Many of us plan to travel internationally with our families in the upcoming holidays.

Travelling With A Minor Child Into And Outside Of South Africa 

In the case of minor children – who are travelling – whether it’s both parents, one parent, or unaccompanied minors. It is essential to know what is required by law for travel into and out of South Africa.

What Is Required For Travel Into And Out Of South Africa With A Minor Child?  

For a minor child who is travelling with only one parent, what is required is a valid passport, unabridged birth certificate, a consent affidavit from the other parent, along with a copy of the absent parent’s identity document and a valid visa; if applicable.

Travelling With Both Parents  

If the minor child is with both parents, only a valid passport, unabridged birth certificate and visa – if applicable –  are required.

Travelling With Someone Who Is Not Their Biological Parent/ Legal Guardian

Suppose a minor child travels with a person who is not their biological parent.

In that case, that person must have a valid passport, unabridged birth certificate, and parental consent affidavits from the minor’s biological parents or guardians.

The affidavits must accompany the parents/guardians’ identity documents and contact details.

Travelling With Adoptive Parents  

If a minor child is travelling with adoptive parents:

They need to produce a valid passport, an unabridged birth certificate with the adoptive parent’s details, or a court order confirming the final adoption.

An Unaccompanied Minor  

An unaccompanied minor needs to have their unabridged birth certificate and a copy of their parent’s identity documents/passports.

They also need to be able to provide the contact information of their parents or legal guardians, along with a letter from the person receiving the minor child.

This letter must stipulate the person’s residential address, the minor child’s residence, and contact details.

A copy of the identity documents of the person who will receive the minor child is also required.

Useful Information when Travelling With A Minor Child Into And Outside Of South Africa

Should a parent unreasonably refuse to sign a parental consent affidavit or give any form of consent, an application can be brought to the High Court requesting an order allowing you to travel with the minor child.

Read more about “What to do if a parent refuses to consent to a Childs Passport Application”.

The listed documents must be original or originally certified copies. They must, upon request, be produced at any point of entry by South African minors who are entering and leaving the Republic.

Instead of parental consent, a letter of special circumstances – which the Director General of Home Affairs issues – may also be presented in the event of a parent’s recent death or mental or physical incapacity.

Only their passport is sufficient if the minor child is South African and travelling to South Africa with both parents.

When entering South Africa, children who have obtained valid South African visas do not need to produce those documents that are already submitted as part of their visa application.

Parental consent is required from the parent who is listed on the birth certificate.

Find the link to a format example of a Parental Consent Affidavit :

http://www.dha.gov.za/files/Parental-Consent-Letter_Suggested-Format_v8.pdf