More South Africans can now apply for their passports online

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Long queues at Home Affairs could officially be a thing of the past, as more South Africans will now be able to apply for their passports and Smart IDs online and collect the documents at their nearest bank

Whereas the eHomeAffairs portal was first only eligible for citizens between 30 and 35 years old, the system is now open to all citizens who bank with ABSA, FNB, Nedbank or Standard Bank, according to Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba, who was recently quoted in the Kempton Express.

Currently only 12 branches of these banks are connected to the system in Gauteng, with one branch in Cape Town. The branches are Absa Lifestyle in Centurion, Absa Towers North, Absa Ghandi Square, FNB Lifestyle Centurion, FNB Menlyn, FNB Merchant Place, Nedbank Rivonia, Nedbank Roodepoort, Standard Bank Centurion, Standard Bank Killarney Rosebank and Standard Bank Canal Walk in the Western Cape.

However, Home Affairs has announced it is planning to enter into a public-private partnership with participating banks, in order to increase the footprint in the provinces.

The process on eHome Affairs can be completed in a few easy steps:

Step 1: Profile Registration

Register your details on the eHome Affairs website here.

  • Create a profile
  • Answer the security questions
  • Create a password
  • Capture the one-time pin sent to your cellphone
  • Attach supporting documents (a copy of your ID)

Step 2: Payment

Enter your bank account details on the site. Submitting a payment on eHomeAffairs is only an instruction to your bank. In order to complete the payment process you need to login to your internet banking to authorise the payment.

Step 3: Appointment

Once the Department of Home Affairs registers your payment, you will be able to make an appointment to record your biometric data. If you are based in Johannesburg and Pretoria you will be able to select a bank branch close to home, if not you must go to your local Home Affairs which does not require an appointment.

Step 4: Head to the bank with your confirmation letter

Attend your appointment at the bank to have your photograph taken/ thumb print recorded. Don’t forget to bring your barcoded confirmation letter (which you can print at home) as well as your ID Book. There should be a special Home Affairs section in the bank and queues should be minimal.

Step 5: Collect your passport

Wait for an SMS and email notification to collect your passport from your chosen bank branch.