Home Affairs’ gift to those needing IDs and travel docs this festive season

The Department of Home Affairs has unveiled a proactive initiative aimed at alleviating the burden of securing essential travel documents for South Africans during the bustling festive season.

With a keen focus on service accessibility and efficiency, selected Home Affairs offices will extend their operating hours, rendering invaluable assistance to citizens preparing for year-end travel.

Starting from 8 December to 19 December 2025, and returning from 5 January to 16 January 2026, selected offices will remain operational for an additional two hours each day. This means these offices will close at 6pm, providing much-needed flexibility for those needing to process Smart ID Cards and passports.

Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, highlighted that the extended hours are a significant step in the Department's broader mission to improve service delivery and restore dignity in the facilitation of critical documents.

“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,” he remarked.

To streamline this process, clients are encouraged to utilise the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) available on the department’s website, although walk-ins will also be accommodated as a testament to the department's commitment to accessibility.

Schreiber noted that these extended hours are essential in response to the increased 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 enthused.

Stressing the importance of the family time that holiday travel allows, he added, “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.” This human-centric approach underlines the South African Government's intention to make travel more straightforward during a period typically characterised by increased movement and family reunification.

The Minister also launched the department’s Travel Ready Campaign last month, aiming to modernise and streamline the services offered by Home Affairs, with the new Baywest Mall office in Gqeberha serving as a focal point for this effort.

In recognition of the efforts of staff members during this busy season, Schreiber commended those who will be working extended 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 stated.

He further urged those who have already applied for documents to collect them in a timely manner, highlighting that dedicated collection counters are now available. This initiative underscores the department’s ongoing journey towards delivering dignity and efficiency in service of all South Africans.

IOL