How to Apply for Passport Online South Africa

Quick Answer: How to Apply for Passport Online South Africa

South Africans who qualify to use eHomeAffairs can start a passport application online by creating or logging into an eHomeAffairs profile, completing the passport application, uploading any supporting documents requested, making payment and then completing the required biometric step at Home Affairs or an enabled bank branch.

The process is not completely online. The Department of Home Affairs states that applicants must still visit a branch or participating bank service point to have or verify their photograph, fingerprints and signature. (eHome)

Before starting, check the broader Passport Requirements South Africa guide so you know which documents and eligibility rules apply to your situation. You can also find related official-document guidance under Civic Documents South Africa.

Who This Requirement Applies To

The eHomeAffairs portal currently states that its online services are available to South African citizens by birth and include online ID and passport applications. (eHome)

Applicant type

You can use the online application process for your own passport where you meet the eHomeAffairs requirements. The Department’s eHomeAffairs guide also provides for an applicant to capture and submit an application for a minor directly related to them.

Applications involving children can have additional consent and supporting-document requirements. If you are applying for a minor, check the separate Child Passport Requirements South Africa guide before proceeding.

If eHomeAffairs does not accept your details or your circumstances fall outside the online eligibility shown by Home Affairs, confirm the correct application route directly with the Department rather than assuming the online process applies.

Eligibility Requirements

For the standard eHomeAffairs route, you will generally need to be able to:

• register or log in using your South African ID number;
• receive verification codes on your registered cellphone;
• provide the information requested in the online application;
• complete any supporting-document requirements shown for your application;
• pay the prescribed passport fee; and
• attend in person for biometric capture or verification.

eHomeAffairs requires a cellphone number and email address during profile registration, and an OTP is used as part of the verification and login process. (eHome)

Your exact eligibility can depend on factors such as your citizenship status, age, whether you are applying for yourself or a child, and whether you are replacing an existing passport.

Documents You May Need

Do not rely on a generic document list alone. eHomeAffairs displays the supporting documents required for the particular application, and Home Affairs says originals may need to be presented when you attend the branch or bank office.

Required proof

Prepare the following before you start:

• your South African ID details;
• an email address and cellphone number that you can access;
• any existing passport relevant to the application;
• supporting documents specifically requested by eHomeAffairs; and
• originals of supporting documents where Home Affairs requires them at the in-person stage.

Different rules can apply to children, lost or stolen passports and other special circumstances. Check the requirements displayed in your online application instead of uploading documents based only on an older checklist.

Steps to Apply or Prepare

1. Go to the official eHomeAffairs portal. Register a profile if you do not already have one. Official eHomeAffairs portal
2. Complete the verification process. Enter the OTP sent to your cellphone and log in.
3. Start a passport application. Complete all mandatory fields and check your personal information carefully before submitting.
4. Upload supporting documents if requested. The portal will indicate the documents required for your application.
5. Make the payment. When payment is initiated through eHomeAffairs, you may also need to authorise it through your bank’s internet-banking process before it is completed.
6. Choose where to complete your biometrics. You can complete biometric capture at a Home Affairs office or, where available, an enabled bank office. A booking is required for the bank-office route.
7. Take your confirmation information and required originals. Follow the instructions generated by eHomeAffairs for your visit.
8. Complete the in-person biometric step. Your photograph, fingerprints and signature must be captured or verified before the application can be finalised. (eHome)

Costs, Processing Times and Validity

The published government fee for a standard 32-page adult passport application made within South Africa is R600. The published fee for a 48-page maxi passport is R1,200. Because fees can change, confirm the amount shown by Home Affairs when you apply. (Government of South Africa)

A standard adult tourist passport is generally valid for 10 years. South African passports are not simply extended when they expire; a new passport application is required. (Western Cape Government)

For processing time, the Department’s 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan sets a target of issuing 90% of adult live-capture passports within 13 working days for qualifying applications collected and processed in South Africa. This is a service target rather than a guaranteed turnaround time, so allow extra time before booking international travel.

If you already have a passport that is expiring or has expired, see Passport Renewal Requirements South Africa for the relevant preparation steps.

Common Mistakes and Delays

Common mistake

One of the easiest mistakes is assuming that submitting the application online means you do not need to visit Home Affairs. You must still complete the biometric requirement in person. (eHome)

Other problems that can delay the process include:

• entering information that does not match your Home Affairs records;
• using a cellphone number or email address you cannot access;
• failing to authorise an online payment through your bank;
• arriving without original supporting documents when they are required;
• assuming that every bank branch provides Home Affairs services; and
• waiting until shortly before an international trip to apply.

Check every instruction shown in your eHomeAffairs application before attending your branch or bank appointment.

Where to Confirm Official Requirements

Use the Department of Home Affairs’ official eHomeAffairs service to confirm the current online application process, supporting-document prompts, payment instructions and available booking options. Check eHomeAffairs

Requirements.co.za is an independent information guide and is not the Department of Home Affairs. Passport fees, online eligibility rules, participating service points and application procedures can change, so the official Home Affairs information displayed when you apply should take precedence.

Related guide

For a broader overview of passport documents and application requirements, continue to Passport Requirements South Africa. You can also browse the main Passports Requirements South Africa section for related passport guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for How to Apply for Passport Online South Africa?

You need to meet the eHomeAffairs eligibility rules, provide the information requested in the online application, complete any required supporting-document and payment steps, and attend in person for biometric capture or verification. (eHome)

What documents are needed?

The exact supporting documents depend on your application. eHomeAffairs lists the documents required for the selected application, and originals may need to be presented at the branch or bank office.

How long does it take?

Home Affairs’ 2026/27 target is for 90% of adult live-capture passports processed within South Africa to be issued within 13 working days. This is not a guarantee, and individual applications can take longer.

Where can I confirm the latest official rules?

Check the official Department of Home Affairs eHomeAffairs portal before applying. It provides the current application steps, document prompts, payment process and booking options available for your application. (eHome)