SA Government Requirements for Passengers under 18 years:

Effective 1st October 2014, a new South African Immigration Directive will be implemented. There will be stringent documentation requirements for all persons under 18 years to present an “unabridged” birth certificate at check-in, in addition to a valid passport when entering, departing or transiting South Africa.

This requirement will apply to minors of all nationalities whether traveling unaccompanied, with both parents, single parent or with other adults.

“Unabridged” birth certificate contains the details of the individuals’ date and place of birth, gender, name in full, particulars of parents, date and place of their birth and citizenship at time of their birth. It is a longer version as compared to the normal short version certificate which contains only name, date of birth, etc of the individual.

Travellers must ensure that all adults travelling with a passenger under the age of 18 years, are aware of the South African Immigration Directive. It takes up to 8 weeks to apply for an unabridged birth certificate so advance planning is strongly advised.

Lindsay Quail