Quick Summary
Passport fees in South Africa vary depending on the type of passport and whether the application is made within or outside of the country. As of November 1, 2022, the fees for adult passports within South Africa are R600 for 32 pages and R1,200 for 48 pages. The government believes that financially better off passport holders should not be subsidized in the same way as ordinary citizens, leading to the adjustment of fees. It is important to check the official website for the most up-to-date information as fees are subject to change.
Introduction
Passport fees in South Africa can vary depending on several factors. It is important to be aware of the current fees before applying for a passport. The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa provides the official information regarding passport fees. It is recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Passport Fees within South Africa
When applying for a passport in South Africa, it is important to be aware of the fees associated with different types of passports. The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa provides a breakdown of these fees, which can vary depending on the type of passport you are applying for.
For adult passports, the current fee is R600.00. This fee applies to individuals who are 16 years old and above. Similarly, the fee for child passports, for individuals under the age of 16, is also R600.00.
In addition to the standard adult and child passports, there are other specific types of passports that have the same fee of R600.00. These include the replacement of a new format South African tourist passport that runs out of blank visa pages before the expiry dates, a document for traveling purposes (BI-105), a crew member certificate, a diplomatic passport, and an official passport (including official emergency passport) or crew member certificate, and a temporary passport issued for official purposes.
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change. To ensure that you have the most up-to-date information on passport fees, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa.
Passport Fees for Applications Outside of South Africa
When applying for a passport outside of South Africa, the fees are generally higher compared to applications made within the country. It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it’s always best to verify the current fees on the official website of the Department of Home Affairs.
Adult Passports
The fee for an adult passport application made outside of South Africa is R1200.00. This applies to individuals who are 16 years old and above.
Child Passports
For children under the age of 16, the fee for a passport application made outside of South Africa is also R1200.00.
Maxi Tourist Passport (48 Pages)
If you require a maxi tourist passport with 48 pages, the fee for an application made outside of South Africa is R2400.00.
Emergency Travel Certificate (BI-123)
In case of an emergency where you need a travel document urgently, the fee for an emergency travel certificate application made outside of South Africa is R140.00.
It’s important to plan ahead and consider these higher fees when applying for a passport outside of South Africa. Make sure to check the official website for any updates or changes to the fees before submitting your application.
Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Passports
When it comes to lost, damaged, or stolen passports in South Africa, there are specific fees that need to be considered. If you find yourself in any of these unfortunate situations, it’s important to be aware of the associated costs.
If a passport is lost, damaged, or stolen due to no negligence on the part of the holder, only the normal fee will be payable. This means that you will not be charged any additional fees beyond the standard passport fee.
However, if the loss, damage, or theft of the passport is determined to be a result of negligence on the part of the holder, the fee will be double the current tariff for the document concerned. This serves as a reminder of the importance of taking necessary precautions to safeguard your passport.
It is crucial to keep your passport in a safe place and be mindful of its whereabouts at all times. Avoid exposing it to potential risks or leaving it unattended in public areas. Additionally, consider making copies of your passport and storing them separately from the original document. This can be helpful in case of emergencies or as a reference if the passport is lost or stolen.
By being proactive and taking necessary precautions, you can minimize the risk of losing or damaging your passport. However, if such an unfortunate event does occur, it’s essential to report it immediately to the relevant authorities and take the necessary steps to obtain a replacement passport.
New Passport Fees and Reasons for Adjustment
The Minister of Home Affairs in South Africa, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has recently approved new fees for passports and travel documents. These amended fees are set to come into effect on November 1, 2022.
The decision to adjust the fees was made after conducting a benchmarking exercise with other countries. It was found that South Africa’s passport fees were significantly lower compared to those of other nations. Additionally, the production costs for passports were found to be higher than what people are currently paying.
As a result, the government believes that financially better off passport holders should not be subsidized in the same way as ordinary citizens. This means that the fees for passport applications will be increased to better reflect the actual production costs and align with international standards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining a passport in South Africa requires paying certain fees. It is important to be aware of these fees and plan accordingly when applying for a passport. Here are the key points discussed in this blog post:
- The fees for passports within South Africa are R600.00 for adult and child passports, with additional fees for specific types of passports.
- Passport applications made outside of South Africa at Missions, Embassies, or Consulates have higher fees.
- If a passport is lost, damaged, or stolen due to no negligence on the part of the holder, only the normal fee will be payable.
- The Minister of Home Affairs in South Africa has recently approved new passport fees, taking into account benchmarking exercises and higher production costs.
It is crucial to check the official website of the Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date passport fees, as these fees are subject to change. By staying informed, you can avoid any surprises and plan your passport application process accordingly.
Remember to budget for the passport fees and any additional costs associated with the application process, such as photographs or supporting documents. Planning ahead will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when obtaining a passport in South Africa.
