A Parental Consent Affidavit is a mandatory sworn legal document required by the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) when a minor under the age of 18 travels across South African borders without both biological parents or legal guardians present. The non-travelling parent or guardian must sign this document in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths—such as an officer at any South African Police Service (SAPS) station—to authorize the trip and prevent international child trafficking or unlawful relocation.
What Is a South African Parental Consent Affidavit?
Under the South African Immigration Act (Act No. 13 of 2002) and the amended Immigration Regulations, border control officials enforce strict measures to ensure children travelling across South African ports of entry do so with full parental authorization.
The Parental Consent Affidavit serves as formal, sworn legal proof that:
- The non-travelling parent(s) or legal guardian(s) give explicit consent for the minor to enter or depart the Republic of South Africa.
- The travel dates, destination, and accompanying adult (if applicable) are recognized and authorized.
- The child is not being removed or transported without the lawful guardian’s knowledge.
The affidavit is issued by the parent remaining behind and must be officially stamped, signed, and dated by a recognized Commissioner of Oaths.
When Is a Parental Consent Affidavit Required?
The requirement for a consent affidavit depends directly on who is accompanying the minor on the journey:
1. Minor Travelling with Only One Parent
When a child travels with only one biological or legal parent, the travelling parent must present a signed and certified Parental Consent Affidavit from the non-travelling parent listed on the child’s birth certificate.
2. Minor Travelling with an Adult Who Is Not a Biological Parent
When a minor travels with a relative (such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle), a family friend, a teacher, or a sports tour manager:
- Consent affidavits are required from both parents/guardians listed on the child’s birth certificate.
- Certified copies of both parents’ identity documents or passports must be attached.
- Full contact details and physical address of the parents must be included.
- A certified copy of the accompanying adult’s identity document or passport must accompany the paperwork.
3. Unaccompanied Minors (Travelling Alone)
If a child travels alone without an accompanying adult (e.g., via airline unaccompanied minor services), immigration requires:
- Parental Consent Affidavits from both parents or legal guardians.
- Contact details and certified ID/passport copies of both parents.
- A formal letter from the person receiving the minor at the destination, containing their residential address, contact details, and a certified copy of their valid identity document or passport.
When Is a Consent Affidavit Exempt?
A Parental Consent Affidavit is not required in the following specific circumstances:
- Both Parents Present: Both parents listed on the child’s Unabridged Birth Certificate are travelling together on the same itinerary.
- Sole Parental Rights / Sole Custody: The travelling parent holds a valid court order from a competent court granting them sole parental responsibilities, rights, and legal guardianship.
- Deceased Parent: If one or both parents are deceased, a certified copy of the official Death Certificate must be produced in place of the affidavit.
- Single Parent on Birth Certificate: If only one parent’s name appears on the child’s Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC), no additional consent is needed from an unnamed party.
Required Information and Supporting Documents
When preparing a Parental Consent Affidavit, ensure all particulars correspond precisely with the child’s passport and travel tickets.
Details Required on the Affidavit Form:
- Child’s Particulars: Full names, surname, date of birth, identity number, and passport number.
- Parents’/Guardians’ Particulars: Full names, identity/passport numbers, physical residential addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.
- Accompanying Adult’s Particulars: (If applicable) Full names, ID/passport number, and contact information.
- Trip Details: Specific departure and return dates, destination countries, and flight/travel reference details.
Mandatory Supporting Documents to Carry:
| Document | Purpose |
| Original or Certified Copy of Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) | Confirms the legal parentage of the minor. |
| Certified Copy of Non-Travelling Parent’s ID or Passport | Verifies the identity of the person granting consent. |
| Certified Copy of Minor’s Passport and Visa | Standard travel documentation. |
| Court Order / Death Certificate (if applicable) | Proves sole guardianship or the reason for a missing parent’s signature. |
How to Get a Parental Consent Affidavit Certified at a Police Station (SAPS)
Getting an affidavit commissioned at a South African Police Service (SAPS) station is straightforward and completely free of charge. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Obtain the Standard Form
Download the official Department of Home Affairs Parental Consent Affidavit template or use a standardized affidavit form detailing the trip and parental permission.
Step 2: Fill In the Information (Do Not Sign Yet)
Complete all blank fields, including parent particulars, child details, travel dates, and destination. Leave the signature and date fields blank, as these must be completed in the physical presence of the police officer.
Step 3: Bring Required Identification to the Police Station
The non-travelling parent must visit the Community Service Centre (CSC) at any local SAPS police station in person, bringing:
- Original South African green barcoded ID book, smart ID card, or valid passport.
- The completed, unsigned affidavit form.
- Original and photocopies of supporting documents (e.g., child’s birth certificate, parent ID) for simultaneous certification.
Step 4: Sign in Front of the Commissioner of Oaths
The police officer serving as a Commissioner of Oaths will administer a verbal oath or affirmation confirming that the information is true. You will then sign and date the document in their presence.
Step 5: Officer Stamping and Certification
The officer will apply their official SAPS Commissioner of Oaths stamp, sign the document, and record their rank, name, and station details. They will also certify any photocopies of IDs and certificates at the same time.
Validity Period and Timing Rules
- 4-Month Rule: The Department of Home Affairs specifies that a Parental Consent Affidavit must generally not be older than four (4) months from the initial date of travel.
- Single vs. Multiple Trips: If a child travels frequently (e.g., boarding school across borders), the affidavit can state a broader validity window or specify multiple entries, but it should not exceed the validity period explicitly stipulated by immigration regulations.
- Always Carry Originals: Border officials and airline check-in agents require the original stamped affidavit or an officially certified copy; digital images on mobile phones are generally rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a parental consent affidavit valid for travel in South Africa?
A standard Parental Consent Affidavit is valid for a maximum of four months from the date it is commissioned by a Commissioner of Oaths, unless a specific, shorter travel period is designated on the document. If travel dates change significantly or exceed this four-month window, a new affidavit must be completed and commissioned.
How much does it cost to get a parental consent affidavit commissioned at a police station?
The South African Police Service (SAPS) provides Commissioner of Oaths services—including commissioning affidavits and certifying supporting document copies—completely free of charge at all public police stations nationwide.
What can I do if the other parent refuses or is unable to sign the consent affidavit?
If the non-travelling parent refuses to grant permission without valid reason, or cannot be located, the travelling parent must apply to the High Court or the local Children’s Court for an order dispensing with the other parent’s consent. In urgent or extenuating humanitarian circumstances, an application for a Letter of Special Circumstances may be made directly to the Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs.
Do I still need an Unabridged Birth Certificate if I have a signed parental consent affidavit?
Yes. The Parental Consent Affidavit does not replace the requirement for an Unabridged Birth Certificate (or equivalent parentage document). Border control officials inspect the birth certificate to verify that the person who signed the affidavit is indeed the legally registered parent or guardian of the child.
Can a parent living abroad sign the affidavit outside of South Africa?
Yes. If the non-travelling parent resides outside South Africa, they can have the Parental Consent Affidavit attested free of charge at a South African Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate abroad. Alternatively, they may sign the document before a local Notary Public or equivalent authorized legal authority in their country of residence.
Who can act as a Commissioner of Oaths for the affidavit besides SAPS?
In addition to police officers at SAPS stations, Parental Consent Affidavits can be commissioned by practicing attorneys, advocates, notaries public, bank managers, Post Office branch managers, magistrates, and clerks of the court in South Africa, provided they hold active Commissioner of Oaths status.