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 are accompanied by their parents. However, South African children may still be subject to specific documentation requirements. Unaccompanied minors have additional documentation requirements, including parental consent and information about the person receiving the child in South Africa.
An Unabridged Birth Certificate is a document containing information about both biological parents or legal guardians. Unaccompanied passengers under the age of 18 may require one in addition to other required travel documents, such as passports and visas, 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.
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 or certified English translation where required by the relevant authorities.
South African children under 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, a UBC is not required if the child's passport contains the details of their parent(s), as the passport can be accepted as sufficient proof of parentage.
If a child is travelling with only one parent, additional documentation, such as a parental consent affidavit from the non-travelling parent, may be required.
If the child is travelling with someone other than a parent, or travelling unaccompanied, additional documentation and consent requirements apply.
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:
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.
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.
The child may need an Unabridged Birth Certificate, as well as one or more of the following:
The following may be required:
If only one parent gives consent, they may also need to supply the following documents:
The requirements do not apply to children travelling domestically, for example between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
You can contact the Department of Home Affairs for information about Unabridged Birth Certificates.
Contact number: 0800 60 11 90
Email: hacc@dha.gov.za
For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs birth certificates page.
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