The Department of Home Affairs has extended the “grace period” for travellers younger than 18 years to obtain their unabridged birth certificates. Originally the Department said the new regulation would apply from July 1, but it has since taken the decision to extend the grace period to October 1.
"From October 1, the requirement for an unabridged birth certificate for children travelling with parents will come into effect for the safety of children, including their protection from child trafficking, abduction and kidnapping," the department said in a statement.
The Department urged citizens and foreign nationals to apply for unabridged birth certificates for children. An unabridged birth certificate of the child reflecting the particulars of the parents is required in terms of the Immigration Regulation 6 (12)(a) for children travelling with parents.
The Immigration Act, which was implemented on May 26, requires minors to present an unbridged birth certificate as well as a passport when leaving, transiting or arriving in South Africa.
