Requirements for Parents

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), on 29 April, updated the Travel Information Manual Automatic (TIMATIC), used by airport ground staff to determine whether a passenger can be carried, with regard to the requirements for children travelling to South Africa.

Minors:

– Minors younger than 18 Years, to/from South Africa:

A

With both parents, if the minor’s surname is not the same as both parents, must hold an original or a copy of a birth certificate or a passport containing the details of the parents?

B

With 1 parent, must hold an original or a copy of a birth certificate and 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.
Alternatively, the following will be required:

– A letter of special circumstances
– A court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or full legal guardianship to the present parent.
– In case the other parent is deceased, then a death certificate will be required.
– In case the name of 1 parent only (Mother or Father) is on the birth certificate, then the parent must hold an original or a copy of a birth certificate containing information about the parent only.

C

With an adult other than a parent, must hold an original or a copy of a birth certificate and parental consent letters, copies of identification documents and his/her contact details or a letter of special circumstances, 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.
In case the name of 1 parent only (mother or father) is on the birth certificate, the adult must hold an original or a copy of a birth certificate containing information about the parent only.
Documents of parents/legal guardians will include the contact details of parents/legal guardians and contact details of the person in whose care the minor will be.

D

When travelling as a primary or secondary school tour with a teacher or a trainer, a letter of consent from the school principal is required, confirming that consent letters from all parents are held by the school, together with an ID/passport copy of the accompanying teacher or trainer.

E

Unaccompanied minors must hold an original or a copy of a birth certificate anda parental consent letter 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) A letter from the person receiving the minor in South Africa will also be required, containing address and contact details as well as a copy of the identification document of the person receiving the minor, including visa/residence permit (if required).

Passengers arriving without the required birth certificate will be granted a period of 24 hours to obtain it. All documents must be in English, except for the birth certificate. The parental consent letter must be issued within 6 months prior to the date of travel.
Adopted children who do not have a birth certificate containing the information of the adoptive parents must hold an adoption order.

• This does not apply to South African minors travelling 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.
• This does not apply to minors in transit in South Africa.

Use TIFA, TIFV AND TIFH for specific information