Despite relentless efforts from tourism associations
in South Africa to stop the new regulations for travelers under 18 years old
visiting the country, the South African government has announced it will not
consider a postponement of the regulations.
Beginning June, travelers under 18 will
need to produce an unabridged birth certificate reflecting the particulars of
the parents of the child. All documents issued in a language other than English
should be accompanied by a sworn translation issued by a competent authority in
the country concerned.
In cases where just one parent is traveling
with a child, he or she must produce an unabridged birth certificate for the child as well as
consent from the other parent in the form of an affidavit.
Where a person is traveling with a child
who is not his or her biological child, he or she must produce a copy of the
unabridged birth certificate of the child; 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 the contact details of the parents or legal
guardian of the child.
Travelers can find more information at their local South African embassy, on http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/ or on South African Airways’ website: https://www.flysaa.com/jo/en/planmytrip/travelAdvisory/sa-immigration-under-18.html.