New travel regulations for children
The latest regulations by the Department of Home Affairs concerning child travel abroad have just been released by the Association of South African Travel Agents (ASATA).
KOMATIPOORT – From June 1, 2015 all parents travelling across the borders from and to South Africa should, if they are accompanied by a minor under 18 years of age, produce an unabridged birth certificate of the child. If only one parent travels with a child as set out above, the parents and/or guardian should produce an unabridged birth certificate, a valid passport and a court order/death certificate/affidavit, confirming that the absent parents or parents have given permission for the child to travel.
An unaccompanied minor should produce all of the above as well as parental (both parents) or the guardian’s permission. Finally, a letter from the person who will receive the child in South Africa, with full contact details and a certified copy of the person’s ID or passport.
In South Africa, it takes up to eight weeks for an unabridged birth certificate to be issued and this should be taken into account in order to avoid delays in travel plans.
