If you are a South African living overseas, you know the frustration of long passport waiting times, embassy appointments and the cost of travelling back and forth just to collect your documents. The good news is that the Department of Home Affairs has finally confirmed a breakthrough. From 1 November 2025, South Africans abroad will be able to choose door to door passport delivery, a first-of-its-kind service designed to make life easier for expats.
This new Home Affairs doorstep passport delivery option is part of a broader plan to modernise the department’s services and improve turnaround times for citizens worldwide. For expats tired of navigating embassy queues, this is a major shift toward a smoother, more predictable passport experience.
Top three takeaways on South African passport renewals
- Doorstep passport delivery begins 1 November 2025, giving expats a faster, easier and more reliable way to receive South African passports without a second embassy visit.
- Processing times are now around five weeks, and once issued, passports will arrive within 24 to 72 hours, thanks to new courier partnerships.
- The passport delivery courier service will roll out first in major expat hubs like London, Dubai, Perth, Auckland, New York, Ottawa, Berlin and The Hague before expanding to more countries in 2026.
Read more: Henley passport index: How the South African passport stacks up.
Faster passport processing for South Africans abroad
Until recently, many South Africans overseas waited up to 18 months for a new passport. Combined with the requirement to visit South African embassies and missions abroad twice, the process was cumbersome and expensive. Even travelling within the same country could involve flights, accommodation and time away from work or family.
Upgrades to Home Affairs global service centres have already cut processing times to roughly five weeks. The new courier system now reduces overall waiting and removes the need for a second in-person visit. After your passport is issued, it will be delivered directly to your doorstep within 24 to 72 hours, depending on where you live. That means no more booking appointments and no more navigating embassy operating hours.
Delivery costs will range from 30 to 60 US dollars, or roughly R520 to R1 040, depending on your location. For most expats, that fee is far lower than the cost of travelling to collect a passport in person.
A global passport delivery service rollout focused on expats first
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber confirmed the new passport courier delivery for South Africans abroad while meeting with the South African community in The Hague. This project forms part of the department’s wider Home Affairs @ Home strategy, which aims to make government services accessible whether you are in Johannesburg, London or Dubai.
For now, the service is launching exclusively for South Africans living abroad, giving the department the opportunity to test the system’s efficiency and security before considering a local rollout inside South Africa. There are also early discussions about partnering with banks in future to streamline both the application process and delivery channels.
Where expats can access the new passport delivery service
The first cities to receive the South African passport delivery abroad option include:
- London
- Dubai
- Perth
- Auckland
- New York
- Ottawa
- Berlin
- The Hague
More global service centres will be added in 2026 as the pilot expands. This rollout directly supports the growing demand from South Africans abroad who want a faster, more reliable way to access Home Affairs international passport services.
If you are unsure whether your nearest centre is participating, you can check the latest information on the Department of Home Affairs website or contact your local mission for updates on courier partners and delivery timelines.
South Africans abroad passport service: a step forward in digital transformation
The passport delivery service is more than a convenience. It is a sign that Home Affairs is intent on meaningful digital transformation. The department has long been criticised for long queues and outdated systems, so this move to a more modern, automated model is a welcome change. By deploying digital workflows, expanding global service centre capacity and integrating courier solutions, the department is improving efficiency for the millions of South Africans who rely on its services from abroad.
For those South Africans who have the opportunity to return home to renew their passports, SA Home Affairs has expanded access to Smart IDs and passport renewals at banks with a greater branch network.
How FinGlobal helps expats abroad stay compliant and connected
At FinGlobal we understand that trying to handle South African administrative processes from overseas can be frustrating. Whether you are sorting out your tax emigration, transferring funds using the SARS Approval – International Transfers process, or considering withdrawing your South African retirement annuity, our team can guide you every step of the way from wherever you are in the world.
If you are planning international moves, need help with cross-border inheritances or want expert assistance with your South African expat tax obligations, we are ready to help.
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