There have been some recent changes to South Africa’s immigration rules. As of 10th November 2019, you won't need any additional supporting documents such as birth certificates and consent letters to travel with children who aren't South African nationals.
All unaccompanied children still need additional documentation, regardless of nationality.
If you are travelling with a South African Child they will still need supporting documents along with their passport as proof of parentage:
Where both parents are travelling together with a South African child, they'll also need to show a copy of their birth certificate or an equivalent document containing the parents details.
If only one parent is travelling with a South African child, they must also show:
- copy of a birth certificate or equivalent document
- parental consent letter
- copy of the passport or identity document of the absent parent
- contact details of the absent parent
- or where applicable-
- copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child.
- copy of a death certificate of the deceased parent
If a person is travelling with a South African child who is not their biological child, they must also show:
- copy of a birth certificate or equivalent document
- parental consent letter(s)
- copy of the passport(s) or identity document(s) of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
- contact details of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
- or where applicable-
- copy of a death certificate
- copy of an adoption order
- copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child.
Regardless of nationality, ALL unaccompanied minors must have the following documents to travel into or from South Africa, in addition to their passport:
- A copy of their birth certificate or equivalent document
- parental consent letter(s)
- A copy of the passport(s) or identity document(s) of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
- contact details of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
- or where applicable-
- copy of a death certificate
- copy of an adoption order
- copy of a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or legal guardianship in respect of the child.
Further information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website or the UK Foreign and Commonwealth website.