The Department of Home Affairs has rolled out extended operating hours at selected offices to help South Africans secure identity documents and passports ahead of the festive rush. From Monday until 19 December 2025, and again from 5 to 16 January 2026, participating offices will remain open until 6 p.m. two hours later than usual.
The additional hours apply to branches equipped to issue Smart ID Cards and passports, giving residents more flexibility to apply for or collect crucial documents.
Citizens are encouraged to schedule appointments through the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), although walk-ins will still be assisted.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the extended hours reflect the department’s commitment to accessible, citizen-focused services.
“With our offices operating on longer hours ahead of and during the festive season, I encourage South Africans to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure their essential documents, including travel documents, are up to date,” he said.
Schreiber added that the initiative aims to ease travel preparations and support family time during the holidays.
“The extended hours will go a long way in helping people secure the documents they need to spend precious time with loved ones and prepare for the New Year.”
The department expects the temporary schedule to ease backlogs, improve service access, and reduce festive-season administrative stress.