Implementation of Immigration Regulations
These regulations apply to all travelers foreigners as well as South Africans for both departures and arrivals
Kindly refer to attachment for more details for different scenarios below:
- Where parents are travelling with a child
- Where one parent is travelling with child
- Where a person is traveling with a child who is not his/her biological child
- Unaccompanied minors
- Any child who is in alternative care
Please be reminded of the New Immigration Regulations effective 01 Jun 2015 for minors (under the age of 18) travelling To and From South Africa. Passengers not in possession of required documents will not be accepted for travel.
Below is the parental consent form required under the New RSA Immigration regulation on entry/exit of children.
The attached form can be completed by parents and signed in the presence of a police officer at a police station.
UPDATED ADVISORY: REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN TRAVELLING THROUGH SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS OF ENTRY
Revised: November 2019
The requirements for children travelling to or from the Republic of South Africa are aimed at giving effect to the Children’s Act, 2005.
1. APPLICATION OF THE REQUIREMENTS
1.1. The documents listed under paragraph 2 must on request be produced at a port of entry by South African children entering and leaving the Republic, as well as by unaccompanied minors, regardless of their nationalities.
1.2. Foreign children who apply for a South African visa at any mission or VFS service point must submit, as part of the applications, the documents required under paragraph 2 prior to such visa being issued.
1. APPLICATION OF THE REQUIREMENTS
1.1. The documents listed under paragraph 2 must on request be produced at a port of entry by South African children entering and leaving the Republic, as well as by unaccompanied minors, regardless of their nationalities.
1.2. Foreign children who apply for a South African visa at any mission or VFS service point must submit, as part of the applications, the documents required under paragraph 2 prior to such visa being issued.
SUBJECT: SOUTH AFRICAN REGULATIONS – CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 18 YEARS
Effective From Date: 10 December 2018
Minors younger than 18 years, traveling to/from South Africa must carry the following documentation when travelling:
- with both parents, must carry a copy of a birth certificate or passport containing the details of the parent or parents of the child;
- with 1 parent, must hold a copy of a birth certificate, a parental consent letter from the absent parent or legal guardian containing a copy of his/her passport or identity document and his/her contact details; or a letter of special circumstances; or a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or full legal guardianship to the present parent. – In case the other parent is deceased, a death certificate.
- with an adult other than a parent, must hold a copy of a birth certificate, parental consent letters, copies of identification documents of parents/legal guardians, contact details of parents/legal guardians and contact details of the person in whose care the minor will be.
- when traveling as a primary or secondary school tour with a teacher or a trainer, must hold a letter of consent from the school principal, confirming that consent letters from all parents are held by the school, together with a ID/passport copy of the accompanying teacher or trainer.
- unaccompanied, must hold a copy of a birth certificate, a parental consent letter/s containing a copy of his/her/their passport/s or identity document/s and his/her/their contact details (or consent from one parent together with a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship or death certificate); letter from the person receiving the minor in South Africa, containing address and contact details; copy of identification documents of the person receiving the minor, including visa/residence permit (if required).
- who are children of diplomatic and consular representatives accredited in South Africa, must hold an accreditation card issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation containing information about the child.
- if in alternative care, shall produce: a valid passport and a letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social Development where the child resides authorising his or her departure from the Republic as contemplated in section 169 of the Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).
WARNING: All documents must be in English, except birth certificates which may be in another language. The parental consent letter must be issued within 6 months prior to the date of travel.
Exemptions:
- This does not apply to South African minors traveling to South Africa.
- This does not apply to holders of a valid visa.
- This does not apply to holders of a temporary residence permit issued by South Africa.
- A full birth certificate is not required if the information of both parents is included in the passport or other official travel documents of the minor.
- This does not apply to minors in transit in South Africa.
- Pending the issuance of a birth certificate containing the information of the adoptive parent(s), an adopted child must hold an adoption order – “Parents” include legal guardians.
Air Mauritius Circular (valid on tickets issued as from 22 July 2015):
Piece concept on luggage allowance between Mauritius and South Africa
Free baggage allowance shown on ticket:
- Economy class : 2 pieces of luggage (Maximum 23 kgs each)
- Business class : 2 pieces of luggage (Maximum 32 kgs each)
Kestrelflyer benefits:
- Kestrelflyer Silver and Gold members will be allowed one free additional piece of luggage (23 kgs) on presentation for the Kestrelflyer card.
- Kestrelflyer Red, Silver and Gold members can use their miles to redeem for one additional piece of luggage (23 kgs):
- one piece of luggage on Cape Town – 13,800 miles
- one piece of luggage on Durban and Johannesburg – 9,200 miles
Note:
- Kestrelflyer benefits are not applicable on code share flights operated by “South African Airways”.
- The weight concept for luggage applies for passengers with ticket issued prior to 22 July 2015.
- For routings from South Africa to beyond MRU and from MRU to beyond South Africa, the weight concept will be applicable until further notice.
