Following the news about new procedures regarding minors travelling by air into, out of and through South Africa (see story here), the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA) has leaned that the deadline for this new requirement has now been extended to the end of September. The original date of implementation was set for 1 July.
“This certainly does take the pressure off of our members and their clients in the short-term,” said Otto de Vries, CEO of ASATA. “We trust that this period of grace opens the door for the policy makers within the Department of Home Affairs to engage with ASATA and our partner associations in our industry, to iron out the many issues that will arise from this new regulation. “
This new immigration regulation does not only affect South African travellers, but it is also applicable to visitors arriving in South Africa from other countries.
“We are anxious to engage with the authorities on how this new regulation’s practical implications can be best communicated to all stakeholders, here and overseas, in order to minimise any confusion or detrimental misunderstandings surrounding the new and additional documents required,” said De Vries.