South African passport renewal: How and when should you apply?
Need a South African passport in 2026? Find out how long it takes, what documents you need and where you can apply.
A South African passport is your ticket to international travel, but leaving the application until the last minute can turn holiday planning into a race against time.
The good news is that Home Affairs has improved passport processing and expanded digital services in 2026.
Adults are currently targeted for issue within 13 working days, while children have an 18-working-day target.
These are service targets, not a guarantee for every application. It is therefore sensible to apply well before flights, visas or other travel arrangements are due.
WHEN SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT?
There is no need to wait until your passport is close to expiry. A South African passport is not renewed or extended, so you submit a new application when it expires or when you need a replacement.
This is particularly important if your passport is full, damaged, lost or stolen.
For a lost or stolen passport, Home Affairs requires the loss to be reported and supporting documentation to be provided.
For an ordinary adult passport, the current fee in South Africa is R600 for a 32-page passport. A 48-page maxi passport costs R1 200, while a child’s passport costs R600.
Fees for applications made abroad are different. Check the latest tariff before paying, particularly if you are applying outside South Africa.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR YOUR PASSPORT?
For an adult application, you need a valid South African identity document and the passport application form.
Your fingerprints and other biometric details must be captured, and photographs may be required depending on the office’s capture system.
If your passport was lost or stolen, take the required police documentation as well.
Children have additional requirements. A child needs a birth certificate, and parental consent requirements apply.
Both parents may need to be present, depending on the circumstances.
It is worth checking the requirements for your particular application before making an appointment, because a missing document can mean another trip to Home Affairs.
WHERE CAN YOU APPLY FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT?
You can start the process through eHomeAffairs, where South African citizens by birth can complete the application, attach supporting documents, pay online and book where appointments are available.
However, you still need to attend a branch for biometric capture. Alternatively, you can also finalise the application at a Home Affairs office.
In 2026, Home Affairs is expanding passport services through its digital partnership with banks, but availability varies by participating branch and service rollout.
Check the official Home Affairs platforms before travelling to a bank.
South Africans living abroad can apply through South African diplomatic or consular missions, with dedicated service centres and VFS locations also operating in some countries.
If you have travel planned, do not work backwards from your departure date. Allow time for an appointment, biometric capture, processing and collection.
The department’s 13-working-day adult target is encouraging, but applying early gives you breathing room if anything needs correcting or your circumstances require additional checks.