Travelling with minors to Southern Africa is a remarkable way to introduce children to the wonders of the natural world. The region, known for its abundant wildlife, provides endless opportunities for families to connect with nature and each other. From tracking elephants in Botswana’s Okavango Delta to witnessing the thunderous Victoria Falls between Zimbabwe and Zambia, every moment is filled with excitement and discovery. Multigenerational travel, too, is fantastic, as the variety of experiences available ensures there’s something for everyone, regardless of age.
For younger children, many lodges offer child-friendly activities and educational programs, ensuring that the little ones are both entertained and enlightened. Older kids and teens can enjoy more adventurous pursuits, such as walking safaris, kayaking on Lake Malawi, or sandboarding the dunes in Namibia. The memories created during these journeys are not just lasting but also deeply meaningful, fostering a love for conservation and a respect for other cultures.
However, travelling with kids does involve additional logistics. Ensuring that your itinerary is well-suited to the age and interests of your children is key. Furthermore, understanding the health and safety requirements, such as necessary paperwork and recommended vaccinations, is crucial. One of the standout features of traveling within Africa’s Eden is the relative ease of crossing borders, with well-coordinated travel routes making it simpler for families to enjoy a multi-country adventure.
That said, it’s essential to have all the correct documentation in order, so please ensure that you read through the information presented below about travelling with minors in Southern Africa. Preparation is vital, but once in place, it paves the way for a seamless, unforgettable family safari.
Although Angola does not require additional documentation for foreign national minors entering the country, it is always advisable to carry birth certificates and a certified affidavit from any non-travelling parent for all children under 18 years of age.
Note that when travelling to neighbouring countries, including South Africa, there are strict regulations in this regard. Please see our pages related to the Tourist Visa requirements of these countries if your inbound or outbound journey to Angola passes through any of these countries.
As of 2016, Botswana enacted regulations regarding children under the age of 18, travelling through the country, either alone or with parents/guardians. In simple form, the rules state the following:
While these are the basic rules, some exceptions and situations are detailed in the table below where you will find more specific information for different circumstances:
| DESCRIPTION | REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|
| Minor travelling with both parents |
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| Minor travelling with one parent |
NOTE: In the case of single parents, where only one parent’s particulars appear on the Unabridged Birth Certificate, a consent letter is not required. In the case where parents were never married but both parents’ particulars appear on the Unabridged Birth Certificate, a consent Affidavit by a non-travelling parent administered by any Commissioner of Oath is required. |
| Minor travelling with one parent who is divorced or legally separated and who has been granted full parental responsibilities and rights (previously called ―sole custody) or full legal guardianship in respect of the minor |
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| Minor travelling with one parent who is divorced or legally separated and who has been granted specific parental responsibilities and rights (previously called ―joint custody) or legal guardianship in respect of the minor |
NOTE: Where the accompanying parent presents a Parental Consent Affidavit and both parents’ names on the Unabridged Birth Certificate correspond with the names on the Parental Consent Affidavit and the travelling parent’s passport, a court order granting specific parental responsibilities and rights or joint legal guardianship may be dispensed with. |
| Minor travelling with widow or widower parent |
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| Orphaned minor where no formal order of guardianship or adoption has been granted as yet |
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| Minor accompanied by a person who is not his or her biological parent |
Where a Parental Consent Affidavit is presented:
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| Minor accompanied by his or her adoptive parent(s) |
NOTE: Where only one of the adoptive parents is travelling with the minor or where such a minor is travelling unaccompanied, the Parental Consent Affidavit will still be required by the absent adoptive parent(s) or in the case of a deceased adoptive parent, a copy of such parent’s death certificate. |
| Unaccompanied Minor |
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| Child in alternative care e.g foster care |
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NB: It is recommended that travellers carry the original documents or certified copies thereof. Furthermore, if travellers are visiting or transiting other countries en route to Botswana, they must check each country’s legislation regarding travelling with minors.
Although Madagascar does not require additional documentation for foreign national minors entering the country, it is always advisable to carry birth certificates and a certified affidavit from any non-travelling parent for all children under 18 years of age.
Note that when travelling to or via most countries in southern Africa, there are strict regulations in this regard. Please see our pages related to the Tourist Visa requirements of these countries if your inbound or outbound journey to Madagascar passes through any of these countries.
As of January 2024, the Mozambican Government requires those travelling with minor children, whether as parents or guardians, to produce various documentation in the interests of child safety and to prevent child trafficking. Furthermore, there are similar regulations pertaining to travel with minor children in neighbouring countries and across southern Africa.
Please see our pages related to the Tourist Visa requirements of these countries if your inbound or outbound journey to Mozambique passes through any of these countries.
| DESCRIPTION | REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|
| Minor travelling with both parents |
|
| Minor travelling with one parent |
|
| Minor travelling with a guardian who is not the biological parent. |
|
Although Malawi does not require additional documentation for foreign national minors entering the country, it is always advisable to carry birth certificates and a certified affidavit from any non-travelling parent for all children under 18 years of age.
Note that when travelling to numerous southern African countries, there are strict regulations in this regard. Please see our pages related to the Tourist Visa requirements of these countries if your inbound or outbound journey to Malawi passes through any of these countries.
| DESCRIPTION | REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|
| Minor travelling with parents |
The birth certificate must include the full name of the minor, as well as the parent or parents. If you’re a legal guardian and your name is not on the birth certificate, you will need to have documentation to prove it. If you’re not a parent or legal guardian of children you’re travelling with, you must have an affidavit from their parents or guardians giving consent. If a child is travelling with one parent or legal guardian, the other parent or legal guardian should give consent for travel in an affidavit. |
| Unaccompanied children |
Contact the nearest Namibian Diplomatic Mission for more information. |
Although Zambia does not require additional documentation for minors entering the country, it is always advisable to carry birth certificates and a certified affidavit from any non-travelling parent for all children under 18 years of age.
Note that when travelling to neighbouring countries, there are strict regulations in this regard.
It is always advisable to carry birth certificates and a certified affidavit from any non-travelling parent for all children under 18 years of age.
Note that when travelling to neighbouring countries, there are strict regulations in this regard.
Any minor (child under 18 years of age) traveling to South Africa must carry with them:
If only one parent appears on the birth certificate, and the child is traveling with the parent then no affidavit is required.
In the case of a parent having sole custody of a child, then original or certified copies of the court document is required.
In the case of a death of one parent, then an original or certified copy of the death certificate is required.
