Ten things you need to know about SA's new visa rules

Source: Daily Maverick / Africa Check, 13/08/2015

Johannesburg, The travel industry has criticised the government's new
visa requirements, saying they'll negatively affect tourism. But there
are those who've welcomed the new legislation regarding travelling
with children. Video: eNCA
JOHANNESBURG – South Africa`s controversial new visa regulations
kicked in on Monday.


The regulations are part of government`s efforts to reduce child
trafficking, but people who oppose it say the new rules will have a
negative impact on the tourism industry.


For those planning trips abroad, here is a list of what you need to know:
1. Foreigners who want to visit SA must apply for visas in person at
the South African embassies abroad and have their biometric data
(fingerprints) captured.


2. Children under the age of 18 must carry full or unabridged birth
certificates showing the names of both parents when travelling.


3. South African children travelling abroad need to carry an original
birth certificate.


According to Africa Check, if both parents are not travelling with the
child more documents are needed when entering the country:
4. When only one parent is travelling with a child: The parent staying
at home must provide an affidavit providing consent to the child
travelling with the other parent, as well as copy of their identity
document or passport, Pretoria immigration attorney Julian Pokroy
explained to Africa Check.


5. When couples are divorced: The Immigration Amendment Act is not
entirely clear on the requirements if parents are divorced. Pokroy
suggested that a certified copy of the divorce order should be carried
in addition to the letter of consent from the other parent and a copy
of their identity document. If the parent not travelling with the
child has refused to give consent, then the other parent will have to
get a court order, he said.


6. When one parent has died: If one of the parents has died, a
certified copy of the death certificate must be taken along.


7. When the father is unknown: The mother will need to show an
affidavit saying that she is solely responsible for the child, said
Mayihlome Tshwete, spokesman for the Minister of Home Affairs.


8. When parents are the same sex: The full birth certificate allows
for same-sex parents to travel with their children. "This is called A
and B parents," Home Affairs minister Malusi Gigaba tweeted
recently.


9. When children are travelling without their parents: The Immigration
Amendment Act states that the child must carry an affidavit from
parents confirming that they have permission to travel without them –
whether alone, or with a relative, school group or friends – as well
as copies of the parents` identity documents and contact details. When
travelling with a relative or another adult, a copy of the unabridged
birth certificate can be used


10. When a child is travelling alone to South Africa: The child must
carry a letter from the person that will be receiving him in South
Africa, containing the person`s address and contact details, as well
as a copy of the host`s identity document or passport. In this case,
the Immigration Amendment Act makes no mention of carrying a birth
certificate.