Unabridged Birth Certificates: All You Need to Know

Unabridged Birth Certificate for Minors:
All You Need to Know

Since 8 November 2019, the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has changed the Unabridged Birth Certificate rule for foreign minors travelling to South Africa. Foreign children under the age of 18 can enter the country without carrying additional documents such as birth certificates and consent letters, if they’re accompanied by their parents. However, South African children still require the Unabridged Birth Certificate.

Applying for an Unabridged Birth Certificate for travel

The process can take up to eight weeks. If your intended travel date is within this period, inform the Department of Home Affairs of this, and they will give you an official letter to use in place of the Unabridged Birth Certificate.

Please note If your infant was born after 04 March 2013, you should have an Unabridged Birth Certificate. Certified copies of documents are usually only valid for six months. Minors travelling in school groups or with their grandparents are not exempt from the requirement After April 2016, the Department of Home Affairs changed the term Unabridged Birth Certificate to Birth Certificate. All birth certificates issued after April 2016 contain the information travellers require to exit or enter South Africa.

South African Travellers

If one parent is travelling with a child/children

The child will need to have an Unabridged Birth Certificate, as well as the following:

Affidavit granting consent from the other parent (no longer than three months before the intended travel date) or;
A court order granting the parent full parental responsibilities or legal guardianship of the child or;
A death certificate of the other parent.

South African and Foreign National Travellers

If a child is travelling without his/her parents

The following is required:

Proof of consent from both of the child’s parents or legal guardians;
Copies of the Identity Documents or passports of the parents or legal guardians;
Letter from the person receiving them, including copy of host’s ID/ passport.

If only one parent gives consent, he or she needs to additionally supply the following documents:

A court order which grants the parent or legal guardian full parental responsibilities and rights in respect of the child;
The contact details of the parent or legal guardian.

Frequently asked questions

What is an Unabridged Birth Certificate?

An Unabridged Birth Certificate is a document containing information of both biological parents or legal guardians. Unaccompanied passengers under the age of 18 require them in addition to the other required documents (passports, visa stamps, etc.) when entering or exiting South Africa. Unaccompanied minors have additional documentation requirements, including parental consent and information about the person receiving the child in South Africa.

Who needs an Unabridged Birth Certificate?

Children under the age of 18 travelling to or from South Africa may be required to present an Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) or an equivalent document showing the details of their parent(s).

However, there are important exemptions. South African children travelling on South African passports do not need to carry a birth certificate. A child may also be exempt from presenting a birth certificate if their passport contains the details of their parent or parents. Children travelling with a valid South African visa are generally not required to present the supporting documents that were already submitted as part of their visa application.

Unaccompanied minors have additional requirements. These may include proof of parental consent, a letter from the person receiving the child in South Africa, and copies of that person’s identification and immigration documents. The exact requirements depend on the child’s circumstances and nationality.

It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that they and any children travelling with them have the correct travel documents. Failure to meet the applicable requirements may result in delays or the child being refused boarding or entry.

If a birth certificate or equivalent document is not in English, it should be accompanied by a sworn/certified English translation where required by the relevant authorities.

How do I get an Unabridged Certificate?

If you have a child under the age of 18 and need to obtain an Unabridged Birth Certificate, you can apply at your preferred Department of Home Affairs branch or, if you are overseas, at a South African embassy, mission or consulate.

The documents you will need may include:

The parent’s or guardian’s Identity Document
The child’s existing birth certificate and/or ID, where applicable
Certified copies of documents where required
The completed application form and prescribed fee, where applicable

When a child is born, parents must register the child’s birth within 30 days of the date of birth. Once the birth has been registered, the first Unabridged Birth Certificate is issued free of charge.

If you need an additional or replacement Unabridged Birth Certificate, you must apply for it separately and pay the applicable fee. Processing can take approximately 6–8 weeks.

Who is exempt?

The new law does not apply to children travelling domestically. For example, between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Contact Information

You can contact the Department of Home Affairs for all Unabridged Birth Certificate information.
Contact number: 0800 60 11 90
Email: hacc@dha.gov.za
For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs birth certificates page.

All information on this page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of information from this website.