THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS EASES REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN TRAVELLING THROUGH SA PORTS OF ENTRY

Source: Samigration, 05/12/2018

From the beginning of December 2018, certain categories of child
travellers will be exempt from presenting supporting documents at
ports of entry. However, travellers are urged to carry these
documents because they may be requested in certain instances.
Travel requirements for children have been changed in ways which
include the following;
For travellers coming to South Africa,
• Children who are foreign nationals from countries where
visas are required will no longer have to carry supporting
documents. This is because they would have been required to
provide these during the visa application process.
• Children who are foreign nationals from countries where
visas are not required may be asked to produce supporting
documents upon entry. Even though producing supporting documents
is no longer compulsory, travelers are strongly advised to carry
the supporting documents.
• In the case of countries that endorse the particulars of
parents in children’s passports, or other official identification
documents, these documents shall be sufficient to establish the
identity of the parents of the travelling minor.
For South Africans leaving the country,
• South African children travelling abroad may be requested
to produce supporting documents at ports of entry.
• Children with passports detailing parents’ names will not
be required to carry birth certificates when travelling. In
addition, a parental affidavit may be required.
• These requirements are meant to give effect to the
Children’s Act, 2005 which stipulates that minors travelling in or
out of the country must do so with the consent of both parents.
The Department has trained immigration officials to implement
these changes.
These amendments were made in terms of section 7 of the
Immigration Act, 2002 after consultation with the Immigration
Advisory Board.
The amendments took effect on 01 December 2018, ahead of the
festive season when many parents and families will be going on
holiday with children.
These amendments reflect some of the Cabinet approved reforms to
the visa regime and are in line with economic recovery plan and
stimulus announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September 2018.