The South African government has changed its entry requirements for children travelling to and from South Africa. From 1 June 2015 any child under 18 years of age is required to provide additional documentation on entry depending on their circumstances. These requirements are in addition to visas (Australian passport holders do not require an entry visa).
Who does it affect?
All children under the age of
18 years who travel in or out of South Africa.
What is required if a
child/ren are travelling with both parents?
The following documents must be
presented on exiting Australia (or whichever country the child departs from before
arriving in South Africa), on arrival in South Africa, and on exiting and
re-entering South Africa.
- The child’s passport
- The child’s original, unabridged birth certificate which states both names of the child’s parents.
What is required if a
child is travelling with one parent only:
- An unabridged birth certificate stating both names of the parents. Either the original or a certified copy stating the copy is a true copy of the original is acceptable. The certified document must be signed by a public notary or commissioner of oaths and be less than three months old at the time of travel. (Justices of the Peace (JPs) in Australia are not permitted to witness documents for use in foreign countries).
As well as a birth certificate,
one of the following pieces of documentation is also required (as is
applicable):
- Travelling separately: An affidavit from the absent parent confirming that they have given permission for the child to travel with the other parent. This must be signed by a public notary or commissioner of oaths and be less than three months old at the time of travel. (Justices of the Peace (JPs) in Australia are not permitted to witness documents for use in foreign countries). A copy of the identification and contact details of the absent parent must be available. The following link lists notary publics that can sign the affidavit http://www.notarylocator.com.au/
- Sole custody: Court papers giving parental rights to the parent travelling with the child.
- Deceased parent: a death certificate of the remaining parent named on the birth certificate of the child.
