Visa Requirements for South African Citizens

Visa Information for Passport Holders of South Africa

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Passport Rank 123rd

Visa Not Required

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

Visa On Arrival

A visa can be obtained upon arrival at 19 destinations for passport holders of South Africa.

eVisa

South African passport allows entry to 19 destinations with an eVisa obtained prior to arrival.

eVisa / On Arrival

For 10 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
  • 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.
    eVisa holders must arrive via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
    eVisas are available for 30 or 90 days.
  • Guinea-Bissau PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival90 days
  • Kyrgyzstan PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival1 monthVisa on arrival available at Manas International Airport.
    Electronic 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 daysVisa on arrival is available at Luangphabang, Pakse and Vientiane international airports, the 4 Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges
    eVisa may be used to enter Laos through Luangphabang, Pakse and Vientiane international airports, 3 Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges
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    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 Arrival90 days
  • Rwanda PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival30 days
  • Sri Lanka PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On Arrival30 days
  • Uganda PermalinkShow on Map
    eVisa or Visa On ArrivalMay apply online.

Pre-arranged Visa Required

88 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
  • Albania PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredHolders 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.
  • Algeria PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Australia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredMay 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
  • Bhutan 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 RequiredHolders of a valid multiple entry visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen state, Monaco, Croatia, Cyprus or Romania may also travel to Bulgaria without an additional visa, for a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period or until visa expiry date (whichever is closer)
  • Burkina Faso PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Burundi PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Cameroon PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredPre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
  • 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
  • Chad PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • China PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required24-Hour Transit Visa obtainable at the airport.
    5 day Schenzen Visa 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.
  • Colombia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredTransit visa is not required.
  • Congo PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Croatia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredValid multiple entry schengen visa or valid multiple entry visa of Bulgaria, Cyprus or Romania is valid for Croatia
  • Cuba PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Cyprus PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredHolders of a visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen state, Monaco, Bulgaria, Croatia or Romania 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
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Denmark PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Equatorial Guinea PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Eritrea PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredPre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
  • Estonia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Finland PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • France PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Gambia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredIn addition to a visa, an entry clearance must be obtained from the Gambian Immigration prior to travel.
  • Germany PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Greece PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Hungary PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Iceland PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Iraq PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Italy PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Kazakhstan PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Kiribati 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).
  • Liberia PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredPre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
  • Libya PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredPre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
  • 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 RequiredResidents of French overseas departments and territories, Danish territories and Dutch Caribbean territories, permanent residents or valid visa holders of the United Kingdom or countries that comprise the Schengen area, holders of Permanent Resident Cards or valid visas issued by Canada, holders of permanent residence permits issued by Chile, holders of permanent residence permits issued by Colombia, holders of Permanent Residence Card, Permanent Re-entry Permit or valid visas issued by Japan, holders of permanent residence permits issued by Peru and holders of valid US visas or Green Cards - may enter Mexico without a visa for up to 180 days.
    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 Required90 daysSouth 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, Croatia, Cyprus, Bulgaria or Romania.
  • 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 Required
  • 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
  • Nigeria PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredPre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
  • 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 RequiredHolders of a visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen state, Monaco, Bulgaria, Croatia or Cyprus, may also travel to Romania, 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)
  • San Marino PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Saudi Arabia PermalinkShow on Map
    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
  • Syria PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Tonga PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required
  • Turkmenistan PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredPre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
  • United Arab Emirates PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredMay apply online. Emirates Airline (Dubai) and Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) routinely provide this service. Entry is only valid on condition that travel is made with the airline where the online visa is applied for and ticket is issued.
    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 RequiredHolders 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 Required5-day visa-free transit at the international airports if holding a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country.
    Pre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
  • 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.
  • Vietnam PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa RequiredPre-arranged visa obtained online through travel agencies available at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, or Da Nang airports.
  • Yemen PermalinkShow on Map
    Visa Required

Information last updated on .