Home Affairs Goes Digital with First-Ever Doorstep Passport Delivery
The initiative, which takes effect on 1 November 2025, aligns with the ministry’s broader “Home Affairs @ home” vision to modernize service delivery through technology and accessibility.
The South African Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the launch of doorstep passport delivery services for citizens living abroad, marking a major milestone in its digital transformation agenda. The initiative, which takes effect on 1 November 2025, aligns with the ministry’s broader “Home Affairs @ home” vision to modernize service delivery through technology and accessibility.
The announcement was made by Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreiber during an address to the South African community in The Hague, The Netherlands, where the ministry also inaugurated a new Home Affairs service centre. The facility aims to cut passport processing times drastically — from up to 18 months to just five weeks — by streamlining administrative processes and leveraging digital systems.
For the first time, South African citizens will be able to choose courier delivery for their passports instead of returning to an office for collection. The service will be available at 18 global Home Affairs service centres beginning in November, with plans to expand further in the coming months. Turnaround times for delivery are expected to range from 24 to 72 hours, at a cost of US$30 to US$60, depending on location.
This reform represents a major step toward improving convenience and efficiency for South Africans abroad. It also provides an opportunity for the department to refine the service model before expanding the doorstep delivery option to residents within South Africa. The initiative is expected to be extended domestically once the international rollout is proven effective and secure.
The new service demonstrates the Ministry of Home Affairs’ commitment to digital transformation and citizen-focused innovation. It reflects an ongoing effort to enhance service accessibility, reduce wait times, and ensure that South Africans — regardless of where they live — can obtain essential documents quickly and securely.
The department has stated that the launch of this technology-driven reform is part of its long-term goal to establish South Africa as a leader in digital identity management and modern public service delivery.
