Gem 2 DONE: Apply for my S.A. Passport

Department of Home Affairs, I apologise!

This is how it all went down:

• Yesterday, I discovered on their website that Home Affairs has a toll-free hot line # and behold, my questions were quickly answered!

http://www.dha.gov.za/   0800 60 11 90 

• Last night, I did all of my anxiety motivated survival kit preparation (downloaded forms, 4 pens, photos, an exam pad, American passport(?), ID book, copy of ID book, tissues, lip ice, hairband(?), a bottle of water, double the amount of cash needed, and a pashmina). I also packed myself a breakfast and extensive amounts of reading material for the expected HOURS of waiiiiting......
• At 7:30 this morning with trepidation, a very heavy bag, and a phone call of support from my mother, I made my way to Umgeni Road and the scene of Passport Application. I walked in the door and thought that I'd arrived at the wrong place BECAUSE the room was almost EMPTY!! But no, a very kind lady who apologised for keeping me waiting for a few minutes verified the location and handed me a form and ticket number.





Friendly Ticket Lady (and I love the fact that
passport agents don't get special favours!)


• I waited only 5 minutes before my ticket number was called. I moved on to the cashier. 2 minutes later I was having my official "on premises" photo taken. And then I was done.. but not before being informed that my passport would be ready in 2 WEEKS!
• The whole process took me 20 minutes people!! Much respect and thanks, Department of Home Affairs!

Short line & very efficient service!! Yebo!       

So for people wanting to apply, this is what you actually need:

1. 2 Colour Passport photos (can be taken at almost any photo print shop & they will know the correct size - ears don't need to be showing)
2. A black pen
3. ID book + one photocopy of ID book
4. R400
5. Original BI-73 (yellow) Application form received on arrival (CANNOT BE DOWNLOADED from website).

& don't waste money on a Passport Agent!

By law, YOU have to make the physical application anyway so

you'd have to go to the office for the procedure, even with an agent.