The new visa regulations that come into effect on the 1st June 2015 require that children under the age of 18 travelling to or from South must be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate in addition to their passport and visa, where applicable. Not many people are aware of what an unabridged Birth Certificate is or how to obtain one and so we have set that out below

What is an Unabridged Birth Certifcate?
It’s a birth certificate that reflects the particulars of both parents of the child. All children born in South Africa after 14 March 2013 were issued with a valid unabridged birth certificate automatically and free of charge. Everyone born before that, and those from countries who do not automatically issue unabridged certificates, must apply for the document well before their travel date.

How do you apply for an Unabridged Birth Certificate?
- You can apply at your nearest Home Affairs office where your Biometric information will be verified.
- You will need your ID book along, as well as your child's ID number.
- All documents submitted must be originals or certified copies.
- The Unabridged Birth Certificate costs R75.

How long does it take to obtain?
It can take up to 8 weeks to acquire an Unabridged Birth Certificate from the date of application. There is presently a significant backlog at the Department of Home Affairs and so it is likely to take significantly longer at present.