How to Apply for a South African Passport Online in 2024

Applying for a passport is an essential task if you’re planning to travel internationally. Thankfully, in South Africa, the process of applying for a passport has become much easier thanks to the eHomeAffairs portal, allowing citizens to handle most of the process online and avoid those long queues at Home Affairs offices.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to apply for a South African passport online in 2024, covering everything from setting up your profile on the eHomeAffairs system to booking your biometric appointment.

1. What You Need Before Applying for a Passport Online

Before you start the application process, it’s essential to have everything in order. Here’s what you’ll need:

Requirements:

South African ID number (Smart ID or Green ID Book).
Working email address for notifications and updates.
Active mobile phone number for one-time passwords (OTPs) and verification.
Internet access to complete the online application via the eHomeAffairs portal.
A valid payment method (credit card or internet banking) to pay for the application fee.
If applying for a child passport, you’ll need the child’s unabridged birth certificate and the ID documents of both parents.

With these requirements ready, let’s get started!

2. Register on the eHomeAffairs Website

The first step in applying for a South African passport online is registering on the eHomeAffairs platform. This portal is where you’ll complete your application and track the progress of your passport.

Steps to Register:

Visit the eHomeAffairs Website: Head over to eHomeAffairs.
Click on “Register”: Look for the “Register” button to create a new account.
Enter Your Personal Details: Fill in your South African ID number, name, surname, and contact information (email and mobile number).
Create a Password: Choose a strong password to secure your account.
Complete OTP Verification: You’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS to verify your phone number.
Activate Your Profile: Check your email for an activation link to finalize your registration.

Once your profile is active, you’re ready to start your passport application.

3. Fill Out the Online Passport Application

Now that you’re registered on the eHomeAffairs website, the next step is completing the passport application. Here’s how you can do it:

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Log in to Your eHomeAffairs Account: Using your ID number and the password you created.
Navigate to “New Applications”: Click on the “Passport” option to start the application.
Fill in Your Personal Information: The system will automatically pull much of your information from the national database, but you’ll need to confirm your details, such as your current address and contact details.
Select the Type of Passport: Choose the passport type you’re applying for:
- Standard Tourist Passport (valid for 10 years).
- Maxi Passport (for frequent travelers, with more pages).
- Child Passport (for minors under 16).
Review and Confirm: Double-check all your details before proceeding.

4. Pay the Passport Application Fee

Once your online application is completed, you’ll need to pay the passport application fee to proceed. The payment must be done online through the eHomeAffairs portal.

Payment Process:

Choose Payment Method: You can pay using credit card or via internet banking.
Follow the Payment Instructions: After selecting your preferred payment method, follow the on-screen prompts to complete your payment securely.
Payment Confirmation: You’ll receive an email confirming that your payment has been processed successfully.

Passport Fees for 2024:

Standard Passport: Approximately R600.
Maxi Passport: Approximately R1,200.
Child Passport: Approximately R400.

5. Book an Appointment for Biometrics

After submitting your application and paying the fees, the next step is to book an appointment to capture your biometric data (fingerprints and photo). This must be done in person at a Home Affairs branch or one of the partnering bank branches offering Home Affairs services (e.g., Standard Bank, FNB).

How to Book Your Biometric Appointment:

Log Back Into Your eHomeAffairs Profile: After payment, navigate to the section for booking your appointment.
Choose a Convenient Location: Select a Home Affairs office or a partnered bank branch nearest to you. Banks often have shorter waiting times, so this can be a more convenient option.
Select an Available Date and Time: Pick a slot that fits your schedule.
Confirm Your Appointment: Once your appointment is confirmed, make sure to note the time and location.

6. Attend Your Biometric Appointment

On the day of your appointment, head to the selected Home Affairs or bank branch to have your fingerprints and photo taken. Make sure to bring your ID document (Smart ID card or Green ID Book) with you.

What to Expect:

Quick Processing: If you’ve already completed the online application, the biometric process should only take about 10 to 20 minutes.
Verification: Your fingerprints and photo will be captured for the passport.
Confirmation: After your biometrics are captured, you’ll be notified when your passport is ready for collection.

7. Collect Your Passport

Once your passport is ready, you’ll receive an SMS notification informing you that it’s available for collection. You can choose to collect your passport from the same branch where you did your biometrics.

Collection Process:

Bring Your ID: You’ll need to present your ID document for verification.
Check for Errors: Before leaving, ensure that all the information on the passport is correct.
Sign for Your Passport: After verifying everything, you’ll sign and officially collect your passport.

Processing Time: The passport is usually ready within 5 to 10 working days after your biometric appointment.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for a South African passport entirely online?
You can complete most of the application online, but you must attend a biometric appointment in person at a Home Affairs office or a partnered bank branch to capture your fingerprints and photo.

2. What is the processing time for a South African passport in 2024?
It typically takes 5 to 10 working days for your passport to be ready after completing the biometric process.

3. What happens if I miss my biometric appointment?
If you miss your appointment, you’ll need to reschedule via the eHomeAffairs portal. It’s important to attend your scheduled slot to avoid delays.

4. Can I collect my passport from a different location?
No, you must collect your passport from the same branch where you attended your biometric appointment.

5. Do I need a Smart ID card to apply for a passport online?
While the Smart ID is preferred, you can still apply with a Green ID Book if you haven’t yet converted to the Smart ID.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a South African passport online in 2024 has never been easier. With the eHomeAffairs portal, you can complete the bulk of the process from the comfort of your home, leaving only the biometric appointment for in-person attendance. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll save time and avoid the hassle of long queues, ensuring a smooth application process from start to finish.

So, if you’re planning international travel soon, now’s the time to apply for your passport. Take advantage of the online process, and you’ll have your passport in hand in no time! Safe travels!

BIZ365