Parenting – Travelling Abroad With Kids

Planning on taking an international holiday with your kids? Ensure a hassle-free trip with these travel tips!

By AYANDA NKONYANA

An overseas family holiday is a memorable experience. But, to avoid being stranded just before takeoff, give yourself plenty of time – at least three months – to gather all the required documents as stipulated by Home Affairs.

Child trafficking is a real and present danger. In June 2015, authorities introduced a new visa law for all children under the age of 18 travelling in and out of the country. Proper documentation not only keeps children safe, but it also prevents runaway children from leaving the country. “With child trafficking so prevalent, travelling with kids can be daunting and stressful, but the tedious procedures are worth the hassle,” says Philile Nzimande, a travel agent from Travelling Cheapskates in Joburg.

So what is needed? For starters, parents must carry an unabridged birth certificate (which shows names and ID numbers of both parents) to identify their children, even if they are all travelling together. If not, they risk being denied boarding the plane. This stricter requirement has caused many to be stranded at airports, leading to delays and even cancellation of their trips. Amanda Xaba, 37, was turned away because she didn’t carry her 10-yearold daughter’s unabridged birth certificate. “We were not allowed to board even though I had a letter from my daughter’s father giving me permission to travel with her. They insisted on the unabridged birth certificate.”

Nzimande strongly recommends that parents give themselves plenty of time to get all the proper documentation. “I suggest parents start three months in advance, as every step includes a waiting period. Also, depending on the country you visit, ensure that your child takes the required travel shots,” she adds.

What does that mean in practice? We take a look at the requirements for different travelling scenarios:

ONE-PARENT TRAVELS

Consent: If you’re travelling alone with your child, you need the other parent’s permission, even if the names of both parents appear on the child’s unabridged birth certificate.

Thabo Mokgola, media liaison at the Department of Home Affairs, explains: “A consent affidavit from the nontravelling parent, giving permission for the child travelling with the other parent should be provided, as well as a certified copy of the non-travelling parent’s ID. The affidavit form is available on the Home Affairs website. It must be certified at a police station with three months validity.”

Proof of your relationship: Apart from the consent form, you’ll have to prove you are the parent, especially if you don’t share the same surname as your child. If not, you could be under suspicion of child abduction, which is a real occurrence. Thandeka Ngubeni, 28, says her holiday trip was ruined when she was denied entry because she didn’t share a last name with her son. “They looked at both our passports, then asked how I was related to him. When I said he was my son, they asked why we didn’t share a surname. I had to call my partner to come and explain,” she says.

“Our son had his last name because we weren’t married. They said my partner should’ve accompanied us so he could usher him through passport control. Or, I needed to provide a letter from the parent with the same surname as the child. That immediately ruined what I thought would be a perfect trip,” says Thandeka.

Most single parents overlook the parental consent affidavit form and assume the passport and unabridged certificate will be enough, but the consent affidavit is very important, Nzimande explains. “Should one parent be deceased, the living parent

must provide a copy of their late spouse’s death certificate,” she advises.

SEPARATED PARENTS

Written permission or a divorce certificate: Mokgola says a parent should carry custody forms showing they are entitled to care for their kids. “A certified copy of the divorce certificate should be carried, in addition to the consent affidavit from the other parent and a copy of their identity document,” he says.

In terms of the 2005 Children’s Act, no parent can travel outside South Africa without getting consent from their ex-spouse. “I separated from my ex-husband last year and we had a messy divorce,” says Jennifer Mngoma, 32. “Now, I’m planning a family holiday with my kids and he doesn’t want to sign the consent affidavit,” she adds.

A court order: In such a case, the parent responsible will have to get a court order, Mokgola explains. Affidavit: In the case of the father’s whereabouts being unknown, the mother needs to present an affidavit that states that she’s solely responsible for the child, says Mokgola.

TRAVELLING WITH A GUARDIAN

A consent form provides proof that a child has parental permission, and that the parents are in agreement as to their child’s whereabouts.

Permission from both parents:

The South African Immigration Act states that the child must carry an affidavit from both parents, or social worker, where applicable, confirming permission to travel alone, with a relative or on a school trip. The child will also need certified copies of both parents’ IDs as well as their contact details. A copy of the unabridged birth certificate can be included.

Court order, affidavit proving responsibility or death certificates: “The letter of consent or affidavit must be recently dated. Where only one parent provides proof of consent, that parent must also provide either a copy of a court order to show he or she has full parental responsibilities and rights; or a death certificate of the other parent,” Mokgola says. In the event that both parents have passed away, death certificates must be shown. Proof of adoption: Where a child is adopted, the parents of the child will need an official adoption certificate, and the child’s unabridged birth certificate. ■