Taking your kids to Africa
Are you considering travelling with children to Africa? Great choice – this incredible continent of unique wildlife, diverse activities and endless beautiful landscapes is one of the most rewarding holidays for families.
At this stage, most of the countries we cover only require children to have a valid passport and relevant visas. But we do encourage you to check with the embassy for each country you’re visiting, as regulations can change without notice.
If you’re travelling to Botswana or Namibia, however, you’ll need a few extra things.
There are strict regulations if you’re planning to enter any of these three countries with children under the age of 18.
It all depends on the person or people travelling with the children, so please read the following information carefully.
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Rules for travelling with kids in Botswana & Namibia
Travelling with biological parents
These regulations are the most straightforward – you will simply need to carry with you:
• An unabridged birth certificate for each child (Botswana does accept certified copies of standard birth certificates)
• A valid passport for each child
Travelling with one biological parent
These regulations are not as straightforward, so it’s important you note the requirements here. You will need to carry with you:
• An unabridged birth certificate for each child (Botswana does accept certified copies of standard birth certificates)
• A valid passport for each child
• A signed affidavit confirming the absent biological parent has given permission for the child to travel.
Alternatively, in the event that the parent is no longer involved in the child’s life, you will require a court order
• In the unfortunate event the second parent is deceased you will need to present a death certificate
Travelling with a guardian
The responsible guardian must produce:
• An unabridged birth certificate for each child (Botswana does accept certified copies of standard birth certificates)
• A valid passport for each child
• A signed affidavit or court order, confirming the child’s parents have given them permission to travel with the guardian, or a copy of death certificates if the parents are deceased
• Copies of ID documents for parents and guardian to support the above documentation (assuming the parents are alive)
• Contact details of parents and guardian (assuming the parents are alive)
Unaccompanied children
If your child or children are travelling unaccompanied, they will need to have the following documentation with them to present to airline check in staff and immigration:
• An unabridged birth certificate (Botswana does accept certified copies of standard birth certificates)
• A valid passport
• Court order / death certificate / signed affidavit from both parents or legal guardian confirming permission to travel
• A letter from the person who will receive the child in Botswana or Namibia, including their full contact details and a certified copy of their ID/passport
• The contact details of the parents or guardian
Please liaise with one of our highly qualified and experienced trip planners who know all the ins and outs of travelling in Africa with children.
We’ll ensure you’re well-prepared for an easy arrival, outstanding experience in the country or countries of your choice, and a smooth departure home again.