152 Sawubona June 2015

The new requirements being introduced by the SA Department of Home Affairs for additional documentation needed by persons aged under 18 years for travel to and from SA will be implemented on 1 June 2015.

Applicable travellers will be asked to produce the required documentation at check-in for each flight. For further information, contact the SA Department of Home Affairs. 0800 601 190 (toll-free) or your local South African Embassy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS1. What do the regulations say about parents travelling with children? Regulation 6 (12)(a) states that parents must produce an unabridged birth certificate for each child which reflects the particulars of his/her parents.

2. Is this applicable to all children aged under 18? Yes – and to all nationalities departing from or arriving in SA. It’s not required for passengers remaining in transit, unless they require a transit visa. The unabridged birth certificate should be submitted during the transit visa application process and both the certificate and visa should be carried with you while travelling.

3. What about unabridged birth certificates or equivalent documents that aren´t issued in English? Documents issued in a language other than English will be accepted.

4. What about countries that don’t issue unabridged birth certificates? A letter to this effect issued by the competent authority of the foreign country should be produced.

5. Must I travel with the original document? A copy is sufficient, provided it’s certified by a Commissioner of Oaths (or the equivalent of one in the country concerned).

6. What about children travelling with one parent? Regulation 6 (12)(b) states that a single parent travelling with a child must also produce an unabridged birth certificate for them, as well as:i. An affidavit from the other parent registered as such on the

birth certificate authorising him/her to enter into or depart from SA with the child concerned; or

ii. A court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship of the child, if he/she is the parent or legal guardian of the child; or

iii. Where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent registered as such on the birth certificate.

Where the parents of the child are both deceased and the child is travelling with a relative or another person related to him/her, the Director-General may approve such a person to enter or depart from SA with the child.

South African Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No 13 of 2002) UNDER-18S TRAVELLING TO AND FROM SA