South Africa travel with minors

[heart]

Just received from Delta Airlines--

• All minors traveling to or from South Africa are required to show an unabridged birth certificate in addition to their passport when exiting and entering South Africa airport security checkpoints. This Department of Home Affairs requirement applies to children of every nationality whether they are traveling with parents, with an adult other than a parent, or unaccompanied by an adult. Without the correct documents, minors will not be allowed to board their flight.

Documentation requirements include, but are not limited to the following:

1. In addition to a passport, an original, unabridged, or certified (with seal or stamp) copy of the child’s full birth certificate issued within the last 3 months is required for all trips.
2. All travel documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
3. Exceptions may apply. Details are outlined in the DHA final immigration regulation opens in a new windowsection six: Admission and Departure Subsection 10 – 12.
4. Please note: Travelers who arrive in South Africa without the required documentation can be detained and/or deported immediately.

Hopefully this was known to everyone. Sorry if I'm posting old news. 90 days until our Adventure!

 

[Pamlur]

A birth certificate that has been issued within the last 3 months? I'm confused.

 

[chartle]

In addition to a passport, an original, unabridged, or certified (with seal or stamp) copy of the child’s full birth certificate issued within the last 3 months is required for all trips.

A birth certificate that has been issued within the last 3 months? I'm confused.

When you get your "birth certificate" it's always a copy so they want a certified copy made within 3 months and an original not a photocopy.

 

[heart]

It IS confusing. I'm lucky that our party is all 18 and above. Just posted so no one is caught unaware as it seemed onerous and unexpected to me.

 

[chartle]

It IS confusing. I'm lucky that our party is all 18 and above. Just posted so no one is caught unaware as it seemed onerous and unexpected to me.

Yes not sure why they want a fresh certified copy.

 

[AdamEfimoff]

When you get your "birth certificate" it's always a copy so they want a certified copy made within 3 months and an original not a photocopy.

well maybe wait until drought has all dried up (irony intended)

 

[Jess_S]

I've been researching the paperwork requirements and they seem to vary depending upon who is taking the kids, whether the kids are adopted, whether both parents are living, etc. The list that Delta provided seems like it's incomplete for some situations and over-inclusive for others. Here's the official South Africa website. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/civic-services/traveling-with-children

I would be interested to hear from people who have actually taken their kids recently because I have no idea what is meant by "unabridged birth certificate."

 

[chartle]

I would be interested to hear from people who have actually taken their kids recently because I have no idea what is meant by "unabridged birth certificate."

going to assume a long form birth certificate

https://blog.vitalchek.com/birth-ce...short-form-vs-long-form-whats-the-difference/

 

[Cousin Orville]

I took my son solo to S. Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. The unabridged birth certificate is the standard birth certificate in the US. Other countries offer abridged birth certificates. I also included some of my experience in my trip report. If you have any questions let me know, but passport control going into SA is very strict with their requirements.