travelBulletin

south africa 2THE South Africa child visa policy was introduced to combat child trafficking but has copped some criticism since being brought in June last year. travelBulletin got the low-down from South African Tourism.

The new requirements are based on the principle that all minors require the consent of their parents when travelling into or out of the Republic.

Under the legislation, children travelling with both parents must travel with their birth certificates containing parental details. If one parent is travelling with the child, they must also provide an affidavit from the other parent authorising him or her to enter into or depart from the Republic with the child; or a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship; or where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent.

When a person is travelling with a child who is not their biological child, in addition to the birth certificate, they must have an affidavit from the parents or legal guardian of the child confirming that he or she has permission to travel with the child; copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the child and their contact details.

Any unaccompanied minor will need proof of consent from one of or both his or her parents or legal guardian, a letter from the person who is to receive the child in the Republic, 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 the contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child.

Yana Shvarts, Marketing and Communications Manager and Acting Country Manager, South African Tourism Australasia says the office is confident in the ongoing appeal of South Africa as a preferred travel destination for Aussie travellers, despite the policy.

“This is evident in the arrival figures achieved over the past quarter – which saw an increase of 6.5% in Australian travellers arriving in South Africa from January to March, compared to the same period in 2015,” she adds. 

For more information see the South African High Commission website: www.sahc.org.au.

Subscribe To travelBulletin

Name(Required)