Visa Requirements for South African Citizens

Visa Information for Passport Holders of South Africa

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Passport Rank 125th

Visa Not Required

58 destinations allow visa-free entry to South African citizens.

Visa On Arrival

A visa can be obtained upon arrival at 12 destinations for passport holders of South Africa.

eVisa

South African passport allows entry to 38 destinations with an eVisa obtained prior to arrival.

  • Albania PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaHolders of a valid, multiple entry and previously used visa issued by a Schengen area country, United States, or the United Kingdom can enter Albania without a visa for 90 days.
  • Azerbaijan PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa30 daysRemarks updated .Holding a residence visa issued by the United Arab Emirates may obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Azerbaijan. They must present their valid visa or residence permit along with their passport
  • Bhutan PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaRemarks updated .Must pay 100 USD per person per day for Sustainable Development Fee
  • Burkina Faso PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa
  • Cameroon PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaRequirement updated , remarks
  • Chad PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaRequirement updated .
  • Colombia PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaTransit visa is not required.
  • Cuba PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa90 daysRequirement updated .Can be extended up to 90 days with a fee.
  • Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa3 monthse-Visa holders must arrive via Port Bouet Airport.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa90 daysRemarks updated .
  • Djibouti PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa90 daysRemarks updated .
  • Egypt PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa30 days
  • Equatorial Guinea PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaRemarks updated .Must arrive via Malabo International Airport, processing fee 75 USD
  • Guinea PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa90 days
  • India PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa30 daysRemarks updated .e-Visa holders must arrive via 31 designated airports
    An Indian e-Tourist Visa may only be obtained twice within 1 calendar year.
    Foreigners of Pakistani origin or who hold a Pakistani Passport are not eligible for an e-Visa. Foreigners who are not Pakistani nationals, but whose parents or grandparents (either paternal or maternal) were born in, or were permanent residents in Pakistan, are also not eligible for an e-Visa.
  • Iran PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa30 days
  • Iraq PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaRequirement updated .
  • Japan PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa90 daysRemarks updated .
  • Kazakhstan PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa
  • Kenya PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa90 daysRemarks updated .Applications can be submitted up to 90 days prior to travel and must be submitted at least 3 days in advance.
    eTA fee is USD 32.50.
    Proof of reservation at the hotel where visitors plan to stay is required (if staying with friends, an invitation letter is also acceptable).
    Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if coming from endemic countries.
    eTA issued free of charge for South African Citizens
  • Liberia PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaRequirement updated .
  • Libya PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaRequirement updated .
  • Mauritania PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaRequirement updated .
  • Mongolia PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa30 days
  • Myanmar PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa28 dayse-Visa holders must arrive via Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw or Mandalay airports or via land border crossings with Thailand — Tachileik, Myawaddy and Kawthaung or India — Rih Khaw Dar and Tamu.
    e-Visa available for both tourism or business purposes.
  • Nigeria PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaRemarks updated .
  • Pakistan PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa90 daysRemarks updated .Issued free of charge as of August 2024.
  • Papua New Guinea PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa30 days
  • Seychelles PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa3 monthsRemarks updated .Application can be submitted up to 30 days before travel.
    Visitors must upload a reservation confirmation(s) for each visitor's location of stay in Seychelles.
    Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if coming from endemic countries.
    Payment of the fee (EUR 10) by credit or debit card.
    Valid for one journey only and it expires once exit the country.
  • South Korea PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa30 daysThe validity period of a K-ETA is 3 years from the date of approval.
  • South Sudan PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaObtainable online.
    Printed visa authorization must be presented at the time of travel.
  • Suriname PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaRequirement updated .
  • Syria PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisaRequirement updated .
  • São Tome and Príncipe PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa
  • Türkiye PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa30 days
  • Uganda PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa3 months
  • Ukraine PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa30 daysRequirement updated .
  • Vietnam PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa90 daysRemarks updated .30 days visa free when visit Phu Quoc Island

eVisa / On Arrival

For 15 destinations, On-Arrival visa or an electronic visa / auhtorization is available to passport holders of South Africa.

  • Armenia PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival120 days
  • Bahrain PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival14 days
  • Bolivia PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival90 daysRequirement updated , remarks
  • Cambodia PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival30 days
  • Ethiopia PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrivalup to 90 daysVisa on arrival is obtainable only at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
    e-Visa holders must arrive via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
    e-Visa is available for 30 or 90 days.
  • Indonesia PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival30 days
  • Jordan PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival30 daysRemarks updated .Visa can be obtained upon arrival, it will cost a total of 40 JOD, obtainable at most international ports of entry and land border crossings. (except King Hussein/Allenby Bridge)
  • Kyrgyzstan PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival60 days / 1 monthRemarks updated .Visa on arrival available at Manas International Airport.
    e-Visa holders must arrive via Manas International Airport or Osh Airport or through land crossings with China (at Irkeshtam and Torugart), Kazakhstan (at Ak-jol, Ak-Tilek, Chaldybar, Chon-Kapka), Tajikistan (at Bor-Dobo, Kulundu, Kyzyl-Bel) and Uzbekistan (at Dostuk).
  • Laos PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival30 daysRemarks updated .17
    e-Visa may be used to enter Laos through Luang Prabang, Pakse and Vientiane international airports, 3 Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges
    Visa on arrival is available at Luang Prabang, Pakse and Vientiane international airports, the 4 Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges
    Visa on arrival is extendable for an additional 60 days at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.
  • Madagascar PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival60 daysRequirement updated .
  • Nepal PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival90 days
  • Saudi Arabia PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival90 days
  • Sierra Leone PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival3 months / 30 days
  • Sri Lanka PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival60 days / 30 daysRemarks updated .The standard visitor visa allows a stay of 60 days within any 6-month period.
    Visa fees (for Standard visitor visa):
    SAARC - USD 35
    Non SAARC - USD 75
    e-Visa categories will be charged an additional USD 18.50 service fee.
    If transiting from any of the Sri Lankan airports, An e-Visa is exempted (2 day transit period).
  • Tajikistan PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival60 days / 45 daysRequirement updated .e-Visa holders can enter through all border points.

Pre-arranged Visa Required

69 destinations require a visa obtained at an embassy or consulate prior to arrival from passport holders of South Africa. This requirement may be waived off if South African citizens meet certain alternate requirements such as holding other visas or resident permits.

  • Afghanistan PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Algeria PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Australia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .May apply online (Online Visitor e600 visa).
    Transit visa is not required.
    Biometric Collection is mandatory upon request for the Online Visitor e600 Visa.
    Visas can be issued within a matter of seconds depending on the length of queue once all the appropriate information is provided including Biometrics.
    Departing Passengers may use SmartGate for a faster entry into the passenger area, this is not applicable to arriving passengers for entry into Australia.
  • Austria PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Bangladesh PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Belarus PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Belgium PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredValid multiple entry visa holders and residents of the European Union, Schengen Area member states, and United States of America can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for a maximum stay of 30 days.
  • Brunei PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Bulgaria PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .
  • Canada PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredTemporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa are not accepted by Canadian immigration officials.
    Holders of the Right of Abode to the UK with a Certificate of Entitlement as proof of authenticity do not require a visa.
  • Central African Republic PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • China PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .24-hour visa-free transit through any international airports of China, allows domestic travel through different airports.
    5-day Shenzhen Visa on Arrival available at the Shenzhen border if travelling from Hong Kong or Macao. Visa holders must stay within the Shenzhen City and surrounds, not travel to other cities and leave at the end of the 5 day permission. Travelling to Guangzhou would be in violation of the conditions.
  • Congo PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Croatia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .
  • Cyprus PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .Holders of a visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen state or Monaco may also travel to Cyprus, without an additional visa, for a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period or until visa expiry date (whichever is shorter)
  • Czech Republic PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Denmark PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Eritrea PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .
  • Estonia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Finland PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • France PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Germany PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Greece PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Hungary PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Iceland PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Ireland PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRequirement updated .
  • Italy PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Kuwait PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredHolders of residence permit's issued by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates may apply for an eVisa if the main applicant works in a specific profession. Dependents holding residence permits may also obtain an eVisa, on the conditional they will enter Kuwait with the main applicant.
  • Latvia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Lebanon PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredIn addition to a visa, an approval should be obtained from the Immigration department of the General Directorate of General Security (La Surete Generale).
  • Liechtenstein PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Lithuania PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredCertain travelers who are of Lithuanian Descent (i.e. by the parent, grandparent and great-grandparent) may be issued a long-stay Category D Visa or Permanent Residence valid if the relationship can be proved.
  • Luxembourg PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Macedonia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredHolders of a valid multiple entry visa or Residence Permit for the Schengen Area may enter North Macedonia for up to 15 days visa free. A temporary residence permit of a Schengen member state is accepted since 27 February 2019. Holders of a valid UK, Canada or USA visa may enter North Macedonia for up to 15 days visa free.
  • Mali PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Malta PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Mexico PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .Travelers who wish to visit Mexico (regardless of their nationality or itinerary), holding either a valid, multiple entry-visa OR who are Permanent Residents of the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom or the EU Schengen Space countries; do not require a visa for Mexico.
    Passport holders with less than six months validity may face difficulty when attempting to enter as a Business Visitor/ Tourist as they are usually permitted six months stay which might exceed the passport's validity.
  • Moldova PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRequirement updated .South African nationals are allowed to visit Moldova without a Moldovan visa if they hold a valid residence permit or a valid multiple entry visa issued by a Schengen member state, the United Kingdom, Ireland or Cyprus.
  • Monaco PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredSchengen Visa Required. Monaco is a de facto member of the Schengen Area and there are no formal immigration procedures upon exit and entry.
  • Montenegro PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredNationals of South Africa may visit Montenegro without a visa for up to 30 days if they hold a passport with visas issued by Ireland, a Schengen Area member state, the United Kingdom or the United States or if they are permanent residents of those countries. Residents of the United Arab Emirates do not require a visa for up to 10 days, if they hold a return ticket, fly directly in and out of Tivat Airport on FlyDubai and hold proof of accommodation.
  • Morocco PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .May apply for an e-Visa if holding a valid visa or a residency document issued by one of the following countries: Schengen Area, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States a residency document issued by Cyprus, Japan, United Arab Emirates.
  • Nauru PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Netherlands PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • New Zealand PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredHolders of an Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Resident Return Visa may be granted a New Zealand Resident Visa on arrival permitting indefinite stay (pursuant to the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement), subject to meeting character requirements and obtaining an Electronic Travel Authority prior to departure.
  • Niger PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • North Korea PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Norway PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Poland PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Portugal PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Romania PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .
  • San Marino PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .San Marino has no visa regime, but is only accessible through Italy. Multiple Entry Schengen Visa required.
  • Serbia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredVisa free for a maximum stay of 90 days for valid visa holders or residents of the European Union member states and the United States.
  • Slovakia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Slovenia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Solomon Islands PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Spain PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Sudan PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Sweden PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Switzerland PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Tonga PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Turkmenistan PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .
  • United Arab Emirates PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .May apply using 'Smart service'.
    Visa not required in advance if in possession of the Right of Abode in the United Kingdom with a Certificate of Entitlement in Commonwealth passport, may enter the Emirate of Dubai in the same way as a British Citizen.
  • United Kingdom PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRight of Abode holders with a Certificate of Entitlement in their Commonwealth passport may enter the United Kingdom and remain indefinitely.
    Temporary Visa holders can only enter for 3 months if entering from the Republic of Ireland (Eire).
    The Crown dependencies include the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey as well as the Isle of Man. The same Visa Policy applies mainly to the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, therefore a United Kingdom Visa can be used.
    Transit Visa Required unless in possession of an exemption document; Australian, New Zealand and all other Visas with confirmation slips/ electronically granted Visas with a paper print-out as confirmation are not permitted as an exemption document unless endorsed by the airline. Note: Schengen Visa type "C" is not an approved exemption document. Entry must be refused or denied boarding on vessel. Direct Airside or Transit Visa required depending on type of transit.
    Entering the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) by land, sea or air from the Republic of Ireland is not permitted unless in possession of a valid U.K. Visa or Immigration Document. UK Land or Transit Visa cannot be used to transit the UK from Ireland or from Ireland to the UK, a Standard Visa is required.
  • United States of America PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .Holders of a B1 / B2 (B) Visa, Permanent Resident Card, D Visa who have entered the United States at least once since 2008 may use the Automated Passport Control (APC) Kiosk for faster processing at selected airports, before proceeding to a US Customs and Border Protection officer for finalization of entry into the United States.
    Available locations include some United States border preclearance facilities as well.
  • Uzbekistan PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredRemarks updated .5-day visa-free transit at the international airports if holding a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country.
  • Vatican PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredSchengen Visa Required. Entry can be made from Italy exclusively. Vatican City is a de facto member of the Schengen Area and there are no formal immigration procedures upon entry and exit.
  • Yemen PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required

Information last checked . Requirements last changed on .