How to Apply for a South African Passport (2026 Guide)

A South African passport is issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and is the only document that lets you travel legally outside the country. This plain-English guide walks you through the entire passport application process for 2026 — who can apply, what documents you need, what it costs, how long it takes, and the common mistakes that get most applications rejected.

Who needs a South African passport?

You need a valid passport if you are:

  • A South African citizen planning any international travel
  • Renewing a passport that has expired, or expires within the next six months (many destinations refuse entry with less than 30 days' validity)
  • Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport
  • Applying for a first passport for a minor child (under 18)

Types of South African passport

  • Tourist passport — 32 pages, valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors under 16
  • Maxi tourist passport — 48 pages, useful for frequent international travellers
  • Child passport — issued to minors, 5-year validity
  • Official and diplomatic passports — issued by DIRCO for government-related travel (not covered here)

What you'll need before you start

  • Your green ID book or Smart ID Card (original plus copy)
  • Completed DHA-73 passport application form
  • Proof of payment (bank deposit slip or online payment reference)
  • For minors: unabridged birth certificate, both parents' IDs, and DHA-529 parental consent form
  • For lost or stolen passports: a SAPS case number and a DHA-335 affidavit
  • Your old passport, if you have one (it will be cancelled and returned)

How much does a South African passport cost in 2026?

  • Tourist passport (32 pages): R400
  • Maxi tourist passport (48 pages): R600
  • Child passport (under 16): R400
  • Emergency travel certificate: R140
  • Replacement of lost/stolen passport: R400 plus admin fee

Fees are set by the DHA and can change. Always confirm the current amounts on dha.gov.za before paying.

The step-by-step passport application process

1. Book your appointment on eHomeAffairs

Register on ehome.dha.gov.za or use the online booking system at bookings.dha.gov.za. Booking is not compulsory but it saves hours of queueing and secures a slot at a specific branch. If you bank with FNB, Absa, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Capitec, Investec, or Discovery Bank, you can also apply at a participating branch — often faster than DHA offices.

2. Complete Form DHA-73

The DHA-73 is available at any Home Affairs branch or as a download on dha.gov.za. Fill it in black ink using block capitals. Minors need a separate DHA-529 parental consent form signed by both parents in front of a Home Affairs official or Commissioner of Oaths.

3. Pay the fee

Pay online through eHomeAffairs, at your bank via EFT, or at the branch by card. Keep your proof of payment — you will need to attach it to your application.

4. Attend your appointment

Your photograph, fingerprints, and signature are captured live at the branch. Do not bring your own photos. Wear neutral clothing, no glasses, and no head coverings (except for religious reasons).

5. Collect your passport

You'll receive an SMS when the passport is ready. Collect it in person at the same branch — someone else cannot collect on your behalf. Your old passport is cancelled with a hole punch and returned to you as a travel memento.

How long does a South African passport take?

  • Standard DHA branch: 10–14 working days
  • Participating bank branch: Often 5–10 working days
  • Emergency travel certificate: Same day (only for genuine emergencies with proof)

Turnaround times vary by branch and time of year. December and January are the busiest months — apply at least 8 weeks before travel to be safe.

Applying for a minor's passport

Every minor under 18 needs their own passport, and both parents must consent in writing. Bring:

  • The child's unabridged birth certificate (both parents' names must appear)
  • Both parents' original ID documents
  • Two colour photographs of the child (only for children under 6, at DHA's discretion)
  • The DHA-529 parental consent form signed by both parents

If one parent is deceased, bring the death certificate. If a parent is absent, unreachable, or the court has awarded sole custody, bring a certified copy of the court order. Solo travel by minors also often requires a separate DHA travel consent letter — check with your airline and destination country.

Common reasons passport applications are rejected

  • The DHA-73 form is filled in with pencil or blue ink instead of black
  • The applicant's signature runs outside the signature box
  • Parents' details on the child's birth certificate don't match their current IDs
  • Payment reference doesn't include the applicant's ID number
  • Old passport was damaged (water damage, torn pages) but not declared
  • Only one parent signed the DHA-529 for a minor

After you receive your passport

  • Check every page for spelling errors — report mistakes immediately at the same branch
  • Sign your passport in the space provided, using black ink
  • Photocopy the ID page and keep it in a separate bag when travelling
  • Check the validity of the destination country's visa requirements — many require at least six months' validity from your return date

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an appointment to apply for a passport? No, but booking through eHomeAffairs saves hours of queueing and reserves a specific slot. Walk-ins are still accepted.

How long is a South African passport valid? Adult tourist passports are valid for 10 years. Child passports (under 16) are valid for 5 years.

Can I apply for a passport at my bank? Yes — FNB, Absa, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Capitec, Investec, and Discovery Bank branches on the eHomeAffairs system accept passport applications, usually with much shorter queues.

What is an emergency travel certificate? An emergency travel certificate is a limited-use travel document issued when a citizen must travel urgently and cannot wait for a full passport. It is only valid for a specified trip and must be applied for in person.

References and official sources

Last reviewed: July 2026. Fees, forms, and processing times are set by the Department of Home Affairs and can change at any time — always confirm current figures on the official DHA website before you pay or apply.