Naim Haliti
As of 2024, South African citizens can travel to a number of countries without a visa, although the exact number varies across sources. According to one source, there are 74 countries that South Africans can visit visa-free, while another source puts the number at 106. A third source states that there are 67 countries South Africans can enter without a visa, and 33 countries that offer visas on arrival, bringing the total number of visa-free travel destinations to 100. The Henley Passport Index ranks the South African passport 47th in the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of countries South African passport holders can enter visa-free | 67, 74, 103, 106, 125 |
| Examples of countries South African passport holders can enter visa-free | British Virgin Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos Islands |
| Number of countries South African passport holders can enter with an eVisa | 28 |
| Examples of countries South African passport holders can enter with an eVisa | Democratic Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe |
| Number of countries South African passport holders can enter with a visa on arrival | 33, 29 |
| Examples of countries South African passport holders can enter with a visa on arrival | Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, United Arab Emirates |
| Number of countries South African passport holders need to apply for a visa to enter | 94, 95 |
| Examples of countries South African passport holders need to apply for a visa to enter | Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, Northern Mariana Islands, St. Pierre and Miquelon, United States of America |
What You'll Learn
Visa-free countries
As of 2024, South African citizens can enter a number of countries without a visa. The exact number varies depending on the source, with figures of 67, 74, 103, 106, and 125 being given. However, it is important to note that the duration of stay and permissible purposes for travel may be subject to the respective nation's visa regulations.
Some of the countries that South African passport holders can enter without a visa include:
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- British Virgin Islands
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Palestine
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- United Arab Emirates
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Singapore
- Tanzania
- United Kingdom
- Angola
- China
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Iceland
- Poland
- Portugal
- Saudi Arabia
- Thailand
- United States of America
South African citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival or an electronic visa (eVisa) for several other countries.
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Visa on arrival
As a South African citizen, you can obtain a visa on arrival in 28-33 countries. This means that you can get a visa after entering the country, usually at a separate section of the airport. A visa on arrival can also be obtained at certain land border crossings.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Central African Republic
- Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Republic of the Congo
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Sudan
- United Arab Emirates
In addition to the countries listed above, some sources also include the following:
- Albania
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia and territories
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Central African Republic
- Republic of the Congo
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
Please note that visa requirements can change over time, so it is always recommended to check the latest information for your specific destination before travelling.
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eVisa
An eVisa is an official digital document that allows travellers to enter and travel within a country. It is an alternative to traditional paper visas, which can be applied for online. The application process typically involves filling out an online form, providing personal and passport information, and uploading necessary documents, such as a passport-sized photo. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, the e-Visa is sent to the applicant, usually via email, in a PDF or other electronic format.
South African passport holders are required to obtain an eVisa for several countries. According to sources, the following countries require an eVisa for South African nationals:
- Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Sao Tome and Principe
- United Arab Emirates
It is important to note that requirements for eVisas may vary depending on the traveller's nationality and destination country. South African passport holders are advised to check the specific visa requirements for their destination before planning their trip.
In addition to countries requiring eVisas, there are also countries that offer visa-free travel or visa on arrival for South African passport holders. These countries have their own regulations regarding duration of stay and permissible purposes of travel. It is recommended that South African travellers verify the specific requirements of their intended destination to ensure a smooth journey.
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Countries requiring a visa
South African passport holders need to apply for a visa to enter several countries. The visa requirements vary depending on the destination country, and travellers are advised to check the specific entry requirements before planning their trip. Here is a list of some countries that require South African citizens to obtain a visa prior to their visit:
North America:
United States of America
Central America and the Caribbean:
- Caribbean Netherlands
- Northern Mariana Islands
- St. Pierre and Miquelon
- United States Virgin Islands
Africa:
Central African Republic
Asia:
United Arab Emirates
It is important to note that the visa requirements for South African passport holders can change over time due to various factors, including visa agreements between countries, temporary travel restrictions, and entry requirements imposed by the respective nations. Therefore, South African travellers are advised to check for updates and consult official sources for the most current and accurate information regarding visa requirements for their specific destination countries.
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Countries with special entry requirements
South African passport holders can travel to various countries worldwide, each with distinct visa requirements. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the entry requirements for different countries.
Visa-free travel
South African passport holders can enter the following 67 countries without a visa:
- British Virgin Islands
- Palestinian Territories
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Turks and Caicos Islands
It is important to note that the duration of stay and permissible purposes for travel may vary according to each country's visa regulations. Always check the specific requirements of your destination country before planning your trip.
Visa on arrival
South African nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in 33 countries. The process usually involves completing the necessary paperwork, providing documentation, and paying the visa fee at the airport or border crossing point.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
South African passport holders can obtain an eTA, a digital travel document, for the following three countries:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
The application process for an eTA is typically straightforward and efficient. However, eligibility may vary depending on your nationality and destination country.
Electronic visa (eVisa)
The following 32 countries require South African nationals to apply for an eVisa before travelling. The process generally involves completing an online form, providing personal and passport information, uploading documents, and paying the visa fee:
- Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Sao Tome and Principe
- United Arab Emirates
Regular visa
South African passport holders need to apply for a regular visa before travelling to the following 94 countries:
- Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Central African Republic
- Northern Mariana Islands
- St. Pierre and Miquelon
- United States of America
The visa application process typically involves submitting the required documents, including a passport, photographs, itinerary, and proof of financial means, to the country's embassy or consulate.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, South African citizens can enter between 74 and 125 countries without a visa, depending on the source.
Some countries that South Africans can visit visa-free include Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the British Virgin Islands.
With visa-free access, South African citizens do not need to obtain a visa before entering the country. In contrast, a visa on arrival can be obtained at the airport or border crossing point upon entering the country.
Yes, it is important to note that the duration of stay and permissible purposes for travel may vary for each country. Additionally, some countries may require travel insurance or a certain number of blank pages in your passport. It is essential to check the specific requirements for your destination before travelling.
An eVisa is an electronic visa that can be applied for and obtained online. The main difference is that with an eVisa, you don't need to visit a physical visa application centre. Instead, you can submit your application and make any necessary payments online. Once your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email and a document to print and bring when crossing the border.
