A passport is a travel document issued by a government to one of its citizens, certifying that the bearer is a citizen of that country and may pass through the issuing country’s borders without restriction. Passports are also used to establish a person’s identity and nationality abroad.
In South Africa, passports are issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). The current fee for a new adult passport is R600 for a 32-page passport and R1 200 for a 48-page passport. Child passports cost R600. There are also fees for lost, stolen, or damaged passports, as well as for emergency travel certificates.
Passport applications can be made at any DHA office in South Africa. The processing time for a new passport is typically 6 weeks, but can be longer during peak periods.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the passport application process in South Africa, including the requirements, fees, and turnaround times. It will also discuss the different types of passports available and how to apply for a passport renewal.
How Much Is A Passport In South Africa?
The cost of a passport in South Africa varies depending on the type of passport you apply for and whether you are applying in South Africa or from abroad.
Types of passports
There are three types of passports available to South African citizens:
- Regular passport: This is the most common type of passport and is valid for 10 years.
- Maxi passport: This passport has 48 pages and is valid for 10 years. It is ideal for frequent travelers.
- Child passport: This passport is valid for five years.
Cost of passports
The following table shows the cost of passports in South Africa as of October 2023:
| Type of passport | Cost (ZAR) |
| Adult Passport | R600.00 |
| Child Passport | R600.00 |
| Replacement of new format South African tourist passport that runs out of blank visa pages, before the expiry dates. | R600.00 |
| Document for traveling purposes (BI-105) | R600.00 |
| Maxi Tourist Passport (48 Pages) | R1200.00 |
| Crew Member Certificate | R600.00 |
| Naturalization application and issue of original citizenship certificate | R300 |
| Issuing of duplicate citizenship certificate (including application for certificates issued in terms of section 16 of Act 88 of 1995) as well as confirmation (To whom it may concern) | R90 |
| Resumption of SA citizenship, in terms of section 13 of Act 88 of 1995 | R300 |
| Retention of SA citizenship, in terms of section 6(2) of Act 88 of 1995 | R300 |
| Retrospective exemption in terms of section 26(4) of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995, from the loss of South African citizenship. | R300 |
| Diplomatic passport | R600 |
| Official Passport (including official emergency passport) or crew member certificate, and a temporary passport issued for official purposes. | R600 |
How to Apply For A Passport In South Africa?
To apply for a passport in South Africa, you can follow these steps:
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Visit a Department of Home Affairs office. You can find a list of offices on the Department of Home Affairs website.
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Complete a passport application form. The form can be downloaded from the Department of Home Affairs website or obtained at a Home Affairs office.
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Provide the following supporting documents:
- South African identity document
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate)
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Payment for the passport fee
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Have your fingerprints taken. This will be done at the Home Affairs office.
Once you have submitted your application and supporting documents, you will be given a receipt. You can use this receipt to track the status of your application online.
You can also apply for a passport online using the Department of Home Affairs website. However, you will still need to visit a Home Affairs office to submit your supporting documents and have your fingerprints taken.
If you are applying for a passport from abroad, you must visit a South African embassy or consulate. The cost of applying for a passport from abroad is higher than the cost of applying in South Africa.
If you have any questions about applying for a passport, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs on 0800 601 196.
Processing time
It takes about 7-21 working days to process a passport application. However, the processing time may be longer during peak periods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a passport in South Africa depends on the type of passport you are applying for and whether you are applying within the country or from abroad. For adults, a 32-page passport costs R600 and a 48-page passport costs R1200. Child passports cost R600. Emergency travel certificates cost R140. If you are applying for a passport outside of South Africa, the fees are higher.
It is important to note that the passport fee is not the only cost associated with getting a passport. You will also need to pay for passport photos and any other required documentation. You may also need to pay for courier services if you are not able to collect your passport in person.
The processing time for passport applications varies depending on the time of year and how busy the Department of Home Affairs is. However, you can expect to receive your passport within 7-21 working days of submitting your application.
If you are planning to travel internationally, it is important to make sure that your passport is valid and that you have enough blank pages for your visa stamps. You should also start the passport application process early, as it can take several weeks to receive your passport.
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