As the festive season approaches, the Department of Home Affairs is giving South Africans extra time to get their essential documents in order. Offices across the country will extend their operating hours to help those needing smart ID cards and passports.

From Monday until 19 December, and again from 5 to 16 January, Home Affairs offices will stay open until 6pm instead of the usual 4pm. The extended hours will apply to both applications and collections of smart IDs and passports.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber stressed that the extended hours 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.

“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.”

The minister advised clients to book application or collection appointments before visiting offices, using the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), available on the Home Affairs website. Those without a booking may still visit offices as walk-ins.