Overview
- Extended hours run from December 8–19, 2025, and January 5–16, 2026, adding two extra hours each day for applications and collections.
- On these dates, offices will close at 18:00 instead of 16:00.
- The longer hours apply only at branches equipped to process Smart ID cards and passports.
- Clients are urged to book through the Branch Appointment Booking System on the Home Affairs website, with walk-ins still accommodated.
- Dedicated counters have been introduced for collections, with the minister urging prompt pickups and praising staff as part of the Travel Ready Campaign launched at the new Baywest Mall office in Gqeberha.