Johannesburg - Children travelling to and from South Africa will soon have to produce a number of extra documents, SA Airways (SAA) said on Sunday.
“As from 1 October, we will not be able to check in all travellers who cannot produce the necessary documentation,” SAA spokesman Tlali Tlali said in a statement.
The new regulations follow implementation of the SA Immigration Amendment Act of 2010, according to which children are defined as any one under the age of 18.
Children travelling with both parents have to produce an unabridged birth certificate with the names of both parents.
A child travelling with only one parent has to supply either an affidavit from the other parent giving them consent to travel, a court order indicating guardianship, or the death certificate of the other parent.
If a child is travelling with people not their parents, they need to provide affidavits from their parents or guardians, copies of the parents' or guardians' identity documents or passports and their contact details.
Children travelling as unaccompanied minors need even more paperwork, including documents providing information about the person receiving the child.
Any documents not in English have to be certified and accompanied by a sworn translation.
“These regulations are designed to ensure the safety of children and should thus be welcomed,” Tlali said.
Sapa