South Africa relaxes travel requirements for child tourists!

South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has signed a waiver that allows foreign children to enter South Africa without carrying additional supporting documents such as birth certificates and consent letters. The waiver has been applicable since 8 November 2019 - after the Minister's signature. The Department of Home Affairs has communicated the changes to immigration officials at all ports of entry and to the airline and maritime industries. Foreign children who require a visa for South Africa do not need to carry the supporting documents for inspection at a port of entry since these will be processed together with their visa applications. South African children are still required to provide supporting documents, in line with the requirements of the Children's Act. The same applies to unaccompanied foreign children.

Department of Home Affairs - UPDATED ADVISORY NOVEMBER 2019: NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN TRAVELLING THROUGH SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS OF ENTRY

The DHA is custodian, protector and verifier of the identity and status of citizens and other persons resident in South Africa. This makes it possible for people to realize their rights and access benefits and opportunities in both the public and private domains.