FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Travel Ready is an awareness campaign aimed at empowering travellers to plan and prepare for safe and smooth travel abroad.
South African passport holders planning to travel abroad i.e. families, students, sportsmen, explorers.
Being prepared ensures a safe, smooth stress-free travel experience, while avoiding delays and you can focus on enjoying your trip.
- Domestic travel: ID documents - Children (under 16 years): unabridged birth certificate (contains both parents' details)
- International travel: A passport that must be valid for at least 30 days after your return date
- Any Home Affairs office Click here for the list of offices
- If applying at a non-modernised office, you need two colour photographs
- DHA service centres aimed at providing services to South Africans abroad
- Click here to apply online
- Ordinary / Maxi takes approximately 13 days working days after doing biometrics
- Child passport takes approximately 18 working days after doing biometrics
Delays may occur during peak seasons, so it’s best to apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned travel date.
You will receive an SMS notification or email once your passport is ready for collection at your chosen office. Always bring your ID and the original receipt or reference number when collecting your document.
Additional important information to note:
- Passports must valid for 30 days or more after your return date
- Passports should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps
- If you need a visa, ensure your passport has two blank facing pages