New regulation for traveling to South Africa with minor children

As from 1 June 2015 all minors irrespective of their nationality will need more than just an international passport to travel to South Africa. If you cannot present these documents you will not be allowed to depart to South Africa and even if you manage to depart you will be refused entry into South Africa upon arrival!

The documents required, which should be submitted in English, differs according to who will accompany the child.

When the child travels with both parents the child will, apart from an international passport with two unused pages,* also have to submit an unabridged birth certificate reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child.

This international birth certificate can be requested from your commune and is a multilingual document. If you cannot obtain an international birth certificate the original certificate should be translated to English by a sworn translator.

If only one parent will travel with the child you will need, in addition to the international birth certificate, the following documents (in English or with a sworn translation) :

• Consent from the other parent in the form of a letter or affidavit
• Order of court indicating that you have full parental responsibilities and rights of legal guardianship in respect of the child
• Death certificate of the other parent

When traveling with someone other than the parent or when travelling as an unaccompanied minor additional documents are needed.

If you have any doubt about the documents required please do not hesitate to contact us.

*All travelers will need to have at least two unused pages in their international passport when entering South Africa.

For all your questions related to South Africa, contact our South African Attorney