Home Affairs Extends Hours As Holiday Travel Rush Begins

South Africans gearing up for the festive season rush are getting a small but welcome gift from the Department of Home Affairs. With holiday travel expected to spike and border queues traditionally stretching long into December, the department has confirmed extended operating hours at selected branches to help ease the pressure.

From 8 to 19 December 2025 and again from 5 to 16 January 2026, offices equipped to handle smart ID card applications will stay open until 18:00, giving citizens two extra hours to sort out essentials like passports and IDs. For many families preparing for long-awaited reunions or year-end travel, those extra hours could be the difference between a smooth journey and a holiday headache.

Why The Extended Hours Matter

Anyone who has tried to collect a passport in December knows the feeling: long queues, packed waiting areas and the anxious hope that everything will be ready in time. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber acknowledged the annual pressure and urged the public to make the most of the extended hours.

He said the initiative is meant to help people get the documents they need to spend time with loved ones and travel with peace of mind heading into the New Year. It also supports the department’s broader campaign to phase out the old green ID book as South Africa transitions fully to the smart ID system, with the green book set to stop production in 2026.

How To Access The Extended Services

Although walk-ins will still be assisted, the department encouraged people to use the Branch Appointment Booking System to avoid unnecessary delays. Dedicated collection counters have also been introduced at branches to reduce congestion, especially important at this time of year when offices are typically busier than usual.

For those who applied months ago and never got around to collecting their IDs or passports, this is a prime opportunity. Schreiber specifically encouraged applicants to prioritise collections during this window.

Local Reaction And Travel Context

On social media, travellers expressed relief at the announcement. Many recalled being stuck in last-minute scrambles for documents, while others joked that extended hours should become a permanent festive season tradition. In a country where holiday travel is a cultural staple from long drives to family homesteads to December beach getaways efficient access to Home Affairs services can make or break the season.

With the shift toward smart ID cards becoming more urgent, the additional operating hours may also help the department avoid next year’s expected rush as the green ID book draws closer to retirement.

A Step Toward A Smoother Festive Season

While extended hours won’t solve every Home Affairs frustration, they signal an effort to make government services more responsive during one of the busiest times of the year. For now, South Africans planning trips, family gatherings or cross-border adventures can breathe a little easier knowing they have more time to get the paperwork sorted.

{Source:The South African}

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