South African Passport Application
Planning a new trip is an exciting experience and going on your first international adventure is exhilarating. But before you even begin to search for flights or accommodation, there’s an important document which you need. We all know what the document is however the process involved in acquiring it, is a different ball game. This is the document that is basically going to allow you to travel internationally. When you are applying for the first time, it is a bit overwhelming so let’s break down how you can apply for a South African tourist passport.
What does the process entail?
The Department of Home Affairs issues South African passports. Ordinarily, you will locate the home affairs offices which are closest to your residence. However, you can visit other offices which may not be close to your residence. Applicants are able to apply at any office in South Africa. There are various home affairs branches around the country.
In addition and in an attempt to enhance efficiency, the Department of Home Affairs has partnered with selected bank branches to assist applicants in the application process for passports and this is via an online application system, eHome Affairs.
When you make an application for a passport, the applicant must make it in person. The purpose of this is to ensure that the passport officer (home affairs employee) is able to verify your identity, confirm your photograph and capture your fingerprints. And you must have a South African identity number in order to successfully apply as the passports are only issued to South African citizens.
South African Passport
A tourist passport contains 32 (thirty-two) pages and is valid for a period of 10 (ten) years from the date of issue.
Individuals who are frequent travellers may opt to apply for a maxi-tourist passport which contains 48 (forty-eight) pages and is valid for a period of 10 (ten) years from the date of issue. This type of passport is the same as a regular tourist passport however it contains more pages, which is especially useful to store visas.
An individual is unable to renew a passport and therefore once the validity period of the passport expires, a new application will have to be submitted for a passport.
Passports must be valid for at least 30 (thirty) days after the intended date of departure as well as should also have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. These blank pages cannot include the “endorsement” page at the back of the passport.
The waiting period for receiving your new passport varies and can take between three to eight weeks. This period will differ depending on where you apply. As passports are printed in Pretoria and delivered to the various branch offices for collection.
documents needed for a South African Passport Application?
When making an application for a new tourist passport, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Completed passport application, Form DHA-73 – You can find a copy of the form here (https://www.westerncape.gov.za/text/2015/February/dha_73_form.pdf)
- Your Identity document and a copy
- Two colour photographs
- Pay the prescribed fee
Fees / Cost of Application
These are the costs/fees to make a new application for a South African tourist passport*:
- First Application for Tourist Passport R400.00*
- First Application for Maxi-Tourist Passport R600.00*
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Passport Application South Africa
Making an Application at a Home Affairs Office
As a result, you need to follow the process below to make an application for a tourist passport at a Home Affairs branch.
- Choose your nearest / most convenient Home Affairs branch.
- Complete all the necessary documentation, mentioned above.
- Visit your nearest branch, submit all the documents/ information/ photographs, pay the necessary fee.
- Await confirmation when your tourist passport is ready for collection.
- Uplift your passport.
Making an Application at a Bank Branch
When you make an application at a bank branch, you will need to apply through the eHomeAffairs online portal. You will need to check which branches offer the service and choose the one you would like to visit. You will need to follow the process below in order to make an application at a bank branch for a tourist passport.
1. Register a profile on the eHome Affairs portal
This requires you to create a profile, password, answer security questions as well as verify your details with an OTP (one-time-pin) being sent to your chosen cellphone number.
https://ehome.dha.gov.za/ehomeaffairsv2
2. Upon completion of the registration process, you need to log on to your profile
Once again you will have to verify your login with an OTP (one-time-pin) which will be sent to your chosen cellphone number.
3. Complete the Application Form
You can capture and submit an application form for a passport by completing all the requested information. All fields which are highlighted in red are mandatory and therefore must be completed.
4. Submit your Application Form
5. Upload supporting documents
If any supporting documents are required, you will be prompted at this stage to upload them and you will be provided with a list.
6. Make the online payment
In order to do this, you will have to log on to your internet banking and authorise the payment.
7. Make a Booking at a selected Bank Branch
You will need to make a booking at the relevant bank branch in order to capture your biometrics. The booking of an appointment is essential as the bank branch will not assist you if you arrive without an appointment.
8. Print your confirmation letter
You will need to take the printed confirmation letter as well as your identity document with you to your branch appointment.
9. Await notice when your tourist passport is available for collection
10. Uplift your passport
Once the process has been completed and you have uplifted your tourist passport, you are now in a position to start planning your next travel adventure.
Home Affairs Contact Details:
Branch Office Hours:
Monday to Friday – 08:00 am to 15: 30 pm
Every last Wednesday – 09:00 am to 15:30 pm
Contact Centre:
Telephone number – 0800 60 11 90
E-mail address – [email protected]
Address
Hallmark Building,
Corner of Johannes Ramokhoase & Thabo Sehume
Street, Pretoria, Gauteng
Website
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If you enjoyed this, check out this post on 8 Things to Do on your First Trip in Cape Town
* Please note that all prices and contact information are correct at time of publication. Please check the venues websites as prices may change without notice. *