Can I renew my SA passport if it has already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired South African passport at any embassy or consulate abroad. There is no penalty for renewing after expiry.

What happens to valid visas in my old passport?

Your old passport will be cancelled and returned to you. Valid visas generally remain valid. Carry both passports when travelling.

Passport Services

How to Renew Your South African Passport Abroad

Q: Do I need a Smart ID card to renew my passport abroad?

No, your green ID book or a certified copy of your ID is sufficient. However, if you have a Smart ID card, bring it as it streamlines the process.

Everything you need to know about renewing your South African passport ("green mamba") while living overseas. Updated for 2026 with the latest on VFS Global centres and doorstep passport delivery.

New: Doorstep Passport Delivery

Since November 2025, South Africans abroad can receive their renewed passports delivered to their door via courier, eliminating the need for a second embassy visit. The service launched in London, Dubai, Perth, Auckland, New York, Ottawa, Berlin, and The Hague, with more countries being added throughout 2026.

When to Renew

You should renew your South African passport if:

Expiring within 6 months: Many countries refuse entry if your passport expires within 6 months
Already expired: You can still renew at an embassy even after expiry
Pages are full: No blank pages for visas or stamps
Damaged: Water damage, torn pages, defaced cover
Name change: After marriage, divorce, or legal name change
Upgrading: Moving from 32-page to 48-page passport

Apply at least 3-4 months before your passport expires or before planned travel requiring visas.

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

Step 1Gather Your Documents

Current South African passport (even if expired)
Certified copy of SA ID document or Smart ID card
Two passport-size photos (white background, 35mm x 45mm)
Completed BI-73 application form
Proof of legal residence in the host country (visa, residence permit, work permit)
Payment for application fee

For children under 16: Add unabridged birth certificate, consent from both parents (Form BI-517), and both parents' IDs.

Step 2Book an Appointment

Contact your nearest South African embassy, high commission, or VFS Global centre to book an appointment. All missions now operate by appointment only for passport services.

Embassy direct: Email or call the consular section
VFS Global: Book online through the VFS portal for your country
Tip: Book well in advance, especially during peak times (December holidays, school breaks)

Step 3Attend in Person for Biometrics

You must attend your appointment in person. The embassy or VFS centre will:

Verify your identity and documents
Capture your fingerprints digitally (Live Capture system)
Take your photograph and digital signature
Accept your completed BI-73 form and payment

Where Live Capture is not available, manual applications are accepted but processing takes longer as forms are sent to Pretoria by diplomatic pouch.

Step 4Wait for Processing

Your application is forwarded to the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria for processing and printing.

Live Capture missions:	~5 weeks processing
Manual applications:	6-8 weeks minimum (can be longer)
Track your application:	Through the embassy or DHA Track & Trace

Step 5Collect or Receive Your Passport

Option A -- Embassy collection: Collect in person at the mission. Bring your receipt/reference number.

Option B -- Doorstep delivery (new): Since November 2025, passports can be couriered to your address. Available in London, Dubai, Perth, Auckland, New York, Ottawa, Berlin, and The Hague (expanding to more cities in 2026). Delivery within 24-72 hours once issued.

Your old passport will be cancelled with a perforation/stamp and returned to you. Keep it for any valid visas.

Fees

Passport Type	Fee	Processing
Adult 32-page (10 years)	R1,200 + local surcharge	~5 weeks (Live Capture)
Adult 48-page (10 years)	R2,400 + local surcharge	~5 weeks (Live Capture)
Child under 16 (5 years)	R1,200 + local surcharge	~5 weeks (Live Capture)

VFS Global centres charge an additional service fee. Contact your VFS centre for the total cost including their fees.

Important Changes for 2026

No more postal applications: From 1 March 2026, the DHA no longer processes mailed-in passport applications. All applications must be submitted in person.
VFS Global expansion: Since July 2025, VFS Global centres in multiple countries handle passport applications, giving more options beyond embassies.
Doorstep delivery: Launched November 2025, eliminating the need for a second embassy visit in participating cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can renew an expired South African passport at any embassy or consulate abroad. Bring your expired passport along with the other required documents. There is no penalty for renewing after expiry, but you will need your old passport as proof of identity.

No, you do not need a Smart ID card. Your green ID book or a certified copy of your ID is sufficient. However, if you have a Smart ID card, bring it as it streamlines the process.

South African citizens cannot normally hold two valid SA passports simultaneously. In exceptional circumstances (e.g., frequent travel to countries that conflict with each other), the DHA may approve a second passport. You must apply through the DHA with motivation for the request.

Your old passport will be cancelled with a perforation or stamp and returned to you. Valid visas in the old passport generally remain valid. When travelling, carry both your new passport and the old one with the valid visas. Contact the visa-issuing country's embassy to confirm their policy on visas in cancelled passports.