Since this article was published, eTNW has received differing information from BLS and agents with clients applying for visas. We are seeking clarity from BLS and will update our readers when we receive this.
Last week, BLS International changed its requirements for South African minors applying for a Schengen visa. As with the changes to spousal visa requirements, this was implemented with no official announcement.
As a result of the changes, Unabridged Birth Certificates will no longer be considered valid, unless they have been stamped by Home Affairs within the six-month period before application.
eTNW confirmed the policy change with BLS after an agent reported that a client was turned away during a visa application appointment as a result of ‘expired’ Unabridged Birth Certificates. This took place despite the fact that the change in policy was missing from BLS’s published requirements at the time of application.
