Feeling the festive travel frenzy already? The Department of Home Affairs is stepping up to ease the stress of securing essential travel documents this holiday season!
To help South Africans breeze through their year-end travel plans, the department is rolling out a proactive initiative. Selected Home Affairs offices will be extending their hours, offering a much-needed helping hand to citizens.
From December 8th to December 19th, 2025, and again from January 5th to January 16th, 2026, these offices will stay open an extra two hours each day, closing at 6 pm. This means more flexibility for those needing Smart ID Cards and passports.
Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, emphasized that these extended hours are a key part of the department's mission to improve service delivery and restore dignity in providing these crucial documents. He stated, "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."
To make things even smoother, the department encourages clients to use the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) on their website. However, walk-ins will still be accommodated, showing the department's dedication to accessibility.
Schreiber also highlighted that these extended hours are a direct response to the increased demand for travel documents during the holiday season. He encouraged South Africans to take advantage of the longer hours to ensure their documents are up-to-date.
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 people-first approach aims to simplify travel during a time when families are often reuniting.
But here's where it gets interesting... The Minister also launched the department's Travel Ready Campaign last month, aiming to modernize services. The new Baywest Mall office in Gqeberha is leading the charge in this effort.
Recognizing the hard work of staff during this busy time, Schreiber praised those working extra shifts. He also urged those who have already applied for documents to collect them promptly, noting the availability of dedicated collection counters. This initiative is a continuous effort to provide efficient and dignified service to all South Africans.
What do you think about this initiative? Do you believe extending office hours is a practical solution? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Is this a step in the right direction?
