Looking out “how one can apply for passport in South Africa,”and even “what to do if my passport is misplaced or stolen”? You’re not alone. Whether or not you’re a South African getting your very first passport, renewing an outdated one, or a foreigner residing in South Africa needing the best journey papers, this information covers every thing you must know in regards to the passport utility South Africa course of, from varieties and charges to biometrics, renewals, and what to do when your passport goes lacking.
Disclaimer: The Division of Dwelling Affairs holds essentially the most present data on passport guidelines. Guidelines, charges or processes could change. At all times verify the DHA web site or an official DHA workplace earlier than beginning.

How Many Forms of Passports Are There?
Earlier than making use of, know your choices. Some varieties embrace:
- Common/Vacationer passport (for adults 16+) legitimate for 10 years.
- Youngster passport (for beneath 16) with shorter validity.
- Maxi passport (48 pages) for frequent travellers. Extra pages = extra visa room.
- Emergency Journey Certificates (for pressing return to SA if overseas).
Step-by-Step: Methods to Apply for Passport in South Africa
Listed below are the steps to observe for the standard passport utility (not misplaced or stolen).
Step | What You Do |
1. Determine the place & how one can 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 primary utility type for passports / journey paperwork. (Division of Dwelling Affairs) |
3. Collect paperwork wanted for passport | See subsequent part. |
4. Biometric seize | Photograph, fingerprints, signature. Even in case you apply partly on-line, you’ll have to go in individual for this. (ehome.dha.gov.za) |
5. Pay prescribed payment | Varies relying on sort of passport. Price range for R600 for a lot of normal passports. (Western Cape Authorities) |
6. Look forward to processing & accumulate | Often 7-21 working days for traditional passports. Instances could differ. (Western Cape Authorities) |
Paperwork Wanted for Passport Software
Listed below are the paperwork wanted for passport when making use of beneath “regular” circumstances:
- Totally accomplished DHA-73 type (passport utility type).
- Legitimate South African ID doc or beginning certificates (if beneath 16).
- If in case you have your outdated passport, convey it. If not, there is perhaps extra steps.
- Two color passport images (or none if the workplace makes use of digital/bio photograph seize). Verify at your department.
- In case you’re beneath 18, parental or guardian consent. Each dad and mom could must be current until 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)
Methods to apply for a passport in case your earlier passport was misplaced, stolen or broken?
Oops. It occurs. In case your passport is misplaced or stolen, right here’s what to do:
- Report it to the police instantly. You’ll want the case quantity or affidavit.
- Full DHA-335 (lack of passport type) when making use of for a alternative.
- Nonetheless use DHA-73 for the appliance. The method is analogous, with added documentation (police report, affidavit).
- If overseas, contact the closest SA embassy or consulate. They’ll problem an emergency journey certificates (ETC) to return residence, then apply for a full alternative.
You may additionally like: Misplaced your passport overseas? Right here’s what to do?

Methods to apply for a passport in South Africa For Foreigners Residing in SA
In case you’re not a South African citizen however stay right here and desire a passport (or journey doc), or have to 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 doable) could also be required.
You may additionally like: Can I journey if my visa is expiring quickly?
On-line Software by way of eHomeAffairs
Sure, South Africa goes on-line. Loads (however not every thing) might be began by way of eHomeAffairs:
- Register an account.
- Fill in utility on-line (DHA-73 and so forth.).
- Pay the payment electronically.
- Attend in individual for biometrics. You’ll nonetheless have to go to a DHA-enabled financial institution department or Dwelling Affairs workplace for photograph, 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 right measurement & spec. A flawed photograph = further journeys.
- For misplaced/stolen, report instantly so id theft or misuse doesn’t occur.
FAQs
How lengthy does it take to course of a passport in South Africa?
Usually 7-21 working days for traditional passports. Instances could differ 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. Test present payment with DHA.
Can I apply for a passport on-line?
Sure. The DHA gives eHomeAffairs for on-line submissions of passport functions and ID/passport renewals. However you’ll nonetheless go to to have biometrics captured.
What do I would like if my passport is stolen?
You’ll have to:
- Report back to the police and get a case quantity or affidavit.
- Full type DHA-335 for lack of passport.
- Submit the common utility (DHA-73) plus stolen/misplaced passport paperwork.