What is needed for passport application?

By | November 22, 2024
0 Comment

What is needed for passport application?

To Apply for South African passport you need some particulars to process your passport during application, Below are the document needed before you can apply any of passport below.

Tourist passport

Visitor’s passports are issued to South African citizens 16 years and older.

To apply, you’ll need to complete a DHA-73 form at a Home Affairs domestic office or, if you’re overseas, at a South African embassy or mission.

You must also:

  • Have proof of your identity. If you don’t have an ID, here’s how to apply for one.
  • Supply 2 passport photographs. Confirm with your nearest Home Affairs office if they’re using the new biometric system. If so, then you don’t need to bring your own photographs.
  • Have your fingerprints taken.
  • Pay the R400 application fee.

It will take about 7-21 working days to process the application and issue the passport. The tourist passport is valid for 10 years.

Note: Passports must be valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure. Passports should also have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

Please contact your Home Affairs office before visting, to confirm if they’re using the new biometric application system, or if you need to bring your own photos. 

Visas

In addition to a passport, South African citizens are also required to have travel visas for certain countries which you may want to visit.

Child’s passport

This passport is issued to South African children 16 years old and younger.

To apply, you’ll need to complete a DHA-73 form at a Home Affairs domestic office or, if you’re overseas, at a South African embassy or mission.

You must also:

  • Have proof of your identity. If you don’t have an ID, here’s how to apply for one.
  • Supply 2 passport photographs. Confirm with your nearest Home Affairs office if they’re using the new biometric system. If so, then you don’t need to bring your own photographs.
  • Pay the fee of R400.
  • Both parents and the child must be present when applying. If you’re divorced, unmarried or 1 or both parents are deceased.

It will take between 7 – 21 working days to process the application and issue the passport. The child’s passport is valid for 10 years.

Please contact your Home Affairs office before visting, to confirm if they’re using the new biometric application system, or if you need to bring your own photos.

Official passports

This passport is issued to South African officials who are travelling on official government business.

To apply, you’ll need to complete a DHA-73 form at a Home Affairs domestic office or, if you’re overseas, at a South African embassy or mission.

You must also:
  • Have proof of your identity. If you don’t have an ID, here’s how to apply for one.
  • Supply 2 passport photographs. Confirm with your nearest Home Affairs office if they’re using the new biometric system. If so, then you don’t need to bring your own photographs.
  • Have your fingerprints taken.
See also  ECD Program

This passport is valid for 10 years.

Please contact your Home Affairs office before visting, to confirm if they’re using the new biometric application system, or if you need to bring your own photos. 

Emergency travel certificate

This document can be issued to South African citizens who need to travel urgently and there is insufficient time to process a passport application.

To apply, you’ll need to complete a DHA-73 form at Home Affairs domestic office or, if you’re overseas, at a South African embassy or mission.

You must also:

  • Have proof of your identity. If you don’t have an ID, here’s how to apply for one.
  • Supply 2 passport photographs. Confirm with your nearest Home Affairs office if they’re using the new biometric system. If so, then you don’t need to bring your own photographs.
  • Have your fingerprints taken.
  • Pay the fee of R140.

It will take about one week to process the application and issue the certificate.

This certificate is valid for 9 months and can only be used for a single journey.

Please contact your Home Affairs office before visting, to confirm if they’re using the new biometric application system, or if you need to bring your own photos. 

Document for travel purposes

This document is issued to people with permanent residence in South Africa who can’t get travel documents from their own countries, for example refugees and stateless persons lawfully residing in South Africa.

To apply, you’ll need to complete a DHA-73 form at Home Affairs domestic office or, if you’re overseas, at a South African embassy or mission.

You must also:

  • Have proof of your identity.  If you don’t have an ID, here’s how to apply for one.
  • Supply 2 passport photographs. Confirm with your nearest Home Affairs office if they’re using the new biometric system. If so, then you don’t need to bring your own photographs.
  • Have your fingerprints taken.
  • Pay the fee of R400.

It will take between 7-21 working days to process the application. You can track and trace the progress of your application on the Department of Home Affairs website, or by sending a sms with the letter P followed by you ID number to 32551.

This document is valid for 5 years.

Please contact your Home Affairs office before visting, to confirm if they’re using the new biometric application system, or if you need to bring your own photos

New Specification for Passport and ID Photos

For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or contact your nearest Home Affairs Office.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

Related Resources

📋 Online Applications Guide Comprehensive guides for online applications in South Africa
🛡️ PSIRA Registration Guide Step-by-step PSIRA registration and renewal process
📄 Government Forms 2024 Download and guidance for South African government forms

 

See also  SAA Voyage

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

Related Posts: