We will be open at 9:00 am. Call 020 7590 0610

New regulations announced for families travelling to South Africa

Article content

23 June 2014 by Alex Stewart

South Africa changes rules on entry and exit for people travelling with children.

As of 1 October 2014, South Africa will introduce new legislation meaning that parents travelling with children into or out of South Africa may be asked to show the child's full birth certificate. 'The rules are aimed at improving the safety of children, announced the Department of Home Affairs.

Where only one parent is accompanying the child, proof of parental or legal authority to travel with the child may have to be shown before entry to or exit from the country.

If the child is travelling with a guardian, this adult is required to produce affadavits from both parents giving permission for the child to travel; they will also need copies of the passports of the parents, as well as their contact details.

The new regulations apply to both South Africans and foreigners alike.

You should travel with these documents in case you're asked to present them; make sure to allow additional time when preparing to travel in order to locate or obtain new, unabridged documents..

With this in mind, Wexas Commercial Director Dave Warne said,

‘These are fairly onerous restrictions but travellers are likely to be refused entry if they can't provide the correct paperwork. Consequently I wouldn't be surprised if some airline checked at airports that you have the correct information prior to allowing travellers to board, in the same way that some will check for visas for some countries.'

Related offers

Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge

Kruger Bridge Safari & Western Cape Adventure

13-day tailor-made holiday from £6,325 pp incl. flights

A once-in-a-lifetime South African adventure awaits. Combine the best of the Western Cape and award-winning wine and gastronomy with world-class hotels and a unique Big Five Kruger safari.

Aerial view, Wilderness Safaris Magashi Camp, Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Magashi Camp, Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Contemporary safari lodge

Hidden in Rwanda’s remote Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp is a new eco-retreat on the wildlife-rich tip of the stunning Lake Rwanyakizinga. With just six stylish safari tents, the focus here is on conservation and back-to-nature safari experiences, alongside gourmet dining, wine cellar and pool.

Arusha Coffee Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania

Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge

Contemporary lodge

One of Tanzania’s premium coffee lodges, Arusha Coffee Lodge makes for the ideal start or end to any safari holiday, with gourmet dining, sprawling rooms and myriad excursions to explore one of the country’s largest coffee plantations.

Kruger Shalati, South Africa

Kruger Shalati, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Designer safari lodge

Kruger Shalati, opening December 2019, is a spectacularly unique train hotel, perched high on a railway bridge in the heart of South Africa's iconic Kruger National Park, with luxury suites, free standing baths, gourmet dining and included game drives.

Atlantic Ocean from Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

Southern Africa in style on Seven Seas Splendour

18-day luxury ocean cruise from £8,105 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Free 3-night pre- or post- cruise Cape Town land programme
Book by: 31 March 2024

From Big-Five game viewing to the cultural wonders of Cape Town, this is your chance to explore the myriad delights of Southern Africa on an all-inclusive luxury Regent Seven Seas cruise.

Paradis Plage

Paradis Plage, Taghazout, Morocco

Contemporary hotel

This beachfront delight is all Moroccan tradition meets beach chic on the shores of Morocco's Atlantic coast and offers surfing, yoga lessons and spa treatments.

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected