The South African passport ranks 48th globally, providing citizens with easier travel options. This article covers all countries with visa free entry to South Africa, plus visa-on-arrival, eVisa, and ETA requirements for South African travelers.
- Visa-Free Countries for South Africa Passport Holders
- Visa on Arrival Countries for South Africa Passport Holders
- eVisa Countries for South Africa Passport Holders
- ETA Countries for South Africa Passport Holders
- Top Visa-Free Countries for South African Residents
- Benefits of Visa-Free Travel for South African Residents
- FAQs
Visa-Free Countries for South Africa Passport Holders
The Henley Passport Index ranks South Africa 48th globally, with access to 104 destinations. Here are countries you can visit from South Africa without a visa:
| Country | Allowed Stay |
| Antigua & Barbuda | 30 days |
| Argentina | 90 days |
| Barbados | 90 days |
| Belize | 30 days |
| Benin | 90 days |
| Botswana | 90 days |
| Brazil | 90 days |
| Chile | 90 days |
| Colombia | 180 days |
| Cook Islands | 31 days |
| Costa Rica | 90 days |
| Dominica | 21 days |
| Dominican Republic | 30 days |
| Ecuador | 90 days |
| El Salvador | 90 days |
| Fiji | 6 months |
| Grenada | 90 days |
| Guatemala | 90 days |
| Guyana | 30 days |
| Haiti | 90 days |
| Honduras | 90 days |
| Israel | 90 days |
| Jamaica | 30 days |
| Lesotho | 30 days |
| Malaysia | 90 days |
| Mauritius | 90 days |
| Mongolia | 14 days |
| Mozambique | 30 days |
| Namibia | 90 days |
| Nicaragua | 90 days |
| Panama | 90 days |
| Paraguay | 90 days |
| Peru | 90 days |
| Philippines | 14 days |
| Russia | 90 days |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | 3 months |
| Saint Lucia | 6 weeks |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 30 days |
| Samoa | 90 days |
| Seychelles | 3 months |
| Singapore | 30 days |
| South Korea | 90 days |
| Suriname | 3 months |
| Thailand | 60 days |
| Tonga | 31 days |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 3 months |
| Tunisia | 90 days |
| Tuvalu | 3 months |
| Uruguay | 90 days |
| Vanuatu | 30 days |
| Venezuela | 90 days |
| Zambia | 30 days |
| Zimbabwe | 90 days |
Note: This list includes countries and territories where South Africa travel without visa is permitted.
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Visa on Arrival Countries for South Africa Passport Holders
Here are visa-on-arrival countries for South Africa passport holders:
| Country | Stay Duration | Visa Fee (USD) | Visa Fee (ZAR) |
| Burundi | 14 days | $30 | ZAR 529 |
| Cambodia | 30 days | $35 | ZAR 617 |
| Comoros | 45 days | FREE | FREE |
| Ethiopia | 90 days | $50 | ZAR 881 |
| Guinea-Bissau | 90 days | $50 | ZAR 881 |
| Jordan | 30 days | $50+ | ZAR 881+ |
| Laos | 30 days | $30-45 | ZAR 529-794 |
| Lebanon | 3 months | FREE | FREE |
| Maldives | 30 days | FREE | FREE |
| Mauritania | 30 days | $40 | ZAR 705 |
| Nepal | 90 days | FREE | FREE |
| Palau | 30 days | $50 | ZAR 881 |
| Rwanda | 30 days | $50 | ZAR 881 |
| Saudi Arabia | 90 days | SAR 480 | — |
| Somalia | 30 days | $60 | ZAR 1,057 |
| Timor-Leste | 14 days | $30 | ZAR 529 |
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eVisa Countries for South Africa Passport Holders
There are 34 eVisa countries for South Africa passport holders:
| Country | Stay Duration | Cost |
| Afghanistan | 30 days | $160 (ZAR 2,819) |
| Algeria | 90 days | $85 (ZAR 1,498) |
| Azerbaijan | 30 days | $65 (ZAR 1,145) |
| Bahrain | 30 days | BD25 |
| Cameroon | 90 days | 153€ |
| China | 30 days | ¥168 |
| Congo (Dem. Rep.) | 30 days | $100 (ZAR 1,762) |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 90 days | $73 (ZAR 1,286) |
| Cuba | 30 days | $22 (ZAR 388) |
| Djibouti | 14 days | $51 (ZAR 899) |
| Equatorial Guinea | 30 days | $100 (ZAR 1,762) |
| Egypt | 30 days | $25 (ZAR 441) |
| Gabon | 90 days | 120€ |
| Guinea | 90 days | $150 (ZAR 2,643) |
| India | 60 days | $25 (ZAR 441) |
| Iran | 30 days | $50 (ZAR 881) |
| Kazakhstan | 30 days | $35 (ZAR 617) |
| Kenya | 90 days | $51 (ZAR 899) |
| Kuwait | 90 days | KD25 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 60 days | $40 (ZAR 705) |
| Libya | 30 days | $25 (ZAR 441) |
| Myanmar | 28 days | $50 (ZAR 881) |
| Nigeria | 30 days | $50 (ZAR 881) |
| Oman | 30 days | OMR20 |
| Pakistan | 30 days | $60 (ZAR 1,057) |
| Papua New Guinea | 60 days | $50 (ZAR 881) |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | 30 days | $20 (ZAR 352) |
| Sierra Leone | 30 days | $80 (ZAR 1,410) |
| South Sudan | 30 days | $100 (ZAR 1,762) |
| Tajikistan | 60 days | $50 (ZAR 881) |
| Turkey | 30 days | $60 (ZAR 1,057) |
| Uganda | 90 days | $50 (ZAR 881) |
| Uzbekistan | 30 days | $60 (ZAR 1,057) |
| Vietnam | 90 days | $25 (ZAR 441) |
| Yemen | 30 days | $50 (ZAR 881) |
Suggested Read: South Africa Visa for Indians
ETA Countries for South Africa Passport Holders
Here are countries where South Africans need an ETA:
| Country | Stay Duration | Cost |
| Australia | 90 days | AUD20 |
| Canada | 180 days | CAD7 |
| New Zealand | 90 days | NZD17 |
| Sri Lanka | 30 days | ZAR 617 |
| United Kingdom | 180 days | £10 |
Note: Citizens with valid South African passports enjoy these visa-free privileges. Check the South African Department of Home Affairs for latest travel information.
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Top Visa-Free Countries for South African Residents
| Country | Visa | Stay Duration | Attractions |
| Indonesia | Visa Free | 30 days | Bali, Jakarta, Borobudur Temple, and Komodo Island |
| Malaysia | Visa Free | 90 days | Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and Cameron Highlands |
| Thailand | Visa Free | 30 days | Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Phi Phi Islands |
| Singapore | Visa Free | 30 days | Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa |
| Brazil | Visa Free | 90 days | Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Amazon, and Iguazu Falls |
| Argentina | Visa Free | 90 days | Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Mendoza, and Ushuaia |
| Mauritius | Visa Free | 90 days | Port Louis, Black River Gorges, and pristine beaches |
| Seychelles | Visa Free | 90 days | Victoria, Praslin Island, and Aldabra Atoll |
| Botswana | Visa Free | 90 days | Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Kalahari |
Suggested Read: South Africa on a Budget: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Benefits of Visa-Free Travel for South African Residents
Here are the benefits of South Africa visa free travel countries:
- Cost Savings: Visa applications can be expensive. A UK visitor visa costs £115. South Africans save money and spend more on experiences.
- Spontaneous Adventures: Countries with free access to South Africa citizens allow last-minute travel plans to 104+ destinations without advance planning.
- Simplified Planning: No visa required countries for South Africa eliminate complex application processes and document requirements.
- Stress-Free Booking: Without visa denial risks, South Africans can book flights and accommodations confidently.
- Business Opportunities: South Africa entry without visa policies enable easier international business meetings, conferences, and networking events.
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FAQs
Which destinations offer visa-free entry for South African passport holders?
South African passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 104 countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, and many African and Caribbean nations.
Do I need return tickets for visa-free travel?
Yes, most countries require proof of onward or return travel. Immigration officers may request tickets showing your departure plans.
What is the longest visa-free stay for South African travelers?
The longest stays vary by destination. No visa needed for these countries from Hong Kong include Fiji (6 months), Colombia (180 days), and Canada (180 days with ETA). Most destinations allow 30-90 days.
Can South Africans travel to Europe visa-free?
Currently, South Africans need visas for most European countries. However, the UK now requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) starting in 2025 for easier entry.
What documents should I carry when traveling visa-free?
Essential documents include:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Return or onward tickets
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Accommodation confirmation
- Travel insurance (recommended)
What if visa policies change after booking my trip?
Monitor official embassy websites for updates. Contact destination country consulates directly or consult travel agents for current requirements before departure.
Is visa-free travel from South Africa safe?
Yes, South Africa travel without visa arrangements are safe and legitimate. Check current political and safety conditions before traveling to any destination.
How many countries offer visa-on-arrival for South Africans?
Over 20 countries provide visa-on-arrival facilities for South African citizens. Countries with visa free entry to South Africa total over 104 when including all categories.
