The Department of Home Affairs is rolling out a Passport Delivery Service that promises greater convenience for South Africans living abroad. This premium service allows eligible citizens to receive their passports directly at their doorsteps, reducing delays and long travel distances.
As of 1 November 2025, this initiative is active in select international locations, with plans to expand it locally. Let’s unpack who qualifies for Home Affairs’ new Passport Delivery Service, how it works, and what South Africans can expect.
What Is the Passport Delivery Service?
The Passport Delivery Service is a new initiative by the Department of Home Affairs. It enables South Africans applying from abroad to have their new passports delivered via courier to their home or office.
Learn more about the upcoming changes in South African identity documents in our article: Green ID Book to Be Phased Out Soon.
Instead of collecting documents at consulates or embassies, applicants can now opt for direct delivery within 24 to 72 hours once their passport is ready.
Who Qualifies for Home Affairs’ New Passport Delivery Service?
Currently, only South African citizens living abroad qualify for the service. Citizens must apply through one of the 18 international Home Affairs service centres. These centres are located in:
- Australia (3)
- United Kingdom (3)
- Germany (2)
- Netherlands (1)
- United States (2)
- Canada (1)
- New Zealand (2)
- United Arab Emirates (2)
- China (2)
France and India are listed as upcoming locations on the official Home Affairs website.
Unfortunately, South Africans living within the country do not yet have access to this delivery service. However, the department plans to introduce it locally after successful international implementation.
Why the Service Is Launching Abroad First
According to Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber, the international rollout serves as a “sandbox testing environment.” The aim is to refine the logistics, security protocols, and technology before scaling up to a national rollout within South Africa.
“Once we are comfortable that doorstep delivery is working smoothly and securely for the relatively small population of South Africans living abroad, we will scale up this reform,” said Schreiber.
How the Service Works
Applicants living abroad can apply for a passport at their nearest Home Affairs mission. Once approved, the document is printed and sent via a secure courier.
- Delivery Time: 24 to 72 hours
- Processing Time: Reduced from 18 months to just 5 weeks
- Courier Cost: USD $30 to $60, depending on location
This new approach dramatically reduces the time, cost, and hassle for citizens who previously had to travel long distances to collect their passports.
Discover how financial institutions are helping modernise government services in our feature: More Banks Join Home Affairs’ Digital Push for IDs and Passports.
Minister Schreiber’s Vision for Home Affairs
Minister Schreiber has been vocal about modernising Home Affairs through technology. He referred to the Passport Delivery Service as a “watershed moment” in improving service delivery.
“We are pushing forward relentlessly to eliminate the need for clients to travel large distances and stand in long queues to obtain enabling documents,” he said.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy called Home Affairs@Home, which aims to digitise essential services and improve accessibility.
When Will South Africans at Home Qualify?
Although local residents do not yet qualify, Home Affairs is actively working toward expanding the service within South Africa. The department wants to ensure the system runs smoothly abroad before launching domestically.
In time, South Africans may have the option to apply for passports online and receive them at home, further easing congestion at Home Affairs offices.
A Step Forward for Government Services
The Passport Delivery Service represents a significant shift in how South African government services are delivered. While currently limited to those abroad, the initiative marks the beginning of a more efficient and accessible Home Affairs system.
Find out what’s changing for travellers in our latest update: Great News for South Africans Applying for a New Passport.
South Africans abroad can already enjoy faster processing and doorstep delivery. Those at home can expect the same in the near future, pending the international rollout’s success.
