The Department of Home Affairs has extended operating hours at its offices by an additional two hours daily from December 8 to 19, and will do so again from January 5 to 16.

During the extended hours, services will be available at offices that can process smart ID cards and passports, including applications and collections. On these days, offices will close at 18:00 instead of 16:00.

Members of the public are advised to book appointments for applications or collections before visiting offices. Appointments can be booked using the branch appointment booking system available on the Department of Home Affairs website. Those without a booking may still visit offices as walk-ins.

The minister of home affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, encouraged the public to make use of the longer opening hours to ensure that their essential documents are up to date, including travel documents.

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“The extended hours we are offering will go a long way in helping people to obtain the documents they need to spend valuable time with friends and family and to prepare for the new year,” Schreiber said.

He officially launched the Travel Ready Campaign in November. He commended the commitment of home affairs employees who will be working longer hours to ensure that South Africans can enjoy their festive season with friends and family. “We now offer dedicated counters for collections as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering dignity for all,” he said.