South Africa is cracking down on child trafficking and one way they’re doing this is by implementing a recent immigration rule change. Since June 1, 2015 children under 18-years-old are required to carry an unabridged birth certificate. Not only do children entering or travelling through South Africa need this type of birth certificate, but children leaving the country do as well.
If you’re planning to travel to South Africa then make sure you or your family isn’t denied boarding the plane due to insufficient travel documentation. Read on to learn more and check out the South African Department of Home Affairs website for all the details.
What is an unabridged birth certificate?
An unabridged birth certificate is essentially the long version of a birth certificate. It includes both of your child’s details as well as your own.
Need to know:
- An unabridged birth certificate is required if your child is travelling through South Africa or if it’s his or her final destination.
- An abridged birth certificate won’t be accepted.
- If your child is adopted, they require proof of adoption with their adoption certificate.
- All documents must be original or copies have to be certified as a true copy of the original by a commissioner of oaths.
- If one parent is travelling with their child, then consent is needed by the other parent on the birth certificate in the form of an affidavit or a court order.
- If a child is travelling without their parents then additional information is required. Make sure to read the South African Department of Home Affairs website for all the details.
With travel requirements always changing, it’s important to check your government’s website for all the travel advisory information. If you or someone you know is travelling to Canada, make sure to learn about Electronic Travel Authorization.
As always, make sure you have travel insurance to help keep you covered in instances like these. Read our blog post, How to Buy Travel Insurance That’s Right for You, to answer all your questions.
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