Minors Going To South Africa

[Buff-Buster]

Has anyone heard anything about new regulations in SA pertaining to minors entering the country with their parents or grandparents? This was posted by a well known booking agent here in the states:

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS TAKING MINOR CHILDREN TO SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa, reportedly effective this October 1st, is now requiring a lot of documentation if you want to bring your minor child or grandchild into South Africa. The rules go beyond what we can lay out here, but briefly you need a genuine unabridged birth certificate (not a photocopy- probably with a seal on it we think). You will need forms for permission from any parents who are not accompanying the child. YOU SHOULD CHECK WITH YOUR TRAVEL AGENT BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO FLY.
We are led to believe that any attempt to bring a child into the country without all the appropriate documents, will mean you will be denied entry, although that is uncertain at this time.
And of course the requirements for securing permission to import a weapon into the country also remain in effect. We are happy to make suggestions in that regard.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Department responsible is Home Affairs.


Immigration Directive No. 11 of 2014:
Children traveling withouth unabridged birth certificate
1 July 2014

The Department of Home Affairs has provided a grace period to allow children to travel without unabridged birth certificates until 30 September 2014. The requirement of the unabridged birth certificate will come into effect from 1 October 2014. The above is an interim measure to allow prospective travelers sufficient time to obtain the necessary unabridged certificate.

http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/



Changes in South African Immigration Policies
26 May 2014

The following are important information with regards to changes in South African immigration policies. The South African Immigration Act, 2010, has been approved and the date for commencement was communicated as of May 26, 2014.

The following regulations must be adhered to effective immediately:

· Passengers traveling to South Africa must be in possession of a passport with two unused pages required for endorsements. The two unused pages when presented for purposes of endorsing a port of entry visa, visa, permanent residence permit or entry of departure stamp.

· The passport must be machine readable however, the foreigner may be admitted into or depart from South Africa with a non-machine readable passport provided that:

(a) He or she is from a foreign country that is issuing machine readable passports and has not completely phased out the non-machine readable passports; and

(b) His or her passport was issued after 24 November 2005 and its date of expiry is before 24 November 2015.

· Any child who is in alternative care as defined in the Children’s Act, shall, before departing from the Republic of South Africa, produce a certified copy of an authorization letter from the Provincial Head of the Department where the child resides as contemplated in section 169 of the Children’s Act.

· Where parents are traveling with a child, such parents must produce an unabridged birth certificate of the child reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child.

· In the case of one parent traveling with a child, he or she must produce an unabridged birth certificate and:

(a) Consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent registered as a parent on the birth certificate of the child authorizing him or her to enter into or depart from the Republic of South Africa with the child he or she is traveling with;

(b) A court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child, if he or she is the parent or legal guardian of the child; or

(c) Where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent registered as a parent of the child on the birth certificate,

· Provided that the Director-General may, where the parents of the child are both deceased and the child is traveling with a relative or another person related to him or her his or her parents, approve such a person to enter or depart the Republic with such a child.

· Where a person is travelling with a child who is not his or her biological child, he or she must produce:

(a) A copy of the unabridged birth certificate of the child;

(b) An affidavit from the parents or legal guardian of the child confirming that he or she has permission to travel with the child;

(c) Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the child; and

(d) The contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child,

· Provided that the Director-General may, where the parents of the child are both deceased and the child is traveling with a relative or another person related to him or her his or her parents, approve such a person to enter or depart the Republic with such a child.

· Any unaccompanied minor shall produce to the immigration officer:

(a) Proof of consent from one or both his or her parents or legal guardian, as the case may be, in the form of a letter or affidavit for the child to travel into or depart from the Republic: Provided that in the case where one parent provides proof of consent, that parent must also provide a copy of a court order issued to him or her in terms of which he or she has been granted full parental responsibilities and rights in respect of the child;

(b) A letter from the person which is to receive the child in the Republic, containing his or her residential address and contact details where the child will be residing;

(c) A copy of the identity document or valid passport and visa or permanent residence permit of the person who is to receive the child in the Republic; and

(d) The contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child.
​

 

[Buff-Buster]

Thanks Wayne! I knew you would come thru with the details!

 

[CAustin]

WOw! Can anyone share what us driving this on the part of the South Africa government? Seems strict.

 

[BRICKBURN]

It's pretty similar traveling with kids.
Birth Certs.
Passports
Permission letter from other parent if you are traveling alone with your own kid.
etc.

Considering the issues of parental abduction, etc. I'm amazed it took RSA this long to get policies in place.

CYA!

 

[Code4]

Good move. Will hopefully slow down child trafficing and unauthorised parents taking custody of children and skipping.

 

[gordon-kruger]

Buff Buster, I'm in Zambia for the moment and do not keep updated with eventually new laws and regulation/permissions in RSA... is there some new things that have coming up regarding temporary firearm import to RSA ???? I did not hear anything ????

 

[broncolcj]

So wait, what if the child has a U.S. passport as is already required by U.S. law? It seems as if this, in reading the law on the consulate site, pertains to RSA citizens. can anyone give further clarification on this point?

 

[BRICKBURN]

Foreign Affairs Canada
They have some templates that can be used to draft your own letter on the page linked below.


Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad
We strongly recommend that Canadian children carry a consent letter if they are travelling abroad alone, with only one parent/guardian, with friends or relatives or with a group. For the purposes of this consent letter, a Canadian child is defined as anyone who is under the age of majority (18 or 19, depending on the province or territory of residence).

A consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada, but it can simplify travel for Canadian children, as it may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country or by Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. The letter demonstrates that Canadian children have permission to travel abroad from parents or guardians who are not accompanying them.

We recommend that you talk to a lawyer about the legal issues that apply to you and your children’s unique situation, particularly if your parenting arrangement has special terms governing international travel. Carrying a consent letter does not guarantee that children will be allowed to enter or leave a country, as every country has its own entry and exit requirements.

http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter


US Homeland Security:

Travel Overseas
What You Need to Know
Traveling abroad doesn't have to be confusing if you know the right things before you go. This section provides answers to many common questions from international travelers about planning for your trip, returning home and navigating passenger processing.

Some of our most popular print-ready brochures are featured at the bottom.

Start Here
Preparing for your Trip
Get a passport for overseas travel. We also recommend you make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place. Carry your passport - do not pack it in your checked luggage. You must present it to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States.

Planning travel in the Western Hemisphere? Learn about what types of identification is required for travel in the Western Hemisphere (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America). There are six types of acceptable documents for crossing US borders.

Find out if you need to get a visa. United States citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit. If you have a visa, we recommend you make a copy and put it in a separate place. Carry your visa with you — do not pack it in your checked luggage.

All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program document for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children.

• If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor.
• If the child is accompanied by only one parent, the parent should have a note from the child's other parent. For example, "I acknowledge that my wife/ husband is traveling out of the country with my son/ daughter. He/She/ has my permission to do so."
• If a single parent has sole custody, a copy of the court custody document can replace a letter from the other parent.

http://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/travel-overseas

 

[BRICKBURN]

South African Airways take on the issue:

Section 7 of the South African Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002)
Under 18s travelling to and from South Africa
The new requirements, being introduced by the South African Department of Home Affairs, for additional documentation needed by persons under the age of 18 years for travel to and from South Africa will be implemented on 01 October, 2014.

Applicable travellers will be asked to produce the required documentation at check-in for each flight.

For further information and assistance please contact:

1. the South African Department of Home Affairs, 0800 60 11 90 (toll free from South Africa); or
2. your local South African Embassy

Frequently Asked Questions
A) What do the regulations say about parents travelling with children?

Regulation 6 (12)(a):

Where parents are travelling with a child, such parents must produce an unabridged birth certificate of the child reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child.


1. What is an unabridged birth certificate?

It is a birth certificate reflecting the particulars of both parents.

2. Is this applicable to all children?

Yes, the South African regulations regards a child as any person under the age of 18 years. It is applicable to all nationalities departing from and arriving in South Africa. It is not required for passengers remaining in transit, unless s/he requires a transit visa. The unabridged certificate should be submitted during the transit visa application process and both the certificate and visa should be carried on person whilst travelling.

3. What about unabridged birth certificates or other documents that are not issued in English?

All documents issued in a language other than English should be accompanied by a sworn translation issued by a competent authority in the country concerned.

4. What about countries that do not issue unabridged birth certificates?

In the case of foreign countries that do not issue unabridged birth certificates, a letter to this effect issued by the competent authority of the foreign country should be produced.

5. Must I travel with the original document?

A copy is sufficient as per the regulations. It must be certified as a true copy of the original by a Commissioner of Oaths (or the equivalent, should Commissioners of Oaths not be a practice in the country concerned).



B) What do the regulations say about children travelling with one parent?
Regulation 6 (12)(b):

In the case of one parent travelling with a child, he or she must produce an unabridged birth certificate and:

1. 
   
   
2. Consent, in the form of an affidavit from the other parent registered as a parent on the birth certificate of the child, authorizing him or her to enter into or depart from the Republic of South Africa with the child he or she is travelling with;
3. A court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child, if he or she is the parent or legal guardian of the child; or
4. Where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent registered as a parent of the child on the birth certificate,

provided that the Director-General may, where the parents of the child are both deceased and the child is travelling with a relative or another person related to him or her his or her parents, approve such a person to enter or depart the Republic with such a child.


6. What is the time line for the affidavit?

The affidavit must be no older than 3 months, dating from the time of travel.

7. My country does not issue affidavits. Which alternative do I have?

A document with the parents’ name and surname, physical address, telephone and cell phone numbers would be sufficient. A letter from the Government of the country concerned confirming non- issuance of affidavits must be included.



C) What do the regulations say about persons travelling with a child who is not their biological child?
Regulation 6 (12)(c):

Where a person is travelling with a child who is not his or her biological child, he or she must produce:

1. 
   
   
2. A copy of the unabridged birth certificate of the child;
3. An affidavit from the parents or legal guardian of the child confirming that he or she has permission to travel with the child;
4. Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the child; and
5. The contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child,

provided that the Director-General may, where the parents of the child are both deceased and the child is travelling with a relative or another person related to him or her his or her parents, approve such a person to enter or depart the Republic with such a child.


Questions and answers 1 - 7 also apply.

8. Does this include children travelling with school groups and grandparents?

Yes, any child under the age of 18 travelling with a person other than his / her parents must be in possession of the above documentation.

9. Is a copy of the unabridged birth certificate sufficient or must it be the original?

A copy is sufficient as per the regulations. It must be certified as a true copy of the original by a Commissioner of Oaths (or the equivalent, should Commissioners of Oaths not be a practice in the country concerned).

10. Must the copies of the parents’ passports / ID’s be certified?

They must be certified as a true copy of the original by a Commissioner of Oaths (or the equivalent, should Commissioners of Oaths not be a practice in the country concerned).

11. In what format must the contact details of the parents be?

A document with the parents’ name and surname, physical address, telephone and cell phone numbers would be sufficient.

12. How do you obtain approval from the Director General when you do not reside in South Africa?

Through the nearest South African diplomatic or consular representative abroad.


http://www.flysaa.com/za/en/planmytrip/travelAdvisory/sa-immigration-under-18.html

 

[BRICKBURN]

From the latest SAA Newsletter.

Important Update to The South African Immigration Act
The South African Immigration Act, 2010, has been approved. The following regulations must be adhered to effective October 1st, 2014:



Regulation 2 (1)(d) passengers travelling to South Africa must be in possession of a passport with two unused pages required for endorsements. The two unused pages when presented for purposes of endorsing a port of entry visa, visa, permanent residence permit or entry of departure stamp. (This is effective immediately)
Regulation 2 (2):The passport must be machine readable however, the foreigner may be admitted into or depart from South Africa with a non-machine readable passport provided that:
(a)He or she is from a foreign country that is issuing machine readable passports and has not completely phased out the non-machine readable passports; and
(b)His or her passport was issued after 24 November 2005 and its date of expiry is before 24 November 2015.
Regulation 6 (10):Any child who is in alternative care as defined in the Children's Act, shall, before departing from the Republic of South Africa, produce a certified copy of an authorization letter from the Provincial Head of the Department where the child resides as contemplated in section 169 of the Children's Act.
Regulation 6 (11):An immigration officer shall refuse any person contemplated in sub regulation (9) or who does not comply with sub regulation (10), to depart from the Republic.
Regulation 6 (12)(a):Where parents are traveling with a child, such parents must produce an unabridged birth certificate of the child reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child.
Regulation 6 (12)(b):In the case of one parent traveling with a child, he or she must produce an unabridged birth certificate and:
(i)Consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent registered as a parent on the birth certificate of the child authorizing him or her to enter into or depart from the Republic of South Africa with the child he or she is traveling with;
(ii)A court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child, if he or she is the parent or legal guardian of the child; or
(iii)Where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent registered as a parent of the child on the birth certificate, provided that the Director-General may, where the parents of the child are both deceased and the child is traveling with a relative or another person related to him or her his or her parents, approve such a person to enter or depart the Republic with such a child.
Regulation 6 (12)(c):Where a person is traveling with a child who is not his or her biological child, he or she must produce:
(i)A copy of the unabridged birth certificate of the child;
(ii)An affidavit from the parents or legal guardian of the child confirming that he or she has permission to travel with the child;
(iii)Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the child; and
(iv)The contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child, provided that the Director-General may, where the parents of the child are both deceased and the child is traveling with a relative or another person related to him or her his or her parents, approve such a person to enter or depart the Republic with such a child.
Regulation 6 (12)(d):Any unaccompanied minor shall produce to the immigration officer:
(i)Proof of consent from one or both his or her parents or legal guardian, as the case may be, in the form of a letter or affidavit for the child to travel into or depart from the Republic: Provided that in the case where one parent provides proof of consent, that parent must also provide a copy of a court order issued to him or her in terms of which he or she has been granted full parental responsibilities and rights in respect of the child;
(ii)A letter from the person which is to receive the child in the Republic, containing his or her residential address and contact details where the child will be residing;
(iii)A copy of the identity document or valid passport and visa or permanent residence permit of the person who is to receive the child in the Republic; and
(iv)The contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child.

 

[petrusg]

Thanx for this, I will be adding some info around the topic to our website.

 

[jeff]

It sounds like a lot of regulations that might be misinterpreted and make a trip an ordeal, I might wait a few years before taking my grandson. With gun permits, dealing with customs, TSA, immigration and now this, its one more thing that will make traveling more difficult and can't be good for tourism and the hunting industry even if its needed .

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Dear HAN member

News just in from South Africa, thanks to the SA Tourism Update E-bulletin:

The Department of Home Affairs has delayed implementation of the requirement for children under the age of 18 to present an unabridged birth certificate until June 1, 2015. Furthermore, in the instances where children are travelling with one parent, the written permission required under the new regulations would also be postponed until June 1.

This was announced by Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, at a media briefing on Tuesday.

The requirement that people apply for visas in person will stay in place and there is no postponement for this requirement, said Gigaba. He emphasised that this requirement was not unique to SA and was required of visitors by other countries.

Gigaba’s announcement follows a meeting last week with industry associations, including Iata, Asata and the TBCSA.

Gigaba emphasised that, since the regulations were announced, the department had made it clear that it was open to engagement. He thanked industry representatives who had engaged the department on new regulations. He said different stakeholders had drawn the department’s attention to challenges around the requirements for children travelling.

Industry associations have spent the past two months actively lobbying for a postponement of the new regulations to allow time for them to be effectively communicated and systematically implemented.

Under the new regulations, people travelling to South Africa on a visa are required to apply for the visa in person. Parents travelling with children under the age of 18 are required to produce an unabridged birth certificate for each child. In the case where only one parent is travelling with the child(ren), consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent registered is required. Alternatively, either a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or a death certificate of the other parent must be produced.

The regulations also require that people apply in person for visas to allow for biometric intake. Minister Gigaba suggested last week that this regulation was already in place and called on missions abroad to start implementing this requirement.



Source: Hospitality Association of Namiibia (H.A.N.)

 

[spike.t]

this was on my BA email about my upcoming flight to lusaka via joburg

Customers transferring through South Africa to another International destination.
Customers in direct airside transit with a confirmed onward flight to an international destination will not be required to comply with the South African birth certificate regulations.

 

[BRICKBURN]

this was on my BA email about my upcoming flight to lusaka via joburg

Customers transferring through South Africa to another International destination.
Customers in direct airside transit with a confirmed onward flight to an international destination will not be required to comply with the South African birth certificate regulations.

It only makes sense, as you never "enter" the country.
Good news for you.

 

[spike.t]

It only makes sense, as you never "enter" the country.
Good news for you.

going to take a copy anyway.........

 

[BRICKBURN]

going to take a copy anyway.........

No doubt.
I have never seen an ineffective application of policy at a border crossing.