Application

South Africa Passport Application Requirements

South Africa Passport Application Requirements. Applying for a South African passport requires careful attention to official documentation and timelines. Whether you are applying for a regular passport, a child passport, a maxi passport, or an emergency travel certificate, there are specific requirements that you must fulfill.

Table of Contents

Where Are South African Passports Issued?

South African passports are issued only in Pretoria, South Africa. However, South Africans residing abroad can submit applications at South African representative offices, which then forward the applications to Pretoria for processing. The processing time for passports can take six (6) months or more.

Validity: 10 years
Renewal: Not renewable. Once expires, a new passport must be applied for.
Submission: Applications must be submitted in duplicate – one set of originals and one set of copies.

1. Regular Passport Application Requirements

Regular South African passports are issued to applicants aged 16 years and above.

Required Documents

DHA-73: Passport Application form (signed with left thumbprint).
DHA-529: Determination of Citizenship form (mandatory for all applicants).
DHA-9: Fingerprint form (not downloadable – taken at consulate/embassy).
Four (4) passport-sized photographs (2″ x 2″).
Notarized copy of South African Identity Book or Birth Certificate.
Notarized copy of current/expired South African Passport.

Additional Requirements (if applicable)

Divorce Decree for divorced applicants.
Notarized Marriage Certificate for married applicants.
Written Request to retain maiden/double-barrel surname (for married women).
Notarized Copy of Retention/Exemption Letter (for dual citizens).
Certificate of Naturalization (for naturalized South Africans).
Loss of Passport Report and Police Report (for lost passports).

2. Child Passport Application Requirements

Child passports are issued to applicants aged 15 years and below. These are also not renewable once expired, a fresh application is required.

Required Documents

DHA-529: Determination of Citizenship.
DHA-73: Passport Application Form, signed by both parents.
Affidavit and notarized copy of ID if one parent is unavailable.
Death Certificate if one parent is deceased.
Court Order if parental consent is disputed or unavailable.
High Court Appointment Proof if the child is under legal guardianship.
Notarized Copy of South African Birth Certificate.
Notarized Copy of South African Passport.
Letter of Permission (in cases of sole custody/divorced parents).
Four (4) passport-sized photographs (2″ x 2″).

3. Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) Requirements

An Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC) is issued to South Africans who urgently need to return home due to emergencies such as death, illness, or legal matters. ETCs are typically valid from one month to one year and must be accompanied by a permanent passport application.

Required Documents

DHA-73: Passport Application form with thumbprint.
DHA-9: Full fingerprint set (taken at consulate/embassy).
Written Motivation Letter with supporting evidence (e.g., funeral notice, doctor’s letter).
Travel Itinerary or Proof of Travel Plans.
Proof of South African Citizenship (ID book, birth certificate, or old passport).
DHA-529: Determination of Citizenship.
Notarized Copy of Passport.
Notarized Copy of Identity Book or Birth Certificate.
Four (4) passport-sized photographs (2″ x 2″).

Additional Requirements (if applicable)

Divorce Decree.
Marriage Certificate.
Surname Change Request (for married women retaining maiden/double-barrel names).
Retention/Exemption Letter (for dual citizenship).
Certificate of Naturalization (if applicable).
Police Report for Lost Passport.

4. Maxi Passport Application Requirements

Maxi passports are 48-page passports designed for frequent international travelers. They carry the same 10-year validity but include extra visa pages.

Required Documents

DHA-73: Passport Application Form (signed with left thumbprint).
DHA-529: Determination of Citizenship.
DHA-9: Fingerprint Form (taken at consulate/embassy).
Notarized Copy of South African Passport.
Notarized Copy of ID Book or Birth Certificate.
Four (4) passport-sized photographs (2″ x 2″).

Additional Requirements (if applicable)

Divorce Decree.
Notarized Marriage Certificate.
Written Surname Request.
Retention/Exemption Letter (dual citizens).
Naturalization Certificate.
Lost Passport Police Report.

How to Submit a South African Passport Application

Visit the South African Consulate or Embassy if abroad.
Ensure two full sets of documents are submitted (originals + copies).
Fingerprint forms (DHA-9) must be taken at the mission and cannot be downloaded online.
Submit only notarized copies of supporting documents.

Important Notes for Applicants

South African passports are not renewable. A new passport must always be applied for after expiration.
Make sure your documents are complete and notarized to avoid delays.
The processing period can take 6 months or more; apply early, especially for travel or visa purposes.
Emergency Travel Certificates (ETC) can be processed within three (3) weeks, depending on urgency and documentation.

Conclusion

Applying for a South African passport involves various forms, certified documents, and in some cases, legal permissions. Whether you need a regular passport, child passport, maxi passport, or an emergency travel certificate, always ensure that your application complies with the latest Department of Home Affairs guidelines.