Visa Requirements for South African Citizens
Visa Information for Passport Holders of South Africa
Visa Not Required
57 destinations allow visa-free entry to South African citizens.
- Angola PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free
- Antigua and Barbuda PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free1 month
- Argentina PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Bahamas PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free3 monthsExtendable up to 8 months.
- Barbados PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free6 months
- Belize PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free
- Benin PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 Days
- Botswana PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Brazil PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Chile PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Costa Rica PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Dominica PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free6 months
- Dominican Republic PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free
- Ecuador PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- El Salvador PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Eswatini PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free30 days
- Fiji PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free4 months
- Gabon PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free30 days.
- Gambia PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 daysIn addition to a visa, an entry clearance must be obtained from the Gambian Immigration prior to travel.
- Georgia PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free1 year
- Ghana PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 daysVisa exemption from 1 November 2023
- Grenada PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free3 months
- Guatemala PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Guyana PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free3 months
- Haiti PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free3 months
- Honduras PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Ireland PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 daysEntry by air is subject to a manual verification process with Ireland immigration prior to departure, usually facilitated by the airline provider, which could add up to 30 minutes of waiting time prior to departure. Travel departure is conditional on this pre-approval process.
Entry into Northern Ireland from Ireland is not permitted if the South African passport holder does not have a valid UK Visa.
Visa checks may be carried out if travelling by land between Ireland and Northern Ireland (UK). Further checks are implied when travelling by boat or from Northern Ireland (UK) to mainland UK (Great Britain).
UK direct-airside transit and transit by land visas cannot be used for travel to Ireland by transiting the UK, this is because entry in the first country (either the UK or Ireland) is considered entry to the entire Common Travel Area (UK and Republic of Ireland). Standard Visitor Visa required for the purpose of any transit. - Israel PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Jamaica PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free180 days
- Kiribati PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days90 days within any 12-month period.
- Lesotho PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Malawi PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Malaysia PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Mauritius PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Micronesia PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free30 days
- Mozambique PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free3 months
- Namibia PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free3 months
- Nicaragua PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Panama PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Paraguay PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Peru PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free180 days
- Philippines PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free30 days
- Qatar PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free30 daysAvailable at Hamad International Airport. The Visa Waiver Facility (of 30 days) cannot be facilitated if stay is less than 1 night, a Transit Visa should be applied for instead. Label is put in the passport in addition to a stamp upon arrival after satisfying the entry requirements.
e-Visa, Transit Visa from Qatar Airways (9–96 hours) and ETA are also available. eVisa refers to a Tourist Visa. These three methods are all acceptable alternatives for tourism should the South African passport holder wish not to use the Visa Waiver Facility available upon arrival.
Male travelers who are ordinarily a resident in Qatar require an Exit Visa/ Permit. - Russia PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days90 days within any 180 day period.
- Saint Kitts and Nevis PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free3 months
- Saint Lucia PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free6 weeks
- Singapore PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free30 days
- Tanzania PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Thailand PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free30 daysMaximum 2 visits annually if not arriving by air. Extendable by 30 days at any Immigration Office within Thailand.
- Togo PermalinkShow on MapVisa-FreeInformation from the Togo Embassy in the United Kingdom that is not found in the IATA database which states that visa is obtainable on arrival.
- Trinidad and Tobago PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Tunisia PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free3 months
- Uruguay PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Vanuatu PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free30 days
- Venezuela PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Zambia PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free90 days
- Zimbabwe PermalinkShow on MapVisa-Free3 months
Visa On Arrival
A visa can be obtained upon arrival at 14 destinations for passport holders of South Africa.
- Burundi PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival1 month
- Cape Verde PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival
- Comoros PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival45 days
- Guinea-Bissau PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival90 days
- Madagascar PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival60 days
- Maldives PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival90 days
- Marshall Islands PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival90 days
- Mauritania PermalinkShow on MapVisa On ArrivalAvailable at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport.
- Palau PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival30 days
- Samoa PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival90 days
- Senegal PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival90 days
- Somalia PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival30 daysAvailable at Bosaso Airport, Galcaio Airport and Mogadishu Airport.
- Timor-Leste PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival30 days
- Tuvalu PermalinkShow on MapVisa On Arrival1 month
eVisa
South African passport allows entry to 34 destinations with an eVisa obtained prior to arrival.
- Albania PermalinkShow on MapeVisaHolders 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 MapeVisa30 days
- Bhutan PermalinkShow on MapeVisa
- Burkina Faso PermalinkShow on MapeVisa
- Cameroon PermalinkShow on MapeVisaPre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
- Colombia PermalinkShow on MapeVisaTransit visa is not required.
- Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) PermalinkShow on MapeVisa3 monthse-Visa holders must arrive via Port Bouet Airport.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo PermalinkShow on MapeVisa7 days
- Djibouti PermalinkShow on MapeVisa90 days
- Egypt PermalinkShow on MapeVisa30 days
- Equatorial Guinea PermalinkShow on MapeVisa
- Guinea PermalinkShow on MapeVisa90 days
- India PermalinkShow on MapeVisa30 dayse-Visa holders must arrive via 26 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 MapeVisa30 days
- Japan PermalinkShow on MapeVisa90 daysCash payment required at the consulate in Pretoria or Cape Town.
- Kazakhstan PermalinkShow on MapeVisa
- Kenya PermalinkShow on MapeVisa90 daysApplications 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| style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Yes - Libya PermalinkShow on MapeVisa
- Moldova PermalinkShow on MapeVisaSouth 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.
- Mongolia PermalinkShow on MapeVisa30 days
- Myanmar PermalinkShow on MapeVisa28 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 MapeVisaPre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
- Oman PermalinkShow on MapeVisa30 days
- Pakistan PermalinkShow on MapeVisa30 days / 3 monthsElectronic Travel Authorization to obtain a visa on arrival for business purposes.
Online Visa eligible. - Papua New Guinea PermalinkShow on MapeVisa30 days
- Seychelles PermalinkShow on MapeVisa3 monthsApplication 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 MapeVisa30 daysThe validity period of a K-ETA is 3 years from the date of approval.
- South Sudan PermalinkShow on MapeVisaObtainable online.
Printed visa authorization must be presented at the time of travel. - Suriname PermalinkShow on MapeVisa
- São Tome and Príncipe PermalinkShow on MapeVisa
- Tajikistan PermalinkShow on MapeVisa60 dayse-Visa holders can enter through all border points.
- Türkiye PermalinkShow on MapeVisa30 days
- Uganda PermalinkShow on MapeVisa3 months
- Vietnam PermalinkShow on MapeVisae-Visa is valid for 90 days and multiple entry.
Pre-arranged visa obtained online through travel agencies available at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, or Da Nang airports.
eVisa / On Arrival
For 14 destinations, On-Arrival visa or an electronic visa / auhtorization is available to passport holders of South Africa.
- Armenia PermalinkShow on MapeVisa or Visa On Arrival120 days
- Bahrain PermalinkShow on MapeVisa or Visa On Arrival14 days
- Bolivia PermalinkShow on MapeVisa or Visa On Arrival30 days
- Cambodia PermalinkShow on MapeVisa or Visa On Arrival30 days
- Ethiopia PermalinkShow on MapeVisa 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 MapeVisa or Visa On Arrival30 days
- Jordan PermalinkShow on MapeVisa or Visa On ArrivalVisa 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 MapeVisa or Visa On Arrival60 days / 1 monthVisa 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 MapeVisa or Visa On Arrival30 days17
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. - Nepal PermalinkShow on MapeVisa or Visa On Arrival90 days
- Rwanda PermalinkShow on MapeVisa or Visa On Arrival30 days
- Saudi Arabia PermalinkShow on MapeVisa or Visa On Arrival90 days
- Sierra Leone PermalinkShow on MapeVisa or Visa On Arrival3 months / 30 days
- Sri Lanka PermalinkShow on MapeVisa or Visa On Arrival60 days / 30 daysThe 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).
Pre-arranged Visa Required
73 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 MapVisa Required
- Algeria PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Andorra PermalinkShow on MapVisa RequiredAndorra has no visa regime, but is only accessible through France and Spain. Multiple Entry Schengen Visa required.
- Australia PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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 MapVisa Required
- Bangladesh PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Belarus PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Belgium PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Bosnia and Herzegovina PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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 MapVisa Required
- Bulgaria PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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).
- Canada PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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 MapVisa Required
- Chad PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- China PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required24-Hour Transit Visa obtainable at the airport.
5 day Schengen 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. - Congo PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Croatia PermalinkShow on MapVisa RequiredValid multiple entry Schengen visa or valid multiple entry visa of Bulgaria, Cyprus or Romania is valid for Croatia
- Cuba PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required90 daysCan be extended up to 90 days with a fee.
- Cyprus PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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 MapVisa Required
- Denmark PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Eritrea PermalinkShow on MapVisa RequiredPre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
- Estonia PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Finland PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- France PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Germany PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Greece PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Hungary PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Iceland PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Iraq PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Italy PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Kuwait PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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 MapVisa Required
- Lebanon PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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 MapVisa RequiredPre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
- Liechtenstein PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Lithuania PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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 MapVisa Required
- Macedonia PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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 MapVisa Required
- Malta PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Mexico PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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. - Monaco PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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 MapVisa 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 MapVisa Required
- Nauru PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Netherlands PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- New Zealand PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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 MapVisa Required
- North Korea PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Norway PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Poland PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Portugal PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Romania PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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 MapVisa Required
- Serbia PermalinkShow on MapVisa 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 MapVisa Required
- Slovenia PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Solomon Islands PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Spain PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Sudan PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Sweden PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Switzerland PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Syria PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Tonga PermalinkShow on MapVisa Required
- Turkmenistan PermalinkShow on MapVisa RequiredPre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
- Ukraine PermalinkShow on MapVisa Requirede-Visa (30 days) is currently suspended.
- United Arab Emirates PermalinkShow on MapVisa RequiredMay 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 MapVisa 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 MapVisa 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 MapVisa 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 MapVisa 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 MapVisa Required
Information last checked . Requirements last changed on .