You’ve booked your flights and are mentally sipping cocktails at your dream destination. But before you get ahead of yourself, one question: Are you actually travel-ready?
Every year, many South Africans face last-minute airport drama: expired passports, missing birth certificates when travelling with kids, and even denied boarding due to incorrect documentation. Let’s make sure that isn’t you.
Avoid the passport panic!
Q: How much validity does my passport need?
Most countries require at least six months’ validity on your passport from your intended return date – always check your destination’s visa and entry requirements in advance!
“One of the most common mistakes we see is travellers assuming their passport expiration date doesn’t matter as long as it’s still valid for the duration of their trip. Unfortunately, many countries turn travellers away if they have less than six months remaining on their passport – and some airlines won’t even let you board. The best practice is to renew your passport at least seven months before it expires,” cautions Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa.
Q: How many blank pages should I have?
You need at least two – three blank pages in your passport for entry stamps.
Travelling somewhere requiring a visa? Some countries demand two blank facing pages for a visa AND an entry stamp.
“Few things are more heartbreaking than arriving at the airport, passport in hand, only to be denied boarding over something as small as missing blank pages. If you’re applying for a visa, you need at least two full blank pages side by side – double-check before you travel!” comments Machiri.
Q: Can I leave South Africa on a foreign passport?
Nope. If you hold multiple passports, you must use your South African passport when exiting the country. Once you arrive at your destination, you’re free to use your other passport if you prefer. The same rule applies when you return – South African citizens must enter the country using their South African passport.
Everything you need to know about travelling with children
Q: Do children still need an Unabridged Birth Certificate when travelling?
Yes! All minor children (under 18) travelling through any South African port of entry must have an unabridged birth certificate or an equivalent document. This is part of South Africa’s efforts to prevent child trafficking.
“A frequent mistake we see is parents assuming that Unabridged Birth Certificates are ‘no longer needed.’ That’s incorrect. And if one parent is travelling alone with their child, extra documentation is required – like consent letters and copies of the absent parent’s ID. Immigration officials do not make exceptions, and airlines will deny boarding if documents aren’t in order,” says Machiri.
| Child is travelling with… | Required Documents |
| Both parents | Passport + Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) |
| Only one parent | Passport + UBC + Parental Consent Letter from the other parent + Copy of absent parent’s ID + Contact details of absent parent |
| Legal guardian/non-parent | Passport + UBC +Parental Consent Letters from both parents + Copies of parents’ IDs + Contact details of absent parents |
| Unaccompanied minor | Passport + UBC + Parental Consent Letters + Letter from the person receiving the child at the destination (incl. residential address and contact details) + Copies of all IDs (recipient + parents) |
Read more about requirements for children travelling through South African ports of entry here.
Passport applications & renewals
Q: How do I apply for or renew my passport in SA?
Since the Department of Home Affairs launched their Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), you can now submit your application online and book a biometrics appointment at either:
- A Home Affairs office OR
- A participating bank branch offering Home Affairs services (recommended for quicker processing!)
Availability is limited, so it’s highly recommended to book well in advance.
What you need for a passport application:
- Completed form (DHA-73)
- Green ID book/smart ID or birth certificate (if under 16)
- Two passport-sized colour photos (unless applying at a smartcard office)
- Parental consent if under 18 (if applicable)
- Proof of travel (for emergency travel certificates only)
- Fee payment
- Your existing valid tourist passport (if your passport was lost or stolen and you’re applying for a new passport, you must provide a loss of passport report (DHA-335) and confirmation that you reported the loss to the police).
Q: How much does a passport cost?
- Regular (32-page) passport: R600
- Maxi (48-page for frequent travellers) passport: R1200
Note that emergency passports are available only in urgent cases – but not all countries accept them!
Q: How long does passport processing take?
Expect to collect your passport within 7 – 21 working days*. However, as Machiri warns:
“December, Easter, and school holidays often cause significant Home Affairs backlogs. We get monthly requests from stressed-out travellers looking for a ‘rush’ passport. Here’s the truth: there’s no such thing! Aim to apply at least six months before your passport expires due to limited appointment availability.”
Travel-smart tips to avoid travel hiccups
- Apply early. If your passport has six months or less before it expires, renew it ASAP!
- Check visa requirements. Some visa applications take months to process – don’t leave it late.
- Take certified copies of your travel documents when you travel (carry one and email yourself a digital copy!)
- When travelling with kids, make sure to follow child travel document laws to the letter – or risk denied boarding.
Final travel checklist: Are you ready?
- Passport valid for at least six months AFTER return date?
- Two+ blank passport pages?
- Correct visas acquired (if applicable)?
- Unabridged Birth Certificate & consent letters sorted (if travelling with kids)?
- All necessary documents scanned & backed up?
Tick all the above? Then you’re ready for smooth, stress-free travel! Bookmark this guide, check your passport NOW, and travel with confidence in 2025!
*Processing times vary
**All information is correct as of 3 March 2025