Birth - Will I Be Able To Leave South Africa Without Unabridged Birth Certificate?
As an adult, yes, but children are forbidden to leave the country without a UBC (Unabridged / Long Birth Certificate.
Everyone needs the UBC (Unabridged Birth Cer
You will, however, as an adult, be required to get this for your Green Card
Here is a clear explanation:
You cannot travel to the USA without an Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) if you are flying with minors, or a valid
Unabridged Marriage Certificate (UMC) if your documents do not match. Since Home Affairs often takes months, you must take these steps to ensure you can travel legally:
Unabridged Marriage Certificate (UMC) if your documents do not match. Since Home Affairs often takes months, you must take these steps to ensure you can travel legally:
1. Can you get it "from over there" while in a rush?
Waiting for Home Affairs abroad often results in the same frustrating delays because the printing and verification are still handled by the Head Office in Pretoria. Furthermore, if you are flying out of South Africa and don't have the certificate, airlines in South Africa will strictly deny boarding for minors without a UBC.
2. Immediate Action: Get the Official Letter
If you are flying soon and your documents are not ready, your best course of action is to urgently contact your local Home Affairs branch. Ask them for an official "in-lieu" letter.
If you have been waiting longer than the standard processing period, DHA can sometimes issue this formal letter to present at immigration and customs.
If you have been waiting longer than the standard processing period, DHA can sometimes issue this formal letter to present at immigration and customs.
3. Use an Authorized Expediting Service
Many South Africans bypass the slow Home Affairs queues by using registered document expediting services. These agencies handle the physical follow-ups and moderation directly with the Pretoria Head Office on your behalf.
With love
Accidental Refugee
Source: US Embassy DIRCO CertificateRSA