Can someone else collect my passport for me?

Generally, you must collect in person. Some missions allow collection by a designated person with authorization. If courier return is offered, confirm the address and identity-check rules before leaving your appointment.

The DHA website shows no record of my application. Is this normal?

Yes, it can take 1-2 weeks for applications submitted abroad to appear in the DHA system.

Application Tracking

Track Your South African Passport Application

Check the status of your South African passport application using the DHA Track & Trace system, VFS Global tracking, or by contacting your embassy directly.

Reviewed 4 August 2026. Use your official receipt or VFS reference number. Applications submitted abroad may not appear online immediately, so keep the mission or VFS centre contact details from your appointment confirmation.

How to Track Your Application

Method 1: DHA Online Track & Trace

The Department of Home Affairs provides an online tracking system on their official website.

Visit www.dha.gov.za
Navigate to "Track and Trace" or "Track Application" section
Enter your ID number or application reference number
View your application status

Note: The online system may not immediately reflect applications submitted at missions abroad. Allow 1-2 weeks after submission for your application to appear in the system.

Method 2: Contact Your Embassy

Your South African embassy or high commission can check the status of your application. Contact the consular section with your:

Application reference number (from your receipt)
South African ID number
Date of application

Most embassies will notify you by email, phone, or SMS when your passport is ready for collection.

Method 3: DHA Call Centre

Contact the DHA call centre for assistance with tracking:

Within SA: 0800 60 11 90 (toll-free)
From abroad: +27 12 406 4200
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:00 (SAST)

Method 4: VFS Global Tracking

If you applied through a VFS Global centre, track your application on the VFS portal:

Visit the VFS Global South Africa passport portal for your country
Click on "Track Application"
Enter your reference number from the VFS receipt

Understanding Your Application Status

Status	What It Means
Application Received	Your application has been received at the embassy/VFS and is being forwarded to Pretoria
In Process	Your application is being processed at the DHA in Pretoria
At Printing	Your passport has been approved and is being printed
In Transit	Your passport has been printed and is being shipped to the embassy via diplomatic pouch
Ready for Collection	Your passport is at the embassy and ready for you to collect
Query/Problem	There is an issue with your application -- contact the embassy immediately

Expected Timelines

From Application to Collection

Biometric capture to Pretoria receipt: 1-2 weeks (diplomatic pouch)
DHA processing and printing: 3-4 weeks
Return shipping to embassy: 1-2 weeks
Total estimated time: 5-8 weeks

Applications submitted via Live Capture are generally faster as data is transmitted electronically to Pretoria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact your embassy's consular section with your reference number and ID number. They can escalate the query with the DHA in Pretoria. Also try the DHA call centre at +27 12 406 4200. Processing delays can occur during peak periods or if there are queries on your application.

Generally, you must collect your passport in person with valid identification. Some missions allow collection by a designated person with a signed authorisation letter, a certified copy of your ID, and the collector's ID. If your application centre offers courier return, confirm the address and identity-check rules before you leave the appointment.

Yes, it can take 1-2 weeks for applications submitted at missions abroad to appear in the DHA's online system. The delay is due to the time needed for the diplomatic pouch to reach Pretoria and for the application to be entered into the system. If it has been more than 3 weeks, contact your embassy.