With child-trafficking being at an all-time high, stringent requirements have been put in place for travelling internationally with children. Do you know what documents are required? Here we give you the insight.

In the past, South African parents travelling aboard with their children had to carry an unabridged birth certificate, which contains full details of both the child’s biological parents or legal guardians.

For South African parents travelling aboard in 2019, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has introduced a new minor passport (for children under 16 years of age), which includes parents’ details on the last page. If your child has the new format passport, he or she does not require an unabridged birth certificate for travel. However, it is safer to carry it regardless, as some airport or border officials are more strict than others.

The term ‘parent’ includes adoptive parents and legal guardians and ‘child’ refers to anyone younger than 18 years.

What documents are required?

Child traveling with both parents:

• Valid passport (containing details of both parents)
• If the passport does not contain details of both parents, an unabridged birth certificate with these details is required

Child traveling with one parent:

• Valid passport (containing details of both parents)
• If the passport does not contain details of both parents, an unabridged birth certificate with these details is required
• Parental consent letter from the absent parent (not older an six months)
• Copy of the absent parent’s passport or ID document
• Contact details of the absent parent
• If applicable – copy of the court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights of legal guardianship in respect of the child, or a copy of a death certificate if one parent is deceased

If your child is travelling with someone other than his or her parents, he or she will require:

• Valid passport (containing details of both parents)
• If the passport does not contain details of both parents, an unabridged birth certificate with these details is required
• Parental consent letters from both parents (not older an six months)
• Copies of both parents or legal guardian’s passport or ID documents
• Contact details of both parents or legal guardians
• If applicable: copy of a death certificate; copy of an adoption order; copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child

It is always better to err on the side of caution and take all documentation with you, or ensure your child’s caregiver has them all.

Resources:  www.dha.gov.za; www.southafrica.net

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash.