Home Affairs has rolled out a special service for those in need of IDs and travel documents this festive season. The Department of Home Affairs has unveiled a proactive initiative to ease the burden of securing essential travel documents for South Africans during the busy holiday period. With a focus on making services more accessible and efficient, selected Home Affairs offices will extend their operating hours, offering invaluable assistance to citizens preparing for year-end travel. From December 8 to 19, 2025, and again from January 5 to 16, 2026, these offices will stay open an extra two hours each day. This means they'll close at 6 p.m., providing much-needed flexibility for those needing to process Smart ID Cards and passports. Dr. Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs, emphasized that these 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 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 the process, clients are encouraged to use the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) available on the department's website, although walk-ins will also be accommodated. 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-centered 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. The Minister also launched the department's Travel Ready Campaign last month, aiming to modernize and streamline the services offered by Home Affairs. 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.
