Looking out “the right way to apply for passport in South Africa,”and even “what to do if my passport is misplaced or stolen”? You’re not alone. Whether or not you’re a South African getting your very first passport, renewing an previous one, or a foreigner residing in South Africa needing the best journey papers, this information covers every thing you have to know in regards to the passport software South Africa course of, from varieties and charges to biometrics, renewals, and what to do when your passport goes lacking.
Disclaimer: The Division of Residence Affairs holds essentially the most present information on passport guidelines. Guidelines, charges or processes could 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 embody:
- Common/Vacationer passport (for adults 16+) legitimate for 10 years.
- Youngster passport (for below 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: Find out how to Apply for Passport in South Africa
Listed below are the steps to comply with for the standard passport software (not misplaced or stolen).
| Step | What You Do |
| 1. Determine the place & the right way to apply | You may apply at a DHA workplace in your province, or use eHomeAffairsDHA’s on-line portal. (ehome.dha.gov.za) |
| 2. Full Kind DHA-73 | That is the principle software type for passports / journey paperwork. (Division of Residence Affairs) |
| 3. Collect paperwork wanted for passport | See subsequent part. |
| 4. Biometric seize | Picture, fingerprints, signature. Even for those who apply partly on-line, you’ll must go in individual for this. (ehome.dha.gov.za) |
| 5. Pay prescribed price | Varies relying on sort of passport. Price range for R600 for a lot of customary passports. (Western Cape Authorities) |
| 6. Anticipate processing & acquire | 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 below “regular” circumstances:
- Absolutely accomplished DHA-73 type (passport software type).
- Legitimate South African ID doc or start certificates (if below 16).
- In case you have your previous passport, carry it. If not, there may be further steps.
- Two color passport pictures (or none if the workplace makes use of digital/bio photograph seize). Affirm at your department.
- In case you’re below 18, parental or guardian consent. Each dad and mom could must 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)
Find out how 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 difficulty an emergency journey certificates (ETC) to return residence, then apply for a full alternative.
You may also like: Misplaced your passport overseas? Right here’s what to do?


Find out how 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 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 also like: Can I journey if my visa is expiring quickly?
On-line Software through eHomeAffairs
Sure, South Africa goes on-line. So much (however not every thing) could be began through eHomeAffairs:
- Register an account.
- Fill in software on-line (DHA-73 and many others.).
- Pay the price electronically.
- Attend in individual for biometrics. You’ll nonetheless must go to a DHA-enabled financial institution department or Residence Affairs workplace for photograph, fingerprints and many others.
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.
- Be sure your photographs are appropriate measurement & spec. A incorrect 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?
Sometimes 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 price in South Africa?
Normal passports are about R600 for a lot of grownup vacationer passports. Charges differ for maxi passports, minor passports, or particular companies. Test present price with DHA.
Can I apply for a passport on-line?
Sure. The DHA presents 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 must:
- Report back to the police and get a case quantity or affidavit.
- Full type DHA-335 for lack of passport.
- Submit the common software (DHA-73) plus stolen/misplaced passport paperwork.
