From 1 June 2015, a person traveling with a child will be required to possess an unabridged birth certificate of the child, and written consent from the parent or parents authorizing such travel, that is, if the child is traveling with somebody else or with only one parent.For countries abroad, any legal document issued by the relevant authority containing similar details (i.e. identity of child, father and mother) as you would have in an unabridged birth certificate is required.
The South African Department of Home Affairs has issued a pamphlet to clarify the requirements of the new immigration law taking effect on June 1st. For details see: http://www.dha.gov.za/files/Brochures/Immigrationleaflet.pdf The document covers each eventuality in detail, with notes at the end to clarify abbreviations and aspects such as certified copies.
Click here for a copy of the official Parental Consent Affidavit.
Southern African Tourism Services Association (Satsa) has provided the contact details for the person at Home Affairs who deals with airline liaison where industry can direct their queries about operating procedures for the requirement that children travel with an unabridged birth certificates. Satsa recoommends that the industry direct queries to: Marì Greyling, Immigration Services: Airline Liaison for the Department of Home Affairs, via phone number: +27 12 4064587 or email: Mari.Greyling@dha.gov.za.
