This section helps you choose the right passport page before you book, pay, or start collecting documents. In South Africa, passport applications are handled by the Department of Home Affairs. Adults generally apply with an identity document, while children apply using a birth certificate. Some offices use the DHA booking system, and some applicants can start online through eHomeAffairs before completing biometrics in person.
Use this hub when you need the broad route. Use the child pages when you need a specific checklist, a child-passport guide, or a how-to process.
Key requirements for Passports
Who this section is for
This section is for:
- adults applying for a first passport or a replacement
- parents or guardians applying for a child passport
- travellers who need help understanding Home Affairs requirements before visiting a branch
- applicants deciding whether to use a branch route or eHomeAffairs where available
- people dealing with lost, stolen, damaged, or urgent travel-document situations
Core requirement pages
Start with the page that matches your situation:
- Child Passport Requirements in South Africa
- Passport Requirements in South Africa
- Documents Required for a Child Passport in South Africa
- eHomeAffairs Passport Application Guide
- How to Apply for a Passport in South Africa
- Passport Documents Required in South Africa
Documents, fees, and processing times for Passports
For a standard passport application inside South Africa, the starting-point requirement is usually proof of identity. Home Affairs says adults must have a South African identity document to apply, while a child applicant must have a birth certificate. For minors, you should also expect consent and supporting documents to matter, especially where one parent is not present or the application route involves a child-specific case.
If you use eHomeAffairs, the online system lets you capture and submit the application form, upload supporting documents where required, and make a payment instruction through participating banks. Even when you start online, originals still matter. You should be ready to present original documents when you attend your branch or bank appointment for biometrics and verification.
Fees and turnaround times can change by document type and location. This hub does not try to replace your exact fee or timing page. Instead, use the right child page first, then confirm the live Home Affairs fee position before paying.
How to apply for Passports
Most applicants follow this flow:
- Confirm the exact passport route you need.
- Check the required supporting documents.
- Book a visit if your office uses the DHA appointment system.
- If eligible, use eHomeAffairs to capture the application and submit payment instructions.
- Attend the office or bank branch for biometrics and document verification.
- Track collection instructions from Home Affairs.
The biggest mistake is treating every passport application the same. A child passport, first-time adult passport, lost-passport replacement, and emergency travel document can each need slightly different supporting documents or proof.
Special cases and related pages for Passports
Passport applications often split into special-case journeys. The main ones are:
- child passports, where the supporting document pack is different from a normal adult route
- first-time passports, where identity and supporting records must line up cleanly
- lost or stolen passports, where affidavit or replacement support becomes important
- emergency travel documents, where the purpose is urgent travel support rather than a standard passport cycle
- eHomeAffairs-assisted applications, where online capture helps but does not remove the in-person step
If you are applying for a child, open the child-specific pages first. If you are trying to fix a problem with a lost document or an urgent travel deadline, go straight to the special-case page instead of a general overview.
FAQs about Passports
Do adults and children apply with the same main identity document?
No. Home Affairs says adults need a South African ID document, while children use a birth certificate as the starting document.
Can I apply completely online?
Not usually. eHomeAffairs can help you capture and submit the form and make the payment instruction, but you still need to present originals and complete the in-person part where required.
Should I use this page or a child page?
Use this hub if you still need to choose the correct route. Use a child page once you know your exact scenario, such as a child passport or a lost-passport replacement.
Where should I go next?
For most users, the best next step is Passport Requirements in South Africa or How to Apply for a Passport in South Africa.