How Much is a Passport Cost in South Africa?

If you’re a South African planning to travel to other countries, you’ll need a passport. The cost of getting a passport in South Africa can change depending on a few things, like what kind of passport you want, how old you are, and where you apply for it. This guide will help you understand the different passport fees, how long it takes to get one, and other important information.

Regular Passport Costs in South Africa

Adult Passports

If you’re an adult applying for a passport in South Africa, a regular passport costs R600 (about $35 in US dollars). This is for a passport with 32 pages, which is enough for most people who travel.

Kid Passports

For kids under 18, a child passport also costs R600 (about $35 US dollars).

Big Passports

If you travel a lot and need more pages for visas, you can get a Maxi Tourist Passport with 48 pages. This costs R1200 (about $70 US dollars).

Passport Costs for People Applying Outside South Africa

If you’re applying for a South African passport at an embassy or consulate in another country, it costs more:

• Adult Passport: R1200 (about $70 US dollars)
• Child Passport: R1200 (about $70 US dollars)
• Maxi Tourist Passport (48 Pages): R2400 (about $140 US dollars)

Emergency Travel Papers

If you need to travel quickly and can’t wait for a regular passport, you can get an Emergency Travel Certificate. This costs R140 (about $8 US dollars) when you apply outside South Africa.

Costs for Replacing Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Passports

If you lose your passport, damage it, or it gets stolen, you usually have to pay twice the normal cost to replace it. But if it wasn’t your fault, you might only have to pay the regular price.

Other Travel Document Costs

Sometimes you might need to pay for other travel-related documents:

• Permission to enter or leave South Africa at a place that’s not a normal border crossing: R425 (about $25 US dollars)
• Renewing a Visitor’s Permit: R425 (about $25 US dollars)
• Permanent Residence Permit: R1520 (about $90 US dollars)
• Paper confirming Permanent Residence: R100 (about $6 US dollars)

Visa and Permit Costs

If you need a visa or permit, here are some of the costs:

• Visitor’s Visa: R425 (about $25 US dollars)
• Transit Visa (for passing through): R425 (about $25 US dollars)
• Study Permit: R425 (about $25 US dollars)
• Business Permit: R1520 (about $90 US dollars)
• Work Permit: R1520 (about $90 US dollars)

How Long It Takes to Get a Passport

Getting a passport takes time. Here’s how long you might have to wait:

• Regular passports: At least 6 months
• Kid passports: At least 6 months
• Big passports: At least 6 months
• Replacing lost, stolen, or damaged passports: At least 6 months

Remember, sometimes it might take even longer than this.

How to Pay for Your Passport

When you apply for a South African passport, you need to pay the right way:

1. In South Africa: You can usually pay at the Home Affairs offices with cash, a debit card, or a credit card.
2. Outside South Africa: If you’re applying at a South African embassy in another country, you need to pay with a money order or a special bank check. Who you make the check out to depends on where you’re applying:
   • South African Consulate General for Los Angeles
   • South African Consulate General New York for New York
   • South African Embassy for Washington, DC

They don’t accept personal checks, and you need to pay the exact amount because they don’t give change.

Other Things to Think About When Applying for a Passport

Passport Photos

You’ll need to get passport photos that follow special rules. These aren’t included in the passport cost, so you’ll need to pay for them separately.

Delivery Costs

If you’re applying outside South Africa, you need to include an envelope with your address and postage paid to get your documents back. This is an extra cost on top of the passport fee.

Online Applications

South Africa is working on a system to apply for passports online. This might make things easier in the future, but for now, check the Home Affairs website for the latest information.

Things That Can Change How Much Your Passport Costs

Several things can affect the total cost of getting a South African passport:

1. How old you are: Adult and kid passports have different prices.
2. What kind of passport you want: Regular, big, or emergency passports cost different amounts.
3. Where you apply: It costs more to apply outside South Africa.
4. How quickly you need it: Emergency documents might cost extra.
5. If you’re replacing a passport: Lost or damaged passports might cost more to replace.

Tips for Making Your Passport Application Easier

1. Plan early: Since it takes a long time to get a passport, apply way before you plan to travel.
2. Check everything twice: Make sure you have all the papers you need and the right amount of money before you apply.
3. Think about getting a big passport: If you travel a lot, paying extra for a big passport might save you money in the long run.
4. Take good care of your passport: Since it costs more to replace a passport, be extra careful not to lose or damage it.
5. Stay up to date: Passport costs and wait times can change. Always check the latest information from official sources before you apply.

Conclusion

Getting a South African passport involves different costs depending on what kind of passport you need, how old you are, and where you apply. With regular adult passports starting at R600 in South Africa and R1200 if you apply in another country, it’s important to save up and plan ahead. Remember, it takes at least six months to get your passport.

By understanding these costs and what can affect them, you can be better prepared when you apply for your passport. Always check the official Home Affairs website or ask at a South African embassy for the most recent information about passport costs and what you need to apply.