Getting your passport doesn’t have to involve taking a day off from work to queue and fill in forms. You can apply online, then make an appointment to capture your biometrics at a participating Nedbank branch. Conveniently, you can collect the new passport at the same branch when it’s ready.
 

What is a passport?

A South African passport verifies your nationality as a South African citizen, so you need one to travel to any foreign country. A passport is the key that unlocks the door to international travel. If you’re planning to travel abroad, you should apply for one well in advance.

South Africa has 6 different types of passports that are issued according to the category of traveller – including child passports for those under 16 years of age. If you’re a frequent traveller, consider getting a maxi passport. These are 48-page documents specifically designed for people who travel often. They contain the same information as regular passports, but have more pages for visas.

All South African passports include the following information

• Birth date
• Birthplace
• Sex of the passport holder
• Given names and surnames of the passport holder
• Expiry date
• Issue date
• Issuing authority
• Issuing country
• Nationality of the passport holder
• Passport number
• A photo of the passport holder
• Type of passport

How to apply for your new passport

You can queue at the nearest Department of Home Affairs (DHA) office to apply in person, where you will also pay the prescribed fee, with the following documents

• A completed passport application Form (DHA-73),
• The original and a copy of your original ID (or birth certificate if you’re less than 16 years old),
• A parental consent form if you’re under 18,
• 2 colour photographs that comply with the passport and ID photograph specifications. 

Or you can simply apply online through the e-Home Affairs website – the hassle-free route to get your passport. Here’s what you need to do

• Visit the e-Home Affairs website and register. You’ll need to provide some basic information, and you’ll receive a one-time password (OTP) via SMS to complete your registration.
• Once registered, you can create your profile, complete your application, upload supporting documents and make your payment using SelectPay.
• You can also schedule appointments for capturing your biometrics, which is a necessary step in the application process.
• If you apply for your passport at the same time as your ID card, you will pay a fee for both.

To capture your biometrics, complete your payment through your Nedbank Online Banking profile and book an appointment at your nearest participating Nedbank branch. On the day of your appointment, bring your booking confirmation and ID book or card with you. At the branch, your fingerprints will be scanned, and a photo will be taken.

Once your passport is ready, the DHA will notify you via SMS, and you can collect it at the same branch where you captured your biometrics. Applying for your South African passport has never been simpler, so start your online application today!
 

FAQ

What if I’ve lost my passport?

If you don’t have your old passport or don’t remember your passport number, you can still apply for a new one, but the process will be slightly different. See the DHA website for more information.

Do I have to renew my South African passport?

South African passports are valid for 10 years and must be renewed once they expire. It’s important to keep track of your passport’s expiry date and apply for renewal well in advance of any travel plans.

Do I still have to bring photos for my passport application?

You will have to bring 2 passport photos that meet the specific size and quality requirements outlined in the passport and ID photograph specifications if you apply in person at the DHA. However, if you’re applying online and having your biometrics captured at Nedbank, you won’t need to bring physical photos, as your ID image will be captured digitally.