Looking “easy methods to apply for passport in South Africa,”and even “what to do if my passport is misplaced or stolen”? You’re not alone. Whether or not you’re a South African getting your very first passport, renewing an outdated one, or a foreigner residing in South Africa needing the proper journey papers, this information covers all the things you have to know concerning the passport software South Africa course of, from varieties and costs to biometrics, renewals, and what to do when your passport goes lacking.
Disclaimer: The Division of Dwelling Affairs holds probably the most present information on passport guidelines. Guidelines, charges or processes might change. All the time test the DHA web site or an official DHA workplace earlier than beginning.

How Many Sorts of Passports Are There?
Earlier than making use of, know your choices. Some sorts embrace:
- Common/Vacationer passport (for adults 16+) legitimate for 10 years.
- Baby passport (for beneath 16) with shorter validity.
- Maxi passport (48 pages) for frequent travellers. Extra pages = extra visa room.
- Emergency Journey Certificates (for pressing return to SA if overseas).
Step-by-Step: Apply for Passport in South Africa
Listed here are the steps to comply with for the standard passport software (not misplaced or stolen).
Step | What You Do |
1. Determine the place & easy methods to apply | You may apply at a DHA workplace in your province, or use eHomeAffairs, DHA’s on-line portal. (ehome.dha.gov.za) |
2. Full Type DHA-73 | That is the principle software kind for passports / journey paperwork. (Division of Dwelling Affairs) |
3. Collect paperwork wanted for passport | See subsequent part. |
4. Biometric seize | Picture, fingerprints, signature. Even when you apply partly on-line, you’ll must go in individual for this. (ehome.dha.gov.za) |
5. Pay prescribed charge | Varies relying on kind of passport. Funds for R600 for a lot of customary passports. (Western Cape Authorities) |
6. Await processing & acquire | Normally 7-21 working days for normal passports. Occasions might fluctuate. (Western Cape Authorities) |
Paperwork Wanted for Passport Software
Listed here are the paperwork wanted for passport when making use of beneath “regular” circumstances:
- Absolutely accomplished DHA-73 kind (passport software kind).
- Legitimate South African ID doc or delivery certificates (if beneath 16).
- If in case you have your outdated passport, deliver it. If not, there could be extra steps.
- Two color passport pictures (or none if the workplace makes use of digital/bio picture seize). Verify at your department.
- If you happen to’re beneath 18, parental or guardian consent. Each dad and mom might have to be current except distinctive.
- For foreigners residing right here, proof of id, residence allow or non-citizen ID, and generally dedication of citizenship (if wanted). (South Africa Portal)
apply for a passport in case your earlier passport was misplaced, stolen or broken?
Oops. It occurs. In case your passport is misplaced or stolen, right here’s what to do:
- Report it to the police instantly. You’ll want the case quantity or affidavit.
- Full DHA-335 (lack of passport kind) when making use of for a substitute.
- Nonetheless use DHA-73 for the applying. The method is comparable, with added documentation (police report, affidavit).
- If overseas, contact the closest SA embassy or consulate. They will problem an emergency journey certificates (ETC) to return house, then apply for a full substitute.
You may additionally like: Misplaced your passport overseas? Right here’s what to do?

apply for a passport in South Africa For Foreigners Residing in SA
If you happen to’re not a South African citizen however stay right here and need a passport (or journey doc), or must renew yours:
- Should present your overseas id/residence allow/non-citizen ID. (South Africa Portal)
- Might have DHA-529 to find out citizenship or standing. (South Africa Portal)
- Different varieties & proofs (passport of origin, if potential) could also be required.
You may additionally like: Can I journey if my visa is expiring quickly?
On-line Software through eHomeAffairs
Sure, South Africa goes on-line. Lots (however not all the things) could be began through eHomeAffairs:
- Register an account.
- Fill in software on-line (DHA-73 and so forth.).
- Pay the charge electronically.
- Attend in individual for biometrics. You’ll nonetheless must go to a DHA-enabled financial institution department or Dwelling Affairs workplace for picture, fingerprints and so forth.
Tricks to Keep away from Passport Hassles
- Don’t depart making use of or renewing till the final minute. Processing takes time.
- Make a copy (digital or bodily) of your passport, ID, and related docs.
- Make sure that your photographs are appropriate dimension & spec. A unsuitable picture = further journeys.
- For misplaced/stolen, report instantly so id theft or misuse doesn’t occur.
FAQs
How lengthy does it take to course of a passport in South Africa?
Sometimes 7-21 working days for normal passports. Occasions might fluctuate relying on location, department load, and when you have all required paperwork.
How a lot does a passport value in South Africa?
Customary passports are about R600 for a lot of grownup vacationer passports. Charges differ for maxi passports, minor passports, or particular companies. Verify present charge with DHA.
Can I apply for a passport on-line?
Sure. The DHA gives eHomeAffairs for on-line submissions of passport purposes and ID/passport renewals. However you’ll nonetheless go to to have biometrics captured.
What do I want if my passport is stolen?
You’ll must:
- Report back to the police and get a case quantity or affidavit.
- Full kind DHA-335 for lack of passport.
- Submit the common software (DHA-73) plus stolen/misplaced passport paperwork.