Quick Answer: Passport Fees South Africa
For passport applications made in South Africa, the currently published fee for a standard 32-page adult passport is R600. A 48-page maxi passport costs R1,200, while a child passport is R600. These fees apply to the passport application itself and should always be confirmed with the Department of Home Affairs before payment, particularly if you are replacing a lost, stolen, damaged or still-valid passport.
| Passport typePublished fee for applications in South Africa | |
|---|---|
| Adult passport, 32 pages | R600 |
| Maxi adult passport, 48 pages | R1,200 |
| Child passport | R600 |
Home Affairs’ 2026/27 performance target is to issue 90% of adult passports processed through the live-capture system within 13 working days and 90% of children’s passports within 18 working days. These are service targets rather than guaranteed turnaround times.
Before applying, check the broader Passport Requirements South Africa guide so you know which documents and application steps apply to you.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is primarily for South African citizens applying for a passport within South Africa and wanting to understand the likely fee and processing period before they apply.
Applicant type
The amount and requirements can depend on the passport type. A standard tourist passport is generally issued to South African citizens aged 16 and older, while a child passport applies to younger applicants. Frequent travellers may choose the 48-page maxi passport.
Applications submitted outside South Africa through an embassy, mission or consulate have a different fee structure, so applicants abroad should confirm the applicable local fee with the relevant mission rather than relying on domestic prices.
For an overview of the wider document category, see Civic Documents South Africa.
Eligibility Requirements
A South African passport is issued to qualifying South African citizens. The specific requirements differ according to age, passport type and circumstances.
An adult applicant will generally need to establish their South African identity and complete the required biometric process. Child applications involve additional parental or legal-guardian requirements.
If you are replacing an expired or existing passport rather than applying for your first passport, use the Passport Renewal Requirements South Africa guide to check the requirements that apply to your situation.
Do not assume that paying the standard passport fee means the application will automatically be approved. Home Affairs still needs to verify the applicant’s identity, eligibility and supporting information.
Documents You May Need
The exact documents depend on your application circumstances, but applicants should prepare the relevant identification and supporting records before visiting Home Affairs.
Required proof
For an adult passport application, this may include:
- your South African identity document;
- your existing passport, where applicable;
- supporting documents requested for your specific circumstances; and
- payment of the prescribed fee.
Home Affairs captures biometric information during the application process. At offices using live-capture facilities, photographs and fingerprints are captured electronically. Applicants should nevertheless confirm the requirements of the office or application channel they intend to use before visiting.
Child applications may require the child’s birth documentation, identification for the parents or guardians and the appropriate consent. See Child Passport Requirements South Africa for the dedicated child-passport checklist.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
A practical passport application process is:
- Identify the passport you need. Decide whether you require a standard adult, maxi or child passport.
- Confirm the current fee. Check the Department of Home Affairs application channel before making payment.
- Prepare your documents. Make sure your identification and any conditional supporting documents are available.
- Complete the application. Eligible applicants can use eHomeAffairs to capture an application and make payment online.
- Complete biometrics. A physical visit is still required where Home Affairs needs to capture or verify your photograph, fingerprints and signature.
- Track the application and collect the passport once Home Affairs confirms that it is ready.
Home Affairs has moved its branch appointment functionality to the My Home Affairs Online platform, where users can book or manage eligible branch appointments.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
For applications inside South Africa, the published passport fees are R600 for a standard adult passport, R1,200 for a maxi passport and R600 for a child passport.
How long does a passport take in South Africa?
Home Affairs’ official 2026/27 service target is:
- Adult passports: 90% of live-capture applications issued within 13 working days.
- Child passports: 90% of live-capture applications issued within 18 working days.
The measurement starts after the branch application process is complete and ends when the passport has reached the office and is ready for collection. It is therefore not a guarantee that every applicant will receive a passport within 13 or 18 working days.
Allow extra time if you have upcoming travel. System interruptions, application queries, document problems or individual verification requirements can cause delays.
Standard adult tourist and maxi passports are generally valid for 10 years, while child passports are generally valid for five years.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
One of the easiest mistakes is planning international travel around the shortest possible passport turnaround time. The published processing period is a service standard, not a guaranteed collection date.
Other problems that can delay an application include:
- arriving without the correct identification or supporting documents;
- using outdated passport fee information;
- paying through the wrong channel;
- failing to disclose an existing, lost or stolen passport where required;
- assuming adult and child applications have identical requirements; or
- leaving the application until immediately before a flight or visa appointment.
Check the Passports Requirements South Africa hub if you need to identify the correct passport guide before proceeding.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Passport fees, application channels and administrative processes can change. Before paying or submitting an application, confirm the latest information directly with the South African Department of Home Affairs.
The official eHomeAffairs service currently supports online passport applications, payments and certain bookings, while My Home Affairs Online provides branch appointment functionality.
Requirements.co.za is an independent informational guide and is not the Department of Home Affairs. Where information on this page differs from the current Home Affairs application portal or official instructions, follow the official requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for Passport Fees South Africa?
For a standard passport application in South Africa, you generally need to qualify for the relevant passport, provide the required identity and supporting documents, complete biometric verification and pay the prescribed fee. Check the dedicated Passport Requirements South Africa guide for the full requirements.
What documents are needed for Passport Fees South Africa?
Adult applicants will normally need appropriate South African identification and may need an existing passport or other supporting documents depending on their circumstances. Child applications have additional documentation and consent requirements.
How long does it take for Passport Fees South Africa?
Home Affairs’ 2026/27 target is to issue 90% of adult live-capture passports within 13 working days and 90% of child passports within 18 working days. These are targets, not guaranteed turnaround times.
Where can I confirm the latest official requirements for Passport Fees South Africa?
Confirm the current fee, application process, available booking options and document requirements directly through the Department of Home Affairs and its official online services before submitting or paying for your application.