Guide to South African Passport Application at Banks Including FNB, Absa & Standard Bank 

While many will continue to look at the downside of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially on the world economy and other aspects of life, we might have this pandemic to thank for making us look inwards and create alternatives to several cumbersome processes. One of these is the South African passport application process.

Prior to this time, the unending queues and the cumbersome process of getting the South African passport have deterred several citizens from trying to get one. But with this online South African passport application through the banks, several South Africans have testified to how easy and seamless it has become to apply for and get the South African passport. More daring is the move of authorizing several South African banks to capture biometrics and complete the application, which has further simplified the application process.

You Can Apply and Get Your South African Passport at South African Banks

One of the ways the South African passport application has been made easier is the new way of applying online and through your bank. Before you can apply via any of the stipulated banks, you need to have an existing account and also ought to have registered for online banking in that particular bank.

South African Passport Requirements and Documents

Even though documents required to apply for a South African passport can vary due to the type of passport in question, there are some documents and particular IDs that cuts across and is a must-have to apply for any type of passport in South Africa. The first of these requirements is a South African identity number. This number is always given at the registration of one’s birth and every bonafide South African has one. This is the first requirement for anyone who wishes to apply for a South African passport as this is what indicates that you are South African.

Moreover, whether you are applying online through the Department of Home Affairs website, physically, or through your bank, here are some other documents that you need to provide to complete your application for your South African passport. The documents include:

  • A duly completed passport application Form DHA-73.
  • A copy of your original identity document or copy of your birth certificate if the applicant is under the age of 16.
  • If the applicant is under 18 years of age, there is a need for parental consent for issuing the passport.
  • If one is applying from abroad, one needs a completed determination of citizenship Form DHA-529. One also needs to show any existing valid tourist passport where necessary.
  • In case one loses his passport or it has been stolen, one must provide a loss of passport report (DHA-335) and evidence that the loss has been reported to the police.
  • Two colored photographs which comply with the Passport and ID Photograph Specifications (Note: This is not needed at the smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally).
  • For Official Passports, one needs a letter on the official letterhead which is signed by the head of the institution or his or her delegate confirming that the passport is needed for an official trip and that the applicant is also employed by the institution.
  • Pay the prescribed fee for the passport and show the evidence of payment.

Step by Step Guide On The Online/ Bank Application Process For South African Passport

The South African passport application process has been simplified with this online application opportunity that you do not have to go through endless queues and several rigorous steps when filing your application. It’s good to know that one can actually begin the application process from the comfort of one’s home.

Note: To complete this online application process, a bank branch visit is compulsory to capture and verify your biometric details. This will include the capturing of your picture, fingerprints, and signature. This final process can also be done at any Home Affairs office even without an appointment.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Create profile: To create a profile, visit the Department of Home Affairs website https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php or https://ehome.dha.gov.za/ehomeaffairsv3 to fill out the registration form. Once you have created a profile, you can manage your application, apply for renewal and even apply for your children’s passport. You can consequently log in and manage your application through this profile.
  2. Once you have an active profile on the website, you are then expected to fill out the registration form with all your details especially the type of passport you are applying for amongst other things.
  3. The next step will be to attach supporting documents. This is a very important step as your application will be deemed incomplete without it. It’s also pertinent to upload the document in the stipulated format to avoid setbacks. The documents needed for uploading are dependent on the type of South African passport you are applying for. For example, if the passport is for your child or children, you will need to upload their birth certificates and your own personal identity document alongside your spouse’s. If your spouse is dead, you will be required to upload their death certificate.
  4. Select your preferred bank and a branch near you where you intend to capture and pick up your South African passport. Asides from the branches of the Department of Home Affairs which are all over the country, you also have the option of choosing from any of the several banks that are registered with DHA to help complete your application process.
  5. Use your online banking platform to make payments in order to complete your application. This very important step is one of the most emphasized things to do in your application process. This is why applicants are advised to ensure that they register for online banking with their chosen bank as no bank has been authorized by the DHA to accept payments in cash.
  6. After making the required payment, you will be given a payment confirmation reference number which you are expected to keep as you might need it later. It is pertinent to note that making payment for another person is not allowed except for parents who are applying for their children.
  7. Schedule an appointment with a Home Affairs enabled bank branch. After securing your payment confirmation reference number, you will have to book an appointment with a particular branch of your bank. There’s no need to fret here as there are lots of options to choose from. This appointment will enable you to get your picture and biometrics captured. Before you can do this step at the bank, you will have to show the appointment confirmation which will be sent to you as evidence.
  8. Visit the bank with the necessary documents. Whenever you choose to go for your appointment in the bank, it is compulsory to show up with all the relevant documents highlighted in the requirements section of this article. These documents can vary depending on the type of passport you are applying for but for the sake of emphasis, the basic important documents include:
    • A duly completed DHA-73 application Form.
    • Your original identity document and a photocopy.
    • The original and photocopy of your birth certificate if you are under 16 years of age.
    • A duly completed determination of citizenship Form DHA-529 for those applying from abroad.
    • For an official passport applicant, you are expected to provide a letter written on the official letterhead of your organization confirming that you are obtaining the passport for an official trip. The letter has to be endorsed by the head of the institution or the owner of the organization.
    • Lastly, if it’s a renewal, you are advised to go with the old one with you.

9. Patiently wait for notification. Once the whole process has been completed in the bank, you will receive an SMS and an email once your passport is ready.

List of Banks Where You Can Apply For Passport in Different Cities in South Africa

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Since the online South African passport application started, the DHA has equipped several South African banks with the authority to handle and complete this passport application, however, not all banks are involved. What this means is that even though the FNB, Ned bank, and Standard bank amongst others do this application, it doesn’t mean that one can walk into any of these said banks and demand to do the application as not all the bank branches can do it.

The passport application can only be done by particular branches who have been assigned to do so. For each of these branches, there are officer managers directly from the Department of Home Affairs. Here is a list of banks and particular branches where you can apply for and renew your passport in different parts of South Africa and also the details of the contact person should you feel inclined to contact the bank before showing up:

ABSA BANK CENTURION LIFESTYLE CENTRE

  • Office Manager: Marilyn Masindi
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa

FNB CENTURION LIFESTYLE CENTRE

  • Office Manager: La-Toya Shilubane
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 012 653 2661, 066 460 0530

FNB LYNNWOOD

  • Office Manager: Harold Mathebula
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 066 460 0130

FNB MERCHANT PLACE SANDTON

  • Office Manager: Gertrude Selepe
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 066 290 3307

NEDBANK ARCADIA

  • Office Manager: Fikiswa Bam
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Arcadia, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 0800 555 111, 066 460 0122

NEDBANK CONSTANTIA KLOOF

  • Office Manager: Danel Steyn
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Roodepoort, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 0800 555 111, 011 639 4208

NEDBANK RIVONIA

  • Office Manager: Judy Mauka
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 0800 555 111, 066 290 3257

STANDARD BANK CENTURION LIFESTYLE

  • Office Manager: Owen Mafumu
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 012 671 4042, 066 469 0606

STANDARD BANK KILLARNEY MALL

  • Office Manager: Martin Maphiri
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Killarney, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 011 486 0002, 066 290 3261

STANDARD BANK JOHANNESBURG SIMMONDS STR

  • Office Manager: Lebogang Moloantoa
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 011 631 1624 , 011 639 4205 , 066 290 3277

FNB GREENPOINT

  • Location: Greenpoint, Western Cape, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 087 345 6090

STANDARD BANK

  • Location: Mitchell’s Plain, Western Cape, South Africa

INVESTEC BANK

  • Office Manager: Gertrude Selepe
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 066 290 3307

NEDBANK NELSPRUIT

  • Office Manager: Yvette Alves
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 0800 555 111, 081 336 5941

FNB CORNUBIA

  • Office Manager: Mbongiseni Magagula
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Greyville, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 031 3087900

STANDARD BANK KINGSMEAD

  • Office Manager: Mbongiseni Magagula
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Greyville, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 031 308 7900

STANDARD BANK JUBILEE MALL

  • Office Manager: Thabiso Motiang
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Hammanskraal, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 011 351 7814, 072 106 2913

ABSA BANK SANDTON

  • Office Manager: Rendani Tshifularo
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 066 290 3314

ABSA BANK KEY WEST MALL

  • Office Manager: Selemo Bless
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Krugersdorp, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 079 900 6457

FNB BURGERSFORT

  • Office Manager: Daphney Mafego
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Burgersfort, Limpopo, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 013 216 0098 , 072 457 8619

FNB GLEN SHOPPING CENTRE

  • Office Manager: Yolanda Mitchell
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Location: Oakdene, Gauteng, South Africa
  • Phone Number: 061 495 4441

A standard South African passport has the following information:

  • A photo of the passport holder
  • Type of passport
  • Issuing country
  • Passport number
  • Surname and other given names of the passport holder
  • Nationality of the passport holder
  • Gender of the passport holder
  • Birthdate
  • Birthplace
  • Issue date
  • Expiry date
  • Issuing authority

Note: Carrying a fake South African passport can have serious legal implications so beware.

The Different Types of South African Passports You Can Apply For

Depending on who you are, where you work, and what you intend to do with your passport, there are different types of South African passports and it is very important to do your research so as to get things right from the start when applying for your passport. According to the information on the official website of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), here are the types of passports issued by the department:

  • Tourist Passports: This is issued to individuals who are 16 years of age and above and are bonafide South Africans.
  • Maxi Tourist Passports: This is usually issued to citizens of South Africa who travel frequently and are more than 16 years old.
  • Children’s Passport: These passports are issued to children who are below 16 years of age. The consent of both parents is required to obtain this passport and can only be waived when one of the parents is deceased with a death certificate as proof.
  • Official Passports: These types of passports are issued to officials who work with government institutions especially those who need to travel in their official capacity for official purposes.
  • Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC): This is usually issued to citizens who are yet to obtain their valid regular passport and need to travel urgently.
  • Diplomatic passports: These are issued to diplomats and they are always administered by the Department of International Relations.
  • Crew Member Certificates: These types of passports are issued to South Africans who are registered crew members of an airline registered in South Africa.
Feyisayo Oluokun
Feyisayo Oluokun
Feyisayo is a passionate writer, voracious reader and a lover of romance. She is interested in doing intensive research, traveling and exploring new things.

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