Home Affairs extends office hours: Secure your travel documents before the festive season

The Department of Home Affairs has announced extended operating hours across selected offices ahead of the festive season, in a bid to ease pressure on services and help South Africans secure essential documents before year-end travel.

From December 8 to 19, 2025, and again from January 5 to 16, 2026, Home Affairs offices equipped to process Smart ID Cards and passports will operate two hours longer each day, closing at 6pm instead of 4pm.

The department says the extension is part of its broader mission to improve accessibility and restore dignity in its services.

“As part of our continued commitment to delivering dignity for all, the Department of Home Affairs is extending operating hours, by an additional two hours daily for applications and collections of enabling documents,” said Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber.

Clients are encouraged to book appointments through the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) on the department’s website. However, walk-ins will still be accommodated.

Schreiber urged the public to take advantage of the expanded hours, noting a spike in demand for travel documents during the holiday season.

“We remain committed to providing accessible and people-centred services. With our offices operating on extended hours ahead of and during the festive season, I encourage South Africans to make use of the longer opening hours to ensure that their essential documents are up to date, including travel documents.”

He added that the move is not only about efficiency but also about enabling families to prepare for meaningful time together over the holidays.

“The extended hours we are offering will go a long way in assisting people to get the documents they need to spend precious time with friends and family, and to prepare for the New Year.”

The minister launched the department’s Travel Ready Campaign last month at the new Baywest Mall Home Affairs office in Gqeberha, part of a broader push to modernise and streamline services.

Schreiber also praised staff members who will be working longer shifts.

“I salute the commitment of members of #TeamHomeAffairs who will be working longer hours to ensure that South Africans can enjoy their festive season with friends and family,” he said.

He further urged citizens who already applied for documents to collect them promptly, noting that the department now offers dedicated collection counters “as we continue our journey towards delivering dignity for all.”

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