The Department of Home Affairs has announced extended operating hours across all offices during the festive season to manage the anticipated increase in travel document applications.
Offices will remain open until 18:00 instead of the standard 16:00 closing time from 8 to 19 December 2025 and 5 to16 January 2026. The two-hour extension aims to reduce processing delays that typically affect thousands of South Africans seeking travel documents during the holiday period.
The department has encouraged citizens to utilise online booking services, though walk-in applications will continue to be accepted during the extended hours.
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to improving service delivery during peak demand periods,” the department stated in its official announcement.
The festive season consistently generates the highest volume of passport and identity document applications annually, often resulting in significant backlogs and processing delays that can disrupt holiday travel plans.
Online services
The department has emphasised the availability of eHomeAffairs, its digital platform designed to streamline application processes for South African citizens by birth.
The eHomeAffairs system enables citizens to submit identity document and passport applications online, make digital payments for applications, and secure advance bookings where permitted.
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However, applicants must still visit a physical Home Affairs office to capture and verify biometric details, including photographs, fingerprints, and signatures. Applications can be finalised at any Home Affairs office without requiring a specific appointment.
The online system represents the department’s broader digital transformation strategy, aimed at reducing physical queuing times and improving overall service efficiency.
Processing requirements
Citizens utilising the extended hours are advised to ensure all required documentation is complete before visiting offices. Standard processing times remain unchanged despite the extended operating hours.
The department has not indicated whether additional staff will be deployed during the extended hours period, raising questions about potential service quality during peak demand times.
Travel industry representatives have welcomed the initiative, noting that document processing delays frequently impact holiday bookings and customer satisfaction during the festive season.
Implementation details
The extended hours apply to all Home Affairs offices nationwide, though citizens are advised to confirm participation with their local office before visiting.
Regular operating hours will resume on 17 January 2026, returning to the standard 16:00 closing time. The department has not announced whether similar extensions will be implemented for other peak travel periods.
The initiative forms part of the department’s Service Delivery SA campaign, which aims to modernise government services and improve citizen access to essential documents.
Citizens requiring urgent travel documents are still advised to apply well in advance of travel dates, as processing times may remain unchanged despite the extended operating hours.
For online applications and office locations, visit www.homeaffairs.gov.za
