Passport Guide (South Africa)

A passport is an important travel document that may be required during the refugee resettlement process. It helps verify your identity, citizenship, and travel history.

If you already have a valid passport, you can generally continue using it for your refugee application and USCIS interview process while you wait for a replacement or renewed passport if necessary.

Who May Need A Passport?

• Adult South African citizens.
• Children who are South African citizens.
• Applicants whose current passport has expired.
• Applicants whose passport is lost, stolen, damaged, or full.

Do Children Need Their Own Passport?

Yes. South African children must have their own passport. Children cannot travel on a parent's passport.

Parents or legal guardians should apply as early as possible because passport processing delays can occur.

What If My Passport Is Still Valid?

If your passport is still valid, continue using it for your refugee application and any USCIS interview appointments.

Some countries prefer travellers to have at least six months of validity remaining on their passport before travel. If your passport is approaching expiry, consider applying for a replacement early to avoid delays later in the process.

Applying For A Passport

South African passports are issued by the Department of Home Affairs.

Applications can usually be submitted through:

• Department of Home Affairs offices.
• Participating South African bank branches offering Home Affairs services.

Both new passport applications and passport renewals can often be completed through participating bank branches.

Applicants using participating banks will normally need to use the eHomeAffairs system to complete part of the application process and book an appointment.

Not all banks and branches offer Home Affairs services. Availability varies by bank and location.

Many applicants find participating bank branches more convenient than traditional Home Affairs offices.

Bank Passport Services

Several South African banks participate in the Home Affairs eHomeAffairs programme and may offer passport and Smart ID services at selected branches.

See our separate Bank Home Affairs Services Guide for information about participating banks, branch locations, appointments, and application procedures.

What To Take To Your Appointment

• Your South African ID document.
• Your existing passport (if renewing or replacing).
• Supporting documents requested by Home Affairs.
• Proof of payment if applicable.
• Appointment confirmation if required.

Photographs are generally captured electronically during the application process at participating Home Affairs offices and bank branches.

Current Fees

• Adult Passport (32 pages): Approximately R600.
• Child Passport (32 pages): Approximately R600.
• Maxi Passport (48 pages): Approximately R1,200.

Fees may change over time. Always verify current fees before applying.

Official Processing Times

Home Affairs often indicates that passports may be issued within approximately 10 to 15 working days under normal circumstances.

Processing times can vary depending on demand, system availability, verification requirements, and printing backlogs.

Applicant Reports

Community reports vary considerably. Some applicants report receiving passports within two to three weeks, while others report waiting several weeks or, in some cases, several months.

If you think you may need a passport during your refugee resettlement process, apply as early as possible.

Lost, Stolen Or Damaged Passports

If your passport has been lost, stolen or damaged, apply for a replacement as soon as possible.

Keep copies of any reports, receipts and application reference numbers.

Permanent Residents And Travel Documents

Permanent residents of South Africa are generally expected to travel using a passport issued by their country of citizenship.

In certain circumstances, some permanent residents may qualify for a South African Document for Travel Purposes.

If you are unable to obtain a passport from your country of citizenship, contact the Department of Home Affairs directly to discuss your circumstances and determine whether you may qualify for a South African travel document.

After Receiving Your Passport

• Check that all personal details are correct.
• Check the expiry date.
• Scan the information page in colour.
• Save a PDF copy.
• Keep a backup copy in a safe location.
• Store the original passport securely.

With Love
Your Cheeky Undercover Refugee

Important Disclaimer

Government procedures, fees, processing times and requirements can change without notice. The information in this guide is provided as general guidance only. Applicants should always verify current requirements directly with the relevant government department and conduct their own research before making decisions or submitting applications.