Warning: Your passport `expires` three months before it expires!

Source: News 24, 12/04/2018

Receiving your first passport is an exciting milestone! It means
you’re finally set to add globetrotting explorer to your list of
achievements.
But there are a number of finicky things about passports, any newbie
traveller wouldn’t know about - for instance certain countries` entry
rules mean that your passport actually expires well before the date
stipulated in your green mamba, as the South African passport is
affectionately called.
Travelling has the ability to change our perception and gives us an
adrenaline rush. It provides you with a thrill and excitement of
jetting off into the unknown - but before we dive into the many
opportunities our ‘green mamba’ can take us to, it’s important to be
in the know about your South African passport application too.
For instance, did you know that in 2014 South Africa decided to do
away with the temporary passports - meaning that unless it is an
emergency you have to keep your expiring date in check.
With the country moving forward through digitisation and the
introduction of the eHomeAffairs system, you can now apply online for
ID’s and passports - a virtual and far more efficient experience!
And turn-around times have improved too, passports processing is done
in 10 weeks, with home affairs updating you with sms notifications
when ready for collection.
You can also apply for your passport through your nearest state-
affiliated bank such as Absa - so the idea of standing in long lines
are now,more often than not, a thing of the past.
Have you checked the passport validity window period for your
destination?
Remarkably, South Africa allows for a narrow 30-day passport validity
window. And while visas are granted on the nature of the visit,
things can get tricky for a foreign visitor planning around a 90-day
visa-on-arrival. If they stick to this 30-day window validity their
passport would expire two months before their stay - so always double-
check!
We’re slightly boggled by this window period and have contacted the
department of home affairs to confirm but have yet to receive a
response.
In the interim, if you’ve got your proposed trip diarised but you
haven’t checked your passport validity - best you confirm that you
have the required validity window period.
South Africans have the privilege of being granted visa-free access
or visa on arrival to 92 countries
To help you along here are the basics on passport validity and visas
upon entry for the top five.
1. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a really interesting destination for South Africans
right now.
Visa required for South Africans?: 30 day e-visa.
Sri Lanka`s Passport validity period: 6 months from date of arrival.

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2. Indonesia
Indonesia is known for its lush vegetation and exotic flavors, South
Africans flock to Indonesia, with Bali being a hot favorite.
Visa required for South Africans?: 30 - day visa upon arrival, proof
of return ticket, accommodation and sufficient funds.
Indonesia`s Passport validity period: 6 + months from date of arrival.
3. The Maldives
The Maldives can certainly be an affordable luxury holiday
destination with an ultimate selection of beaches.
Visa required for South Africans?: No-cost 30 day visa upon arrival.
The Maldives passport validity period: Passport valid at time of
entry.
4. Morocco
Morocco is known for its cascading architecture and eastern flavors.
South Africans are visa- free unless the stay extends 90 days,
requiring a visa application.
Visa required for South Africans?: None - over the 90 day period
requires a visa application.
Morocco Passport validity period: Passport must be valid at time of
entry.

5. Seychelles
Seychelles is visa- free for South Africans and requires passport
validity for the duration of stay. It is the ideal place to
disconnect and unwind.
Visa required for South Africans: Visitors permit upon arrival -
proof of return ticket, accommodation and sufficient funds.
Syechelles` passport validity period: Passport must be valid for
duration of stay.