Terry Kessel, MD of Israel-based Diesenhaus Travel, expresses concerns that SA’s new immigration regulations, specifically the requirement for children to produce an unabridged birth certificate or the equivalent, have already resulted in cancellations.

I cannot actually find the words to describe my feelings regarding the new regulations that are due to be applied on June 1 – words such as disaster, catastrophe, unbelievable, chaos would be appropriate.  The main issue that the relevant authorities have to take into account is the results of these measures.

I can imagine the chaos at the airport as the Immigration officials try to sort out and understand the documentation they are being presented with, the huge lines that will be formed, the hundreds, if not thousands of travellers who will be inconvenienced, the amount of money that will be lost. What will be the fate of those passengers who arrive without the correct documentation? Will they be deported, put into jail? The mere thought of the consequences of this ridiculous policy are just too big to even think about – a policy that does not exist in ANY other country in the world – nowhere!!

We have already had numerous cancellations of potential travellers whose sole purpose was to enjoy the beauty and special sights of South Africa but were not prepared to undergo the treatment and invasion of privacy.