South African Passport Fees

How much does it cost to make a passport in SA? — The fees vary based on factors like your age, where you apply, and where you have your passport photo taken.

This article will explain the South African passport fees in 2025 and share some tips on how to save on your passport photo.

Table of contents

• How much does it cost to process a passport in South Africa? South African passport application fees
• Minor passport fees in South Africa
• How much does it cost to replace a lost or mutilated passport in South Africa?
• South African passport renewal fee overseas
• South African passport photo requirements
• Online passport photo maker
• South African passport photo app

How much does it cost to process a passport in South Africa? South African passport application fees

After the South African passport price increase on November 1, 2022, the fees have remained the same for 2025. Here are the current South African passport prices:

If you're applying within South Africa:

• The cost of a new passport in South Africa for adults: SAR 600 (USD 160) for a 32-page booklet; and SAR 1200 (USD 320) for a 48-page (maxi) version.
• Official/Diplomatic/Travel Document/Crew Member Certificate: SAR 600 (USD 160) each.

If you're applying outside SA at a Mission, Embassy, or Consulate:

• For adults: SAR 1200 (USD 320) for a 32-page booklet; SAR 2400 (USD 640) for a 48-page (maxi) version.
• Emergency travel certificate: SAR 140 (USD 37).

Minor passport fees in South Africa

The child passport cost in South Africa is SAR 600 (USD 160). If applying outside South Africa at a Mission, Embassy, or Consulate, the fee is SAR 1200 (USD 320).

How much does it cost to replace a lost or mutilated passport in South Africa?

If you need to replace a misplaced, stolen, or damaged passport in SA, you'll pay double the standard rate for that specific passport type. However, if the passport was lost, stolen, or damaged and it wasn't your fault, you only need to pay the regular fee.

Replacement South African passport costs are as follows:

• For adults: SAR 1200 (USD 320) for a 32-page booklet and SAR 2400 (USD 640) for a 48-page (maxi) version if the loss or damage was due to negligence.
• For minors: SAR 1200 (USD 320) if lost, stolen, or damaged due to negligence.

South African passport renewal fee overseas

To renew your passport outside the country, you must submit a new application and complete the DHA-73 form at a South African embassy or mission.

South African passport renewal fees are:

• For an adult: SAR 1200 (USD 320) for a 32-page booklet; SAR 2400 (USD 640) for a 48-page (maxi) version.
• For a child: SAR 1200 (USD 320).

The South African High Commission in the UK requires that passport fees be electronically deposited into their UK bank account in British Pounds. In the USA, the South African Consulate General allows payment via money order or certified bank check.

At the same time, fees for passport renewals in South Africa are the same as for initial applications.

South African passport photo requirements

Here are the photo requirements you should follow:

• The photo should be taken within the last month.
• Your photo must be in color.
• It should measure 35mm wide and 45mm high.
• Your head's height in the photo should be between 25 to 35 mm, with 3 to 5 mm space above your head.
• Background color should be light grey or cream.
• Keep a neutral expression and look straight into the camera.
• Glasses are allowed, but the frames must not obstruct your eyes, and there should be no glare on the lenses. Dark glasses are not allowed.
• Head coverings are permissible for religious or medical reasons, but your facial features must remain fully visible. Other head accessories aren't allowed.
• The photo must be in focus with balanced lighting and color — neither too dark nor too light.
• There should be no shadows on your face or behind your head.
• Avoid 'red eye' in your photograph.

Here is a photo example:

Online passport photo maker

How much does it cost to get a new passport photo in SA? — Typically, photo studios and print shops charge anywhere from SAR 50 to 150 (USD 13,5 to 40) for a batch of passport photos. The price varies based on how many copies you need and the quality of the service provided.

If you're looking for an easy and cost-effective way to get passport photos, online services like Visafoto.com can be a great option, boasting a high success rate of 99.7%. With Visafoto you can get a professional quality passport photo for as little as $9.

All you need to do is take a photo against a plain white background using your smartphone or digital camera and upload it to Visafoto.com. The service will then adjust the photo to match the size, background color, and facial alignment required for South African standards.

Example of the photo you can provide:

Photos are delivered in two formats: a digital version for online application and a print-ready layout. If the result doesn't meet your satisfaction, you're entitled to a free replacement or a full refund if it's not accepted by the authorities.

South African passport photo app

For an easy and affordable way to create passport photos, try the 7ID app by Visafoto.com, available on iOS and Android. This app simplifies the process of taking ID, passport, and visa photos with your phone.

After uploading your photo, just choose your document type and country, and 7ID will handle the rest. The app uses advanced AI to correct the background, center your face, and ensure your photo meets official specifications. It also formats the photos to standard print sizes like 10×15 cm, A4, A5, or B5, making them ready for printing.

Our customer support team is available 24/7 to help with any questions or issues.