South Africa: Travelling with minors

The BMA has established rules for travelling with minors to ensure child safety and prevent child trafficking.

Minors travelling with both parents on South African passports need only a valid passport. Unless specified, a birth certificate is unnecessary.

For a child travelling with one parent, the following is required:

  • A valid passport

  • Copy of the child’s birth certificate

  • Parental consent letter

  • Copy of the absent parent’s passport or ID and their contact details

  • Where applicable, a court order granting full parental rights or a death certificate if the other parent is deceased

No birth certificate is required if a child’s passport includes parents’ details.

Minors travelling with someone other than their biological parents must carry:

  • A valid passport

  • A copy of the child’s birth certificate

  • Parental consent letter(s)

  • Copies of the parents’ or guardians’ passports and their contact details.

Foreign minors

Foreign visa-exempt minors need only a valid passport. Those from visa-required countries must have a valid passport and approved visa with parental consent details.

For more information, including requirements for unaccompanied minors, visit the BMA’s website: www.bma.gov.za