Description Travel documents required

Child travelling with both parents Valid passport and valid visa (if required); Unabridged birth certificate of the child reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child. For countries that do not issue birth certificates, a letter from the competent authority of the country must be produced.

Child travelling with one parent Valid passport and valid visa (if required); Unabridged birth certificate of the child reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child. For countries that do not issue birth certificates, a letter from the competent authority of the country must be produced, and Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) (PDF), or A court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child, if he/she is the parent or legal guardian of the child; or

Letter of Special Circumstances issued by the Director General of South African Department of Home Affairs.

Child travelling with one parent and other parent is deceased

Valid passport and valid visa (if required); Unabridged birth certificate of the child reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child. For countries that do not issue birth certificates, a letter from the competent authority of the country must be produced. Death certificate of the deceased parent.

Child travelling with someone who is not their biological parent Valid passport and valid visa (if required). Unabridged birth certificate of the child reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child. For countries that do not issue birth certificates, a letter from the competent authority of the country must be produced. Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) (PDF), or Letter of Special Circumstances. NOTE: Where PCA is presented: Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the child; and

Contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child and contact details of the person in whose care the minor will be in South Africa.

Orphaned child where guardianship or adoption has yet to be granted Valid passport and valid visa (if required). Letter of Special Circumstances.

Child accompanied by adoptive parents(s) Valid passport and valid visa (if required) Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) of the child reflecting particulars of adoptive parents, or

Where the UBC is yet to be issued, a court order confirming the adoption of the child by the adoptive parent(s) accompanying the child. NOTE: where the child is travelling with one adoptive parent, a Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) (PDF) is required.

Where one of the adoptive parents is deceased, a copy of the Death Certificate is required. Where one or both of the adoptive parents are unable to issue written consent due to recent death or incapacity, a Letter of Special Circumstances may replace the PCA.

Child in alternate care Valid passport and valid visa (if required). Letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social development where the child resides authorising the child’s departure from the Republic.

Child travelling with one parent who is legally separated and has been granted full parental responsibilities and rights or full legal guardianship Valid passport and valid visa (if required). Unabridged Birth Certificate of the child reflecting the particulars of the parents of the child. For countries that do not issue birth certificates, a letter from the competent authority of the country must be produced, Court Order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or full legal guardianship of the child.