Complete guide to South African passport fees in 2026. Learn about standard passport fees, maxi passport costs, temporary passport fees, emergency travel certificate costs, and payment methods.
Understanding passport fees is essential when applying for or renewing your South African passport. Fees vary depending on the type of passport, processing speed, and additional services required. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers all South African passport fees, payment methods, and important considerations for passport applications and renewals.
Standard Passport (32 pages):
Maxi Passport (48 pages):
Child Passport (under 16):
Temporary Passport:
Emergency Travel Certificate:
Express Service (if available):
Lost or Stolen Passport:
Damaged Passport:
How to Pay:
Banking Details:
Important:
Online Portal (if available):
Availability:
At Home Affairs Offices:
Limitations:
Application Processing:
Not Included:
Standard vs Maxi:
Child Passport:
First-Time Applicants:
Passport Renewal:
Lost/Stolen Passport:
Fee Adjustments:
2026 Fees:
Previous Fees (for reference):
Check Current Fees:
Prepare Payment:
Keep Receipt:
Payment Issues:
A standard 32-page passport costs R600, while a maxi 48-page passport costs R1,200. Child passports (under 16) cost R400, temporary passports cost R400, and emergency travel certificates cost R200.
No, passport application fees are non-refundable once paid, even if your application is declined or you change your mind. Make sure you meet all requirements before paying the fee.
Some Home Affairs services may accept online payments through their website, but availability varies. Most commonly, fees are paid via bank deposit, and you bring the proof of payment receipt to your application appointment.
A standard 32-page passport costs R600, while a maxi 48-page passport costs R1,200. The maxi passport has 16 additional pages (48 vs 32) and is useful for frequent travelers who need more visa pages. Both are valid for 10 years.
Yes, passports for children under 16 cost R400 (compared to R600 for adults). However, child passports are only valid for 5 years (compared to 10 years for adults) due to growth and appearance changes.
Some Home Affairs offices may offer express processing (5-7 working days instead of 10-15) for an additional fee, but this service is not available at all offices. Check with your local office for availability and fees.
If you lose your passport after paying the application fee but before collection, you'll need to report it to the police and apply for a replacement. You'll need to pay the full fee again (R600) for the replacement passport.
No, passport application fees are non-refundable. If your application is declined, the fee paid cannot be refunded. Make sure you meet all requirements and have all necessary documents before applying and paying the fee.
The most common method is bank deposit using Home Affairs banking details. Use your ID number as the reference, get a proof of payment receipt, and bring it to your application appointment. Some offices may accept cash or online payments.
Yes, the fees are the same whether you're applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one. A standard passport renewal costs R600, the same as a new standard passport application.
South African passport fees in 2026 are R600 for a standard 32-page passport, R1,200 for a maxi 48-page passport, R400 for child passports, R400 for temporary passports, and R200 for emergency travel certificates. Fees are typically paid via bank deposit before your application appointment, and proof of payment must be presented. Fees are non-refundable, so ensure you meet all requirements before paying. Check the Home Affairs website for the most current fee information.
For more information about passport applications, renewal requirements, or Home Affairs services, explore our other comprehensive Home Affairs guides.
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Specializing in South African Home Affairs services, passports, IDs, and visa applications with extensive knowledge of fees and payment processes.