Travel Options: South African Passport Power Explored

South Africa is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists, from prolific wildlife and spectacular scenery to a fascinating culture. However, the process of entering the country can be a little confusing. Here is a brief overview of what you need to know about travelling to South Africa.

First and foremost, it is important to note that South Africa has visa requirements for certain countries. Citizens of these countries must obtain a visa before entering South Africa. The list of countries subject to visa requirements can be found on the website of the Department of Home Affairs. It is also important to note that visas are not issued at South African ports of entry, so travellers must obtain their visas beforehand.

If you are planning to drive in South Africa, be aware that traffic flows on the left side of the road and vehicles are passed on the right. Distances are measured in kilometres, and the speed limits are typically 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on freeways.

When it comes to air travel, there are direct flights to South Africa from Atlanta, New York, and Washington, DC in the United States. These flights land in Johannesburg, which is South Africa's primary hub and the busiest airport in the continent. However, there are also other international airports in Cape Town and Durban.

So, what countries allow travel from South Africa? As of 2024, South African passport holders can visit 107 countries without needing a visa. These countries are distributed across Africa (35 countries), the Americas (18 countries), Asia (17 countries), the Caribbean (16 countries), Europe (3 countries), the Middle East (8 countries), and Oceania (10 countries).

South Africa's visa requirements for international travellers

South Africa enforces strict entry and exit requirements and other immigration laws. A visa is required for international travellers who want to visit the country on a temporary basis for tourism or business purposes for a period of 90 days or less. However, some countries are exempt from visa control, meaning citizens from those countries do not need a visa to visit South Africa.

A visa indicates that your application has been reviewed at a South African embassy, mission or consulate and that a consular officer has determined you are eligible to enter the country for a specific purpose. The visa will allow you to travel to a South African port of entry, where an immigration official will determine if you are allowed to enter the country and for how long. Visitors are restricted to the activity or purpose for which their visas were issued.

On entry to South Africa, a visa is considered a visitor's permit, valid for 90 days. The permit's period of validity is calculated from the date of entry into the country and will be set out under the heading "conditions" on the visa label.

Requirements for visitor's visas differ from country to country, and the requirements are subject to change. Each application is treated as an individual case. Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you on a flight back to your home country.

Documents required to apply for a visa include:

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit
• At least one or two (the sources differ) blank pages in your passport for entry/departure endorsements
• A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa)
• Payment of the prescribed fee
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate (if required)
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit
• Two colour passport photographs
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air

If you have children travelling with you or joining in South Africa, you will need to provide the following additional documents:

• Proof of guardianship or custody
• Consent from the guardian in the case of an unaccompanied minor
• Proof of financial means to pay for your living expenses while in South Africa

The cost of flying to South Africa

• Flights from the United States to South Africa can vary in price depending on the departure city and the specific destination within South Africa. According to Expedia, round-trip flights can range from $831 to $1,173. KAYAK reports that the cheapest round-trip price found by their users in the last 72 hours was $775, while the cheapest one-way flight was $529. Travelocity offers similar prices, with round-trip flights ranging from $831 to $1,688.
• For flights from New York City (JFK Airport) to Johannesburg, South Africa, prices can vary. KAYAK users have found prices as low as $915 for a round-trip flight, while one-way flights start at $521.
• Direct flights from the United States to Johannesburg, South Africa, are available from Atlanta, Washington, DC, and New York City (JFK Airport). These nonstop flights are offered by South African Airways and other airlines.
• If you're flying from the United Kingdom to South Africa, Norse Atlantic Airways offers flights from London Gatwick to Cape Town, with prices starting at £499 for a return ticket.
• According to KAYAK, flights from Akron, Ohio, to South Africa can start at $2,078, while flights from Albuquerque, New Mexico, can be found for $1,427. These prices may vary depending on the specific destination within South Africa and the number of layovers.
• When planning your trip to South Africa, it's important to consider the time of year. February is typically the cheapest month to book flights, while December tends to be the most expensive month for flight prices in the United States. Additionally, try to book your flights for a Tuesday or Wednesday, as these days usually offer lower prices compared to weekends.
• Keep in mind that the cost of your flight to South Africa will also depend on your choice of airline. Popular airlines offering flights to South Africa include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Qatar Airways, among others.

Driving in South Africa

South Africa is a relatively large country with a vast road network, so driving is the most common form of commuting. Around a third of South African households own cars, but most of the population relies on informal public transport, mainly taxis.

If you're planning a driving trip in South Africa, here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Road rules and safety: South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road, and all signposts are written in English. The general speed limit is 120 km/h on the tar roads outside of towns. It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt at all times, and using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited.
• Driving licence: Anyone aged 18 or above with a valid driver's licence can drive in South Africa. International residents and tourists with valid foreign licences may also drive in the country. If your licence is not in English, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and carry it with your foreign licence.
• Road conditions and tolls: The main roads and highways are generally well-maintained, straight, and long. There are very few roads in South Africa that require a 4WD vehicle. Many of the major roads are toll roads, with fees ranging from a few Rand to over R50. These can be paid in cash or by credit card (Visa or MasterCard).
• Road signs and directions: Be aware that road signs can be erratic and inconsistent with published road maps. In remote areas, you may come across roads that are not marked on maps, or road signs may suddenly stop. Asking for directions at a petrol station or in a town is a good idea, but remember that a 'robot' is the South African term for traffic lights!
• Animals and pedestrians: Outside towns, it is common to see people walking along the roads, especially school children. Livestock are also not usually fenced in and may wander onto the roads. Take extra care when driving at night, as it can be difficult to see people and animals.
• Speed cameras and fines: Speed cameras operate in cities and towns, and fines will be charged to your hire car company, which will then debit your credit card. A common speeding trap is on the outskirts of towns, where traffic police wait for drivers coming out of the built-up area. If caught by traffic police, provide your details and ask for a speeding fine ticket, which can be handed to the hire car company or paid directly at a local police station.
• Petrol stations: None of the petrol stations in South Africa are self-service. Petrol station attendants will wave you to a pump and fill up your car, as well as offering services like cleaning your windscreen. Tipping the attendants is customary, with amounts ranging from R5-R10. Most larger petrol stations accept overseas credit cards, but it's always a good idea to carry cash just in case.
• Crossing borders: If you plan to drive across the border to a neighbouring country, you will need permission from your hire car company in the form of a letter with the vehicle registration and chassis number. This must be presented at the border post, along with a permit that will be issued and must be carried at all times. There may also be a fee to pay.
• Safety precautions: It is recommended to follow certain safety precautions when driving in South Africa, such as keeping your doors locked and windows wound up, especially at traffic lights. Avoid picking up hitchhikers and always park in busy, well-lit areas.

Overall, driving in South Africa can be a safe and enjoyable way to explore the country and see its major highlights. With a bit of planning and awareness of the local rules and customs, you can have a great road trip experience!

South Africa's COVID-19 travel restrictions

South Africa has implemented the following COVID-19 travel restrictions:

Entry Requirements

• A valid and acceptable passport or travel document for your intended stay.
• At least one blank page in your passport for endorsements.
• A valid visa, if required.
• Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay.
• A return or onward ticket.
• Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or passes through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
• A negative COVID-19 test.
• Proof of vaccination.

Visa Applications

Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to request proof of visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you on a flight back to your home country.

A South African visitor's visa may be granted for:

• Visits to family or friends and also for tourism purposes.
• A spouse to join a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study visa.
• Children to join parents who are in South Africa on work or study visas.
• Charitable or voluntary activities.
• To work in the production of a movie or show (i.e. in the entertainment industry).
• Medical purposes, when a patient needs to receive life-saving treatment (max stay 3 months).
• Sports events.

Documents required to apply for a visa:

• A passport or travel document valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of your intended visit.
• Your passport must have at least one unused page for entry/departure endorsements.
• A completed Form BI-84 (application for a visa).
• Payment of the prescribed fee.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate (if required).
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit.
• Two colour passport photographs.
• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air.

Driving in South Africa

If you plan to drive in South Africa, note that traffic flows on the left side of the road, and vehicles are passed on the right. The steering wheel will likely be on the right side of the car. The National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 validates a foreign driving license on South African roads if the license has been issued in English and is accompanied by your photograph and signature. If the license is not in English or lacks a photograph, an International Driving Permit is needed.

Speed Limits

The maximum speed at which road vehicles are allowed to travel in South Africa is:

• 60 km/h in urban areas.
• 100 km/h on roads in rural areas that are not freeways.
• 120 km/h on freeways.

Refuelling

When stopping for gas/petrol, you are not allowed to serve yourself. An employee of the petrol station will fill your vehicle and take your payment. They will also check the oil level, water, and tyre pressure if you give them permission. It is recommended that you provide the attendants with a small tip after refuelling.

Toll Roads

Some roads in South Africa may require payment before access, known as the toll road system.

South Africa's neighbouring countries

South Africa is bordered by Namibia to the northwest, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north, and Mozambique and Eswatini to the northeast and east. Lesotho, an independent country, is an enclave in the eastern part of the republic, entirely surrounded by South African territory.

South Africa's coastline borders the Indian Ocean to the southeast and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest. The country possesses two small subantarctic islands, Prince Edward and Marion, situated in the Indian Ocean about 1,200 miles (1,900 km) southeast of Cape Town.

The former South African possession of Walvis Bay, on the Atlantic coast some 400 miles (600 km) north of the Orange River, became part of Namibia in 1994.

Frequently asked questions