Johannesburg: Holidaymakers who will be travelling with minors overseas this festive season are reminded to carry unabridged birth certificates unless the child’s details are endorsed in the parent’s passport.
According to South African Government News Agency, Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, emphasized the necessity of a consent letter from the absent parent if one parent is traveling with a child. This requirement is primarily for South Africans intending to exit the country with children, as part of efforts to combat human trafficking.
Dr. Masiapato highlighted the anticipated high volumes during the festive period and appealed to all travellers to plan their travel early and exercise patience on the roads towards ports. He unveiled the agency’s festive season plans for December 2024 and January 2025, aimed at managing increased border activities.
Travellers leaving or entering South Africa are urged to ensure all travel documents are in order to avoid delays at port
s of entry. A valid machine-readable passport and visa where applicable are required, along with at least one empty page in the passport for stamping purposes. The message is relevant for the return leg in January 2025, as all travellers must present themselves at designated ports of entry.
For those crossing the border using a financed vehicle, a letter from the financing institution authorizing exit with the vehicle is necessary. South Africa faces complex border-related challenges, such as illegal immigration and cross-border crimes.
Key interventions by the BMA this festive season include extending operating hours at major ports, deploying additional personnel, and working with Interpol and local law enforcement. On health matters, all visitors will be screened on arrival to prevent the importation of communicable diseases.
Travellers from yellow fever endemic areas must have valid yellow fever certificates, a requirement also applicable to those in transit for over 12 hours in local airports. Outgoing
travellers are advised to check with relevant consulates or embassies for travel requirements of their destination countries.
Certain areas in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal are malaria-endemic. Travellers are advised to use insect repellents, bed nets, and wear long-sleeved clothes to prevent mosquito bites, and use prescribed antimalaria medicine.
Travellers showing signs of illness should report to the BMA port health clinic upon arrival or visit nearby health facilities. The risk classification for mpox in South Africa is moderate, and travellers should avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.
For those carrying health-related goods, necessary declarations must be made at the customs counter. Travellers transporting human remains must possess import or export permits issued by the National Department of Health.
In terms of illegal migration, the BMA has intercepted approximately 410,000 people attempting to enter illegally since July 2022, with many arrested, fingerprinted, declared u
ndesirable for five years, and deported. The BMA facilitates legitimate movement through 71 ports of entry and has detected 312 high-value vehicles intended for illegal export.