Travel Requirements: Travelling With Minor Children During The Holidays

Eleanore Hiralall | Attorney – Legal Division

As 2022 draws to an end, many individuals look forward to spending time with their families and take the opportunity for a year end break to go on vacation.

However, what happens when you are at the airport and you are not permitted to board your flight due to lack of proper documentation for your minor children?

Are you aware of the guidelines issued by the Department of Home Affairs when travelling with minor children?

Do you have the required Parental Consent to permit your child to travel with you?

Please see below some of the more pertinent travel information to be aware of:

Type of circumstance	Requirements
Minor travelling with both his/her parents	Unabridged Birth Certificate or equivalent document Identity documents of the parents Valid passport or Visa, if required
Minor travelling with one parent	Unabridged Birth Certificate Valid passport or Visa, if required Identity document of the accompanying parent Affidavit granting parental consent from the other parent (not older than 3 months) If divorced, a court order granting the parent full parental responsibilities and rights or full guardianship If a parent is deceased, a death certificate of the deceased parent
Minor children travelling alone unaccompanied by any parent	Valid passport or Visa, if required Unabridged birth certificate Consent from both parents or legal guardians Copies of identity document of the parents / legal guardians Letter from the person receiving the children Identity document of the person receiving the children Contact details of the parents or legal guardian (if not contained in the Letter of Consent from the parents)
Minor travelling with person who is not his/her biological parent	Valid Passport or Visa, if required Unabridged Birth Certificate Consent Letters from the Parents Copy of Passport / Identity documents of the parents / legal guardian Contact details of the parents / legal guardian
Minor accompanied by his adoptive parents	Valid passport or Visa if required Unabridged Birth Certificate an Adoption Certificate or Court Order confirming the adoption of the minor by the adoptive parents
Orphaned minor where no formal order of guardianship or adoption has been granted as yet	Valid passport or VISA if required Letter of Special Circumstances
Minor in alternative care	Copy of an Unabridged Birth Certificate Identity documents of the parents Valid Passport or Visa if required Letter for the Provincial head of the Department of Social Development where the child resides authorizing his departure from the Republic

To obtain a copy of the Parental Consent Affidavit, as published by the Department of Home Affairs, click here: http://www.dha.gov.za/files/Parental-Consent-Letter_Suggested-Format_v8.pdf

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO REMEMBER

It is important to ensure that when travelling that your affairs are also in order by having a Last Will and Testament in place and to notify your family about its whereabouts, to ensure the proper steps are taken in the event of your demise.

Ensure that copies of important documentation such as Birth Certificates and Identity Documents are made and have them certified.

For more information on South Africa’s travel requirements please visit the Department of Home Affairs website: http://www.dha.gov.za.