Passport - Do All Family Members Need Passports?
Yes, every single member of your family needs their own valid passport to participate in the resettlement program, including infants and young children.
The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) require independent identity verification for every individual on your case file. Because there are currently no legal or government restrictions stopping South African citizens from applying for or receiving passports, alternative travel papers will generally not be substituted for this requirement.
Here is a gentle guide on how to successfully manage passport applications for your household:
Passports for Infants and Children
Every child, no matter how young, must have their own individual passport book. Children cannot be listed inside a parent's passport, nor can they travel internationally without their own separate, valid document.
Every child, no matter how young, must have their own individual passport book. Children cannot be listed inside a parent's passport, nor can they travel internationally without their own separate, valid document.
Important Rules for Separated or Divorced Parents
The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) enforces very strict child protection laws. If you are applying for a passport for a minor child, please keep the following operational rules in mind:
The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) enforces very strict child protection laws. If you are applying for a passport for a minor child, please keep the following operational rules in mind:
- Both Parents Present: Under standard rules, both parents must be physically present at Home Affairs to sign the application forms for any child under the age of 18.
- Sole Custody and Guardianship: If you are divorced or separated and the other parent cannot be present, you must show official court proof. Home Affairs will require your official Divorce Decree or a court order specifically proving you have been granted both sole custody and sole guardianship. Please note that having sole custody alone is usually not enough to bypass the other parent's signature.
- Deceased Parents: If one of the child's parents has passed away, you must bring a certified copy of their official Death Certificate to your Home Affairs appointment to complete the minor's application without delays.
With Love,
Accidental Refugee
Accidental Refugee
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