MBOMBELA – If you are planning a trip outside our borders with your children, there are new requirements for kids travelling to or from the Republic of South Africa since June.

Here is a list of what you need:

Where both parents are travelling accompanied by one or more of their children, such kids have to produce:

• Valid passports and an unabridged birth certificate (UBC) or equivalent document for each child travelling.

Where only one parent is travelling with a child, (or children), each kid has to produce:

• A valid passport, UBC or equivalent document for each travelling child and the parental consent affidavit from the non-travelling parent whose details are recorded on the UBC or equivalent document.

An unaccompanied minor has to produce:

• A valid passport; UBC or equivalent document; parental consent affidavit; letter from the person who is to receive the minor in the republic containing such person’s residential and work address and full contact details in the republic, a copy of the identity document or valid passport and visa or permanent residence permit of the person who is to receive the minor in the republic.

A person who is travelling with a child who is not his or her biological child, such child must produce:

• A valid passport, an UBC or equivalent document and parental consent affidavit.

• These requirements apply also to children travelling with school groups.

A child in alternative care shall produce:

• A valid passport and a letter from the provincial head of the Department of Social Development where the child resides authorising his or her departure from the republic as contemplated in section 169 of the Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).