bank with them or have a current account.
As Standard Bank offers this service they would be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
If I am doing the process via the bank, does it mean that I must have an account with any of them? For example, Can you be a Capitec account holder, register and pay online /eft. And will be able to select a time slot at a Nedbank ?
Hi Jana,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You will need to have an account with that bank you would like to renew your passport through.
Also please contact the bank to see which of their branches offers this service.
Hi Marcelle
I had read your responses that one needs a 6 months validity on your passport for a UK visa?? But the gov.uk site specifically states “Your passport must be valid for the whole of your stay in the UK.”. This is the link https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/documents-you-must-provide
When I read your reply a few gone ahead and applied last month for a new passport and it’s 3 weeks and no passport. What’s the average time? I still need to apply for my visa and I leave in a months time
Hi Patricia,
Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return. So if you are travelling in July 2018 and will be returning November 2018. Your passport still needs to be valid for another 6 months.
One is not able to advise on how long a passport can take. I had a colleague who applied 2 months ago for his passport and received it within 5 days of applying. I have heard that others have waited weeks. It really depends on Home Affairs, where you apply, time you apply and if they have a back log.
For the most up to date information we do recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency with regards to any visa queries and Home Affairs for any passport related queries. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Thanks for the info,
I need to renew my daughter’s passport. When we first applied, My husband and I both had to go to home affairs. Will we both still need to be present?
Hi Charlotte,
Thanks for getting in touch.
To my knowledge only one parent needs to be present.
However I suggest to contact Home Affairs before applying as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Avoid using the Consular Service in London! Apart from the staff being rude and unhelpful, the applications are POSTED to SA and will take months. Useless, particularly the staff that decide if they deem for you to get a “number” to wait hours.
Hi…please assist if can…
I am South African but live and work in Thailand. My work visa is on my UK passport and I enter and leave Thailand on my UK passport, I have dual nationality.
So, I am coming home to visit my mom in Underberg, Drakensberg, all tickets paid, all arranged and I will have 12 days on the ground before returning to Thailand.
I recently looked at my SA passport and it expired last year October…, now, I know I have to enter SA and leave on my SA passport or risk losing my citizenship which clearly I’m not willing to do. I have already received an emergency travel certificate very easily from my SA embassy here in Thailand but my issue is leaving SA again.
Where i live in Underberg is nowhere near a home office that can arrange a passport in time for me to leave again and besides that I would have to waste half my 12 days trying to do a new passport in Pretoria or JHB which still would not guarentee that i would receive a passport in time for my return (non changeable) flight.
I have tried emailing and calling home affairs so many times, if I am lucky enough to have my call answered, nobody can assist me and I am passed around from pillar to post…
I would appreciate any advice please.
Hi Ewan,
Maybe try contact the South African Embassy in Thailand if you are struggling to get hold of Home Affairs here in South Africa I would suggest contacting the Embassy in Thailand. Hopefully they would be able to shed more light and point you in the right directions. I am not sure if they would be able to issue you with a temporary passport. Again they specialise in this area and would be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hope you come right.
In trying to renew my Passport I have learnt more from the peoples queries and your responses than from Home Affairs
Hi John,
Thanks for the feedback.
We happy to hear that our followers queries, our content and replies have helped 🙂
Hi Marcelle
My passport expires in November.
I filled in an application form on line with Home Affairs. When it came to payment it automatically showed R800,00.
I specifically said my passport would expire in less than 6 months i.e. did not say my passport was lost. The fee should accordingly show as R400,00.
I further indicated I wished to do so at Standard Bank Killarney.
Am I correct in my assumption that the fee should be R400,00 and not R800,00? If so, how can I change the R800,00 on line (it is frozen thus cannot be changed).
Hi Anne,
If one is renewing their passport the cost should be R400 as we just had a colleague pay this amount.
It could be a glitch on their system and Home Affairs would then need to look into it and change it on their side.
For this you would need to contact them direct.
I hope you manage to come right.
Please help: are there any Absa branches in Cape Town where one can do the biometrics for passport application and renewal?
Hi Jean,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this I would suggest contacting Absa direct they will be able to advise which of their branches offer this service.
I have an expired SA passport and an EU passport. Will I be able to apply line through FNB?
Hi Celeste,
Thanks for getting in touch. For this you would need to contact your bank to see if this is possible. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi there, am struggling to book an appointment with FNB Merchant, at first I thought it was the payment but I have made payment and this has been updated on the system, the system only gives dates till the 5th of June after that the dates are greyed out. Between now and the 5th of June it says no available timeslots. I even tried with FNB Centurion and Lynnwood and i still get the same message. Surely not all three branches are full till then? Does anybody know how else I can book an appointment with the bank?
Hi there,
Sorry to hear you struggling.
Best to contact them direct they will be able to assist and give a step by step guide on the procedures to follow.
Hi there did you come right as we are having the same issue, there seems to be no time slots available at FNB Merchant or the two Pretoria branches
Hi Lauren,
FNB would have access showing what appointments would be available on their side.
It would be best to contact them direct, they would be able to provide more information.
I hope you come right and manage to book the appointment.
I applied for a new passport on line as my passport expires 4 months after my return from holiday in Oct 2018 and the minimum requirement is 6 months.
I am leaving for Mauritius on the 14th May 2018 and was going to use my valid passport. When I contacted the Dept of Home Affairs call centre I was told that my valid passport will be made inactive when the new one is issued and that I should have requested the passport to be kept active. Nowhere on the on-line system does it ask this question and nobody at the bank where I did my biometrics asked me. I visited the Home Affairs office in Pretoria today and was informed that my current passport will be valid for travelling next week. The only time a passport is cancelled is when lost or stolen. I am VERY concerned as I am now not sure who to believe. The last thing I want is to arrive at the airport on Monday and not be able to board the plane for a holiday we saved for for a long time!!! Please can someone give me some advise?
Hi Ilze,
Thanks for contacting us.
I recommend going back to Home Affairs and ask to speak to a manager on duty. Hopefully he/she will be able to clarify things.
Ilza, can you please share the feedback you received – I have the same problem. In the end, were you able to use your older valid passport to travel? Did it land up still being ‘active’?
How many days or months must my South African Passport be valid for if I am traveling in September? Mine expires on 2nd February 2019 and I want to Uk on 10th September 2018.
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for contacting us.
Ones passport need to be valid for 6 months after date of return. If you arrive back 1 November 2018 your passport needs to be valid till 30 April 2019
You will also need 3 consecutive blank pages in your passport.
Going to travel to India in June this year ..my passport expire in August ..do I have to Rene it before nthen …or will it be valid .
Hi Netta,
Ones passport needs to be valid for 6 months from date of return. So the date you arrive back in South Africa you passport needs to be valid for another 6 months and has to have 3 consecutive blanks pages in it.
First part of process was easy.The problem is that it is now 4 weeks and no one can help to get my daughter’s passport.I am running out of time.Please help.It shows at printing for the last 2 weeks??
Hi Paul,
Sorry to hear you still waiting on your daughters passport.
I would suggest going into Home Affairs and ask them to check on the back end to see what the hold up is and hopefully they can shed more light.
Can you walk into one of the above mentioned branches to apply for a passport without an appointment?
Hi Dale,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Option 2: Home Affairs Equipped Bank Branch
Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria residents can make an appointment for their biometrics at their local bank branch once their payment has been registered.
You will be given a choice of time slots. Once you’ve selected a time slot, you will be sent a confirmation via SMS and email.
Take your ID book and confirmation email or SMS with you when going to your local bank branch.
Hi there,
Do you need to hand over your old passport in order to apply for a new one? I would like to continue using my old passport for 2 more months, while I give permission for a family member to collect the new one. I will then return to collect it from family.
Hi Bianca,
This is a good question. If you needing to travel on the old one and need to apply for a new one as need it for your return for another trip coming up, it could be possible I think. However you would need to follow up with Home Affairs, they might need further documents confirming as to why this is the you wanting to keep the old one without them cancelling it.
Usually the cancel the old one (which you can keep in case you have other valid visa’s like a US visa which some are valid for 10 year) and then receive your new passport at a later stage. Which means you will be travelling with your old cancelled passport and your new valid one.
Hi, my wife and I need to renew our passports and thought the Bank option was far better than queueing for hours if not days. I am a naturalized SA citizen and have been from 1992. Despite this the online registration cannot be done. Does anyone have any idea how to get around this as at present I can’t even download an application form I live in Cape Town
Hi Alan,
Sorry to hear you are struggling with the renewal process of your passport.
I would suggest contacting the bank you would be applying through. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on the correct procedures to follow.
Hi I travel to the USA in December and arrive back in SA on 14th Dec. My passport expires on 20th May 2019 (5 months after i get back) Do i need to get a new passport.
Hi Jenny,
Yes that is correct. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months or more from date of return.
I have just the old passport with me
Hi ,my old passport expired long ago,i need to renew wich docs i need to renew it.just the old passport!
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
To apply for the passport, you must submit the following documents:
A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73
Your original identity document and a copy, or a birth certificate and copy thereof if under 16
If under 18 years, parental consent for issuing of the passport. Please see Tourist passports: persons under 16 for the requirements
A completed determination of citizenship Form DHA-529 when applying from abroad
Present any existing valid tourist passport or if you have lost your passport or it has been stolen and you are applying for a new passport, you must provide a loss of passport report (DHA-335 ) and confirmation that you reported the loss to the police
Two colour photographs that comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally)
Pay the prescribed fee for the passport
If you are renewing your passport you welcome to read our blog on: A Guide to a South African Passport Renewal
All the relevant information will be provided.
Please can you assist me with information on renewing a passport for minor:
My daughter’s passport expires on 03 October 2018.
She is currently 17 years old.
I am divorced and her Father lives in China. He will not be able to attend in person
when I go to FNB Merchant Place for our appointment to renew her passport.
What documentation/letter do I need from him to take with me to our appointment?
Please urgently advise.
Many Thanks.
Hi Linda,
Please contact Home Affairs direct as they will be able to advise what documents they would require from you for renewing your daughters passport, the correct procedures to follow and the cost involved.
Hi
I am travelling to Australia in August 2018, my passport expires in January 2019 – hence I will have to get another passport as Australia will not allow me in (passport expires within 6 months of my trip) – Is it correct that I am charged DOUBLE by Home Affairs for a new passport in this instance?
Hi Jane,
Thanks for contacting us.
That is correct, you would need to apply for a new passport however I am not sure on the being charged double.
Best to contact Home Affairs they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi I need to get a passport and unabridged birth certificate for my 16 yr old. But her father lives in America. How do I go about? Documents?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
In a case like this we recommend you contact Home Affairs. They will be able to advise on what documents you would need to get and the correct procedures to follow.
Where would one go to renew your S.A Passport in the U.K, besides the London office ?
Thanks
Hi Delia,
Thanks for contacting us.
You can always contact the South African Embassy in the UK. They should be able to point you in the right direction on renewing your South African passport in the London.
hi
after getting an sms notification that my passport is ready to be collected, how long will home affairs hold onto it before i collect?
Hi Shae,
Thanks for getting in touch.
One needs to collect your passport within 3 months of receiving the notification or they will destroy the document.
However the time frame could have changed an now could be less. It is best to contact Home Affairs to get the most up to date information.
Hi There
Please advise if my understanding is correct in what I need to have with me to renew my passport.
Old passport
ID document
R400.00
Is there anything else like proof of residence required.
Hi Terry,
Great to hear from you.
The South African Passport Renewal Requirements are:
A copy of your ID
Passport fee – R 400
Your old passport
Nothing else is required. This blog was was published at the beginning of 2018 so some information could have since changed.
You welcome to contact Home Affairs to get the most up to date information.
A Query: My passport expires July 2018. I usually leave SA on SA passport and enter UK on Brit passport (still fine), and visa versa on return to SA. My return to SA is 29 May 2018. Would it not still be safe to travel without renewing my SA passport or is it necessary to fight Durban/Pinetown queues to get a renewal before leaving?
Hi Deborah,
Your passport you travelling on needs to be valid for 6 months after date of return.
So if you departing on your South African passport they will check to see how long it is valid for, for when you return.
It is up to your discretion should you wish to take the chance and fly, we do not recommend this.
Hi there,
My passport is almost full but I live abroad (filled a maxi in three years) and I would need to renew my passport soon. Last time I renewed it abroad it took about 4 months to arrive so am looking to do that whilst on holiday in South Africa. I’ve heard some people having short turn-around times but others not so not banking on that. Is it possible for someone else to pick up your passport (signed affidavit etc), or how long do you have to pick it up?
Also, is it possible to have two South African passports for business purposes?
Thanks!
Hi Pierre,
Anyone other than the applicant coming to collect the passport must bring his/her ID book, a letter stating that you hereby authorise “so-and-so” to collect the passport on your behalf and the acknowledgement of receipt slip obtained when the passport application was submitted. A driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification. The collector will have to sign a register.
Please note this information could have since changed so we do recommend you contact Home Affairs direct to get the most up to date info.
Hi, how do I renew my passport (it’s expired) from new zealand? I can’t find any specific information anywhere and the embassy does not seem to ever take calls (a voice message that says they are busy and try again later). Please advise. Thank you.
HI Victoria,
Sorry to hear you are struggling to renew your passport and get hold of the South African Embassy in New Zealand.
You would either then need to e-mail them to see if you are able to get in touch or (if the Embassy is close by go directly to them and hopefully speak to an agent at the Embassy who should be able to assist in answering any questions you might have in renewing your passport)
Best of luck.
Hi, thanks for the awesome information. Okay so I have done the payment but as soon as I want to book a time slot, there is not time slots for the available dates available at one of two branches in Pretoria (up to 3 weeks ahead). Everything is paid up and done but what can I do now? I really do not want to go to home affairs with my children. (minor passports)
Kind Regards
Hi Michael,
Sorry to hear the struggle you have gone through in trying to renew your passport.
This could be a glitch or tech error on Home Affairs website. If you don’t wish to go in, you would need to call them, however sometimes it does take time for them to answer.
Hope you come right.
Hi there,
I keep getting the following error code when I try to submit my application for a new ID card and a Passport, does anyone know what it means?
ErrorRecipientRequestSchemaValidation Error Validating the Recipient Request SERVICE DETAIL: Service: RAMSA – Application Management – Submit Application Interface ID: SUBMIT_APPLICATION Version: 1.18 GUID: 955EC35A-30C6-406A-ACE0-18D3F0D87FE0 Hex Correlation ID: N/A SCHEMA ERROR: The transformed XML failed Schema validation : Schema: ApplicationManagement\DHASubmitApplicationV1.18_RequestH71.xsd : Errors: Message: The element ‘FormInfo’ in namespace ‘http://www.dha.gov.za/enterpriseMessagingModel/IDPassportApplication/xml/schemas/version/1.16’ has incomplete content. List of possible elements expected: ‘FormYear’ in namespace ‘http://www.dha.gov.za/enterpriseMessagingModel/GMD/FormTypes/xml/schemas/version/1.4’
Hi Kevin,
Sorry to hear you experiencing problems when trying to submit your application for a new ID Card and passport.
I’m afraid I am not able to shed light. I would say best to contact DHA direct and see what information they can provide.
Best of luck and hope you manage to come right.
Hi,
Do you have to bank with a specific institution or can I, for example, go to a Standard Bank branch when I actually bank with ABSA?
Hi Previn,
Thanks for contacting us.
Only some banks / branches offer this service of renewing ones passport.
You need to have an account with that bank, but you don’t need to have specifically opened up your account at that branch where you wanting to renew your passport.
However please contact the bank direct as they will be able to give you the most up to date information on this service and which of their branches provide this service.
Hi there,
Im currently living in Dubai and have run out of pages in my current passport which is valid until 2023. I would like to get a new maxi passport. Is it possible to apply on line in Dubai and collect it once it is ready in SA? I am from Durban.
cheers,
Rob
Hi Rob,
Please contact the South African Embassy in Dubai.
They will advise you on the correct procedure to follow.
Hi there!
I would love some advice, I tried to apply online so I could go via Standard Bank for the biometrics portion of the process. When I tried to submit the passport renewal application, I got a message saying that I have an existing application open with the old DHA system. I haven’t attempted this before so I don’t know how it is possible, I am also unable to query the message online. Have you encountered this error before?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Cynthia,
Sorry to hear you are struggling to renew your passport.
For this you would need to contact the Department of Home Affairs so they can check on their system / the back-end to see why you are receiving this message.
I hope you manage to come right and get the ball rolling on renewing your passport.
Hi there
Although I am a South African citizen, I was born in the UK. I note from the website that as I was not born in South Africa, I am unable to make application on line. Is there somewhere I can find and download the application forms to print out?
Hi Lyn,
Thanks for getting in touch.
When your South African passport expires you have to complete a new application to get a new passport. To apply for the passport, you must submit the following documents: A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73 (this can be found on Home Affairs website) Your original identity document and a copy, or a birth certificate and copy thereof if under 16.
Hi,
Please help, i would like to find out if we can go to any bank to do this passport / ID process? Or do you have to have an account with the specific bank and go there?
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Only some banks / branches offer this service.
You will need to have an account with that bank to renewing your passport.
You need to have an account with that bank, but you don’t need to have specifically opened up your account at that branch where you wanting to renew your passport.
However please contact the bank direct as they will be able to give you the most up to date information on this service they provide.
If I do my application for a passport and smartcard for myself and my son at Standard bank Centurion, can I fetch his smartcard and passport on his behalf. He has just turned 16. We live in Durban but are coming up to Pretoria for a school activity. He can do the application with me but wont be able to collect, can I do this on his behalf?
Hi Vanessa,
Best to contact the bank direct to see if this is permitted. If they will allow you to collect on his behalf and what documents would be required when doing so.
Is it possible to follow this process when making the application from overseas? I wonder if I can submit the biometric information at the SA embassy in the overseas country where I live (Netherlands). To collect the passport I could always get a family member in SA to do that for me.
Hi Simon,
I have found the following information. However please contact the nearest South African Embassy to get the most up to date information:
Applications made within South African borders can be submitted to any office of the Department of Home Affairs; applications made outside of the country can be submitted to your nearest South Africa embassy or mission.
It is important to know that when you apply for a passport, whether in South Africa or overseas, you must apply in person because:
The passport officer must be satisfied that your identity is legal and valid
The passport officer must check that your photograph is a true image of yourself; and
Your fingerprints must be taken (for people who are aged 16 years or older) and checked against the National Population Register
Any idea on when the passport / smart ID card renewal option will be available at any of the Durban banks? Thanks.
Hi Charlie,
I’m afraid not. But fingers crossed it will be soon.
Best to contact the banks to see if they can provide information on when they will be providing this service.
Do i have to bank with the bank that i choose to visit to get my passport?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
That is correct, you will need to have an account with that bank you will be renewing your passport through.
Hi
As far as I know this service is currently only available to ZA born ZA passport holders
Tried the online route and got that message
Hi, i applied for my passport, have take biometrics etc at the Centurion Lifestyle branch. It is now ready for collection however i would not be able to make it to collect myself.
Any idea if my husband can fetch on my behalf? Tried calling home affairs but no answer and the FNB branch number listed goes directly to the call centre? Please help, thanks.
Hi there,
Anyone other than the applicant coming to collect the passport must bring his/her ID book, a letter stating that you hereby authorise “so-and-so” to collect the passport on your behalf and the acknowledgement of receipt slip obtained when the passport application was submitted. A driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification. The collector will have to sign a register.
Please note this information could have since changed so we do recommend you keep trying to get hold of Home Affairs to see what they advise.
I last applied for a passport in 1990, it expired a long time ago, I don’t even know where it went to, now I want to reapply for a new one, what can I do since I must produce the old one when reapplying.
Hi there,
If the passport is lost or destroyed, one should report it to the Department of Home Affairs or even the police so you can get a statement for when you need to apply for a new passport. The Department of Home Affairs might ask you for this document when applying for your new passport.
Anyone else having the problem of once clicking the Create New Passport Application button it takes you back to the login screen requiring the OTP again?
Seems to be stuck in a loop.
Both contact numbers don’t appear to work and so far no response to emails I have sent.
Any advice?
Hi, the sessions do expire. However if you log out and log back in, they will be on the home work page. Same happened to me but its sorted out.
I did the e-application through Canal Walk / Century City Standard Bank in Cape Town. I did show my air ticket as proof that I was traveling in 15 days and asked them to prioritize. 10 days later no one at the branch answers the phone. E-home affairs is not answering their phones. How do I get a status update. What do I do if I have to travel for an emergency. Can someone please help.
Hi Aneska,
Sorry for the struggle you having.
If you are not able to get through and not getting any response, I would suggest if possible to go their direct to see if they can give an update on how fare along is your passport application.
My son’s child passport has expired. He wishes to holiday in Mozambique from 6th April and turns 18 on 4th April. Am I able to apply for an adult passport and will I get an emergency one in time to travel?
Hi Margie,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You can apply for an emergency passport. The turn around time with normal passports these days are so quick +/- 7 working days.
This time frame is not a guarantee and could take longer.
Best to contact Home Affairs, they will be able to advise on the correct and most up to date procedure to follow and how long it could take to receive an emergency passport.
Two questions: Can children (youngsters under 16 who have had passports in the past) renew their passports at the banks? We have the expired passports. Also, two of our kids were born here, the other two were born while on a visit to the US. Do those two have to apply at a Home Affairs and not the bank? I can’t find anything definite.
Hi Shelly,
To my knowledge, the service is only for Citizen who born in South Africa that can register the profile. And a minor can not register for they own application.
You would need to renew their passport directly at Home Affairs.
Exactly how long after returning to South Africa from a holiday does ones passport have to be valid ?
Hi Patricia,
Ones passport has to be valid for 6 months or more from date of return.
Please check with the airline you travelling with just to double check as this info could change at anytime.
Dept Home Affairs website addresses http://www.dha.co.za and https://ehome.dha.gov.za appear today (7 March) to be hacked as they take you to random totally incorrect websites ! Worked OK a few days ago but not now .
After successfully registering online for a passport renewal in Cape Town , we found that paying via internet on a Nedbank account would not work for a biometrics visit to Standard Bank Canal Walk Branch (Cape Town) the only bank where biometrics are done in Cape Town . You have to fly to Nedbank Sandown or Lakeview (both in Johannesburg) to have the biometrics done ! In other words your internet bank account and chosen biometrics bank branch can only be with the same bank . Thus in Cape Town at present , you have to have a Standard Bank internet banking facility in order to have the biometrics done at the Standard Bank Canal Walk branch in Cape Town . This is not made clear in any of the instructions offered by Travelstart or the Dept Home Affairs .
And you cannot use the Standard Bank option if you were not born in SA. This needs to be made clearer!
We were trying to apply renew pastport for our Child who is 15 years old.
And we found this services is only for Citizen who born in South Africa that can register the profile. And minor can not register for they own application too.
This article is missing vital information. At no point did it make mention of the fact that if you are an FNB account holder can not go to one of the other centres to do your fingerprint as i live in Cape Town and only standard bank is available in my area. What a nightmare to get hold of anyone to give me the correct information
Hi there,
Thanks for taking the some to share your feedback with us.
We have mentioned in our disclaimer: All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice from the original source.Travelstart is not affiliated to immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of information from this website.
I regret to hear you have struggled to get through to Home Affairs. I can understand the frustration. Maybe best to go in and speak to an agent.
If you live in Cape Town you have to open a Standard Bank account to do the payment. It is the only way of paying. It took me hours on the phone with home affairs to find this out.
This article has incorrect information. We followed the process step-by-step, only to find that there are now only 3 x branches in Gauteng where you can book and each have a 3 week – 2 month waiting period AND is only available to FNB customers. Unfortunately, this information only becomes available on the website AFTER you pay your R800. Prior to payment it shows all the branches listed in your article, but when you actually try to book online, there are only 3 available – 2x FNB’s in PTA and 1x in JHB CBD. What a nightmare – if I new this I would have just paid one of those queuing companies to sort this out.
Hi Monique,
Sorry to hear you did not have a great experience when trying to renewing your passport.
We do advise the following in our blog: “All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice from the original source. Travelstart is not affiliated to immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of information from this website.”
Hi There
Please could you let me know if I can send my husband to collect my passport on my behalf if I provide him with a letter and my ID?
Thanks
Hi Claire,
Anyone other than the applicant coming to collect the passport must bring his/her ID book, a letter stating that you hereby authorise “so-and-so” to collect the passport on your behalf and the acknowledgement of receipt slip obtained when the passport application was submitted. A driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification. The collector will have to sign a register.
Please note this information could have since changed so we do recommend you contact Home Affairs direct to get the most up to date info.
How do I pay on line with Investec bank
Hi there,
For this you would need to contact your bank direct. They will be able to answer any online payment queries you might have.
So everyone I knows passport is in colour but mine is black and white. Why would this be??
Hi Ronelle,
Thanks for the interesting question.
To my knowledge yes all passports should be issued in colour. I would check this with the relevant issuing authorities, they will be able to assist you with your query.
Hi there – can I renew my childs passport using the online portal?
Hi Claire,
Thanks for getting in touch.
It is indeed possible. You welcome to read this article which confirms one is able to renew their child’s passport online.
https://inafricaandbeyond.com/online-passport-application-south-africa/
Will there be additional Nedbank branches in Johannesburg area which will do the biometrics for passport renewals in the near future?
Hi Lynda,
Great to hear from you.
For this you would need to contact the bank direct. They will be able to provide you with this info on which of their branches offers this service.
How do I add the Department of Home Affairs as a beneficiary on absa internet banking. I need this in order to to give payment instruction for my passport application. Could you please assist with this.
Hi Moeletsi,
For this you would need to contact Absa directly. They will be able to provide you with a step by step guide on how to use add a beneficiary.
Well done on this post. You’ve just put my mind at ease.
Thank you!
If you are a South African citizen, but not born in South Africa, you cannot register online and have to go into Home Affairs too ?
not true. Im sa citizen by descent born in europe but no problem registering online. but applying for the passport online the payment option didnt work so have to join the queues. useless website
How long after you apply will it be renewed? Can you pay to have the process expedited?
Even after doing everything online, allow at least 5 hours to complete your biometrics at Home Affairs and 2 hours to collect your passport once it’s ready, due to process inefficiencies, understaffing and all the people panic-applying for smartcards due to a rumour doing the rounds on social media. Admittedly, it only took about 7 working days for my new passport to arrive.
I want to travel to Rwanda end March. My visa expires 17 July 2018 which does not give me 6 months availability beyond date of departure. I registered online and now l am required to pay R800 instead of R400, as l am already in possession of a passport. You know my reason for application! Now l am being told to go to a Home Affairs office for them to manually override this. Ridiculous!!! You know the requirements. I am not applying for a renewal because l am sitting at home doing nothing, l am applying because it is a requirement of Rwanda for my passport to be valid 6 months after date of arrival there at end March and to 17 July is only 3 and a half months, not 6!!!!!
I’m having the same problem – my passport is full, and the fee breakdown on the Home Affairs site says if you have a full passport but are still in possession of the old one, the fee should be R400. BUT, on the online application site if you say your passport is full it automatically adds a R400 penalty for a lost passport. It’s a crock.
Derrick McDonald. Concur with Abbas Khan, online app is irrelevant. Besides the home Affairs staff couldn’t care a damn. One can queue for 6 hours and be told to come back the next day. It’s the most soul destroying process. And to add to your woes there only one server providing links to the whole country! Please tell us this is not true!!
I must say that in theory the digital application is fantastic. In practice however just like Mr Khan above we had to wait in a queue for over 6 hours even after doing the online application. This after 3 or 4 visits to Home Affairs, queuing and then being told that their system was offline and because of having done the online payment they couldn’t help us.
the website is hopeless…cannot get OTP to complete verification if you’re on a Mac..doesnt work on safari,firefox or chrome….
I have the same damn problem
Any chance you ever got this sorted out? I’m having the same problem
Do you need to leave your current/expired passport at the bank when you go in to do the biometrics?
and second do you need to collect the passport in person? Can someone collect it on your behalf?
Hi Sue,
To my knowledge, you would need to give in your expired passport when applying for your new one. Best to contact the bank for this and they will be able to answer if you would need to collect your passport or if someone would be able to collect on your behalf.
Why is Durban not included in this new on line passport application or the Durban major banks? When will it come here?
Hi there,
Hopefully soon. Best to contact your bank, they should be able to provide info on when this service will be offered and at what branches.
Why is KZN so far behind ? When will we be able to go to the Banks here ……..
This option is only available to South African citizens born in South Africa.
So there’s no Durban or Pietermaritzburg! Why?
Hi Leneille,
For this you would need to contact the banks and see why this service is not offered in these cities.
May they are rolling it out, and first trying it out in the major cities. Again to get the correct answer, if you could contact you bank and they will be able to advise accordingly.
Can you travel to Zimbabwe on a temporary passport?
Hi Lauren,
I found the following info however this was last updated in 2016.
“Anyone who intends travelling abroad should have a valid passport. If you do not have a passport, apply for it well in advance. Temporary passports can be issued on short notice but they are not accepted by all foreign countries.”
You will need to contact the airline you are travelling with as well as Embassy they will be able to provide you with the most up to date info.
I do not receive the online home affairs is to send.
Hi Samantha,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I’m not sure what your question is. You welcome to contact them direct and they will be able to answer any queries you might have.
I’ve tried using the website several times over the last month and a half and it just doesn’t work. The OTP often never comes through and when it does I can’t select the passport renewal option on the website…
Hi Kate,
Sorry to hear that you have been struggling. Best to contact Home Affairs, they should be able to assist.
I’m sure they also welcome all feedback where there be problems on their website so they can look into this and try fix it.
Hi Abbas;
Your experience is reality-based.
However, I consider that Home Affairs seem to have the procedure sorted out.
But not the process !! which depends on local area manager and his office staff.
We in Cape Town go to Malmesbury’s Home Affairs and get our things sorted out! That adds 85 km. to the process.
I want to change my surname back to my maiden name. Does that affect the process?
Hi Berdine,
Please contact Home Affairs they will be able to provide you with the correct procedures to follow when changing your surname back to your maiden name and when applying for a new passport.
We went to Pinetown today and were turned away as they only process 80/day!!!
According to FNB Bellville they do not do biometrics. A launch project only in Gauteng. Is that correct?
Hi Tania,
If this is what FNB have advised you this would be the correct info. They will be able to provide one with the most up to date info on when they would be offering this service.
Unfortunately in Durban you will still have to queue up with the people applying for their smart IDs. Your online application is irrelevant. Lines start from 2 am and the days quota is 300.
Can I get the passport forms online so as to save time waiting in endless queues at Home Affairs?
Hi Tanja,
Thanks for getting in touch.
The below is mentioned in our blog:
“South African citizens can apply via the eHomeAffairs website. Please note, you will need internet banking to proceed with your online passport application. Applicants will have to go to a Home Affairs branch to capture their biometrics and collect their passport. Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria residents also have the option of recording their biometrics and collecting their renewed passport at specific Absa, FNB, Standard Bank or Nedbank branches. Follow these easy steps for applying for a South African passport renewal, and you’ll be booking your ticket to your dream destination in no time!”
Below is the link to eHomeAffairs. This will enable you as a South African born citizen to apply for your Smart ID Card and/or passport online.
https://ehome.dha.gov.za/eChannel/
Hi my sister and I both need to renew our passports – her bag was stolen some years ago and the old passport along with it – what does she have to do now – it did expire some years ago. Please advise further – Thank You.
Hi Lilian,
She might need to report this at the police station first – that her passport was stolen. And once she has the document from the police station then you can both contact Home Affairs to apply for your new passport.
You welcome to read our blog: A Guide To A South African Passport Renewal. Here we shed some light on the procedures to follow. However, this information could have changed at any time so please contact Home Affairs direct for the most up to date info and correct procedures to follow when applying.
Our passports r expiring in 2019. We do however have American Visas that only expires in 2023. How does this work with the renewal as we r planning to visit US in 2020
Hi there,
To my knowledge, you would need to travel with both passports. Your new one as well as your expired one with the valid visa.
However this info is not guaranteed and we recommend you contact the Embassy and Home Affairs direct as well as the airline you wish to travel on. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
You travel with both passports (I have a 10 yr US visa in my old passport and travel with both when going to the US)
Having photos beforehand is not needed anymore at some locations as they capture the biometrics and photos digitally ( check your location)