{"id":7210,"date":"2024-05-30T10:31:11","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T08:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/afrikaonline.nl\/?p=7210"},"modified":"2026-05-30T14:00:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-30T12:00:31","slug":"rules-for-travelling-to-south-africa-with-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/afrikaonline.nl\/en\/regels-met-kinderen-reizen-naar-zuid-afrika\/","title":{"rendered":"Rules for travelling to South Africa with children"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Since 1 June 2015, travel to and from South Africa with children is only permitted with an international birth certificate.<\/strong><\/p>\n

New rules for travelling to South Africa with children<\/p>\n

Are you travelling to or from South Africa with children under 18? Then the information below is crucial. Please read this, be prepared, and also inform others you know who are travelling to or from South Africa with children about the content of this article.<\/p>\n

The South African government has made it mandatory since 1 June 2015 for children travelling to and from South Africa to be in possession of an official international birth certificate. The Department of Home Affairs introduced the rules to combat human trafficking and illegal adoption.<\/p>\n

What does this mean if you are going on holiday to South Africa with your family?<\/strong>
\nFamilies travelling to (and from) South Africa with children under 18 years old must carry an international birth certificate for the minor travellers, in addition to a valid passport and ticket.<\/p>\n

In addition to the international (note: ensure you have the English, international version) birth certificate, rules also apply for when parents of the children are not travelling together, i.e. if you are travelling alone with the children as a mother or father, for example in cases of separated parenthood, external custody, adoption or death, etc.<\/p>\n

What do you need if you are travelling to and from South Africa as a single parent (father\/mother of the children)?<\/strong>
\nThen you'll need a few things in advance, namely:
\n\u2013 the same international birth certificate (unabridged);
\n\u2013 a signed letter from the non-travelling parent giving consent for the other parent to travel with the child;
\n\u2013 a copy of the non-travelling parent's passport;
\n\u2013 the fully completed, signed and officially authorised Affidavit from Home Affairs <\/a>(to have it stamped at a South African police station, a notary public, or, in the Netherlands, at the municipality). Please note: this document is only valid for four months.<\/p>\n

The rules surrounding travel to and from South Africa with children are as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n