South Africa Update: Amended Immigration Regulations for Children

travelafricaPlanning your trip to Africa, Travelling with children in Africa, Updates and general information


South Africa Immigration Regulations – CHILD VISA RULES CLARIFIED

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) http://www.dha.gov.za/ 
announced on 5th December 2018 that it would relax some of the regulations for children going through South African ports of entry. As of 1 December 2018, certain categories of child travellers will be exempt from presenting supporting documents at ports of entry.

This comes ahead of the Festive Season when many families will be going on holiday with children.


The DHA has confirmed trained immigration officials will implement these changes. It said the amendments reflected the Cabinet’s approved reforms to the visa rules and are in line with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic recovery plan.


Requirements for foreign children coming to South Africa have been changed in the following ways:
 Children from countries where visas are required will no longer have to carry supporting documents. This is because they would have been required to provide these and a copy of a birth certificate during the visa application process.
 Those from countries where visas are not required may be asked to produce supporting documents upon entry. DoT has said that copies of original documents are sufficient and do not need to be certified. Consent and authorisation can be in the form of a letter. It does not need to be notarised or be an affidavit.
 Passports – or other identification documents – that contain the details of parents are sufficient.
 If surnames are different, carrying proof of parental relationship is advised.
 If children are travelling alone, additional documents are needed.
 If children are travelling with an adult other than their parents, they would need to carry supporting documents.

Sandie and Rhian at Olifants lookout, Kruger National Park
Sandie and Rhian at Olifants lookout, Kruger National Park