Visa Free Countries for South Africa Passport Holders [Including VOA, eVisa & ETA]

South Africa enjoys visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to 104 countries worldwide. South African passport holders can visit destinations like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Brazil without visa stress.

The South African passport ranks 48th globally, providing citizens with easier travel options. This article covers all countries with visa free entry to South Africa, plus visa-on-arrival, eVisa, and ETA requirements for South African travelers.

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Visa-Free Countries for South Africa Passport Holders

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The Henley Passport Index ranks South Africa 48th globally, with access to 104 destinations. Here are countries you can visit from South Africa without a visa:

Country	Allowed Stay
Antigua & Barbuda	30 days
Argentina	90 days
Barbados	90 days
Belize	30 days
Benin	90 days
Botswana	90 days
Brazil	90 days
Chile	90 days
Colombia	180 days
Cook Islands	31 days
Costa Rica	90 days
Dominica	21 days
Dominican Republic	30 days
Ecuador	90 days
El Salvador	90 days
Fiji	6 months
Grenada	90 days
Guatemala	90 days
Guyana	30 days
Haiti	90 days
Honduras	90 days
Israel	90 days
Jamaica	30 days
Lesotho	30 days
Malaysia	90 days
Mauritius	90 days
Mongolia	14 days
Mozambique	30 days
Namibia	90 days
Nicaragua	90 days
Panama	90 days
Paraguay	90 days
Peru	90 days
Philippines	14 days
Russia	90 days
Saint Kitts and Nevis	3 months
Saint Lucia	6 weeks
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	30 days
Samoa	90 days
Seychelles	3 months
Singapore	30 days
South Korea	90 days
Suriname	3 months
Thailand	60 days
Tonga	31 days
Trinidad and Tobago	3 months
Tunisia	90 days
Tuvalu	3 months
Uruguay	90 days
Vanuatu	30 days
Venezuela	90 days
Zambia	30 days
Zimbabwe	90 days

Note: This list includes countries and territories where South Africa travel without visa is permitted.

Suggested Read: South Africa to Ease Visa Rules for Indians: 90 Day Waiver & Tour Scheme

Visa on Arrival Countries for South Africa Passport Holders

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Here are visa-on-arrival countries for South Africa passport holders:

Country	Stay Duration	Visa Fee (USD)	Visa Fee (ZAR)
Burundi	14 days	$30	ZAR 529
Cambodia	30 days	$35	ZAR 617
Comoros	45 days	FREE	FREE
Ethiopia	90 days	$50	ZAR 881
Guinea-Bissau	90 days	$50	ZAR 881
Jordan	30 days	$50+	ZAR 881+
Laos	30 days	$30-45	ZAR 529-794
Lebanon	3 months	FREE	FREE
Maldives	30 days	FREE	FREE
Mauritania	30 days	$40	ZAR 705
Nepal	90 days	FREE	FREE
Palau	30 days	$50	ZAR 881
Rwanda	30 days	$50	ZAR 881
Saudi Arabia	90 days	SAR 480	—
Somalia	30 days	$60	ZAR 1,057
Timor-Leste	14 days	$30	ZAR 529

Suggested Read: South Africa Launches ETA System in 2025: What Travelers from Select Countries Need to Know

eVisa Countries for South Africa Passport Holders

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There are 34 eVisa countries for South Africa passport holders:

Country	Stay Duration	Cost
Afghanistan	30 days	$160 (ZAR 2,819)
Algeria	90 days	$85 (ZAR 1,498)
Azerbaijan	30 days	$65 (ZAR 1,145)
Bahrain	30 days	BD25
Cameroon	90 days	153€
China	30 days	¥168
Congo (Dem. Rep.)	30 days	$100 (ZAR 1,762)
Côte d’Ivoire	90 days	$73 (ZAR 1,286)
Cuba	30 days	$22 (ZAR 388)
Djibouti	14 days	$51 (ZAR 899)
Equatorial Guinea	30 days	$100 (ZAR 1,762)
Egypt	30 days	$25 (ZAR 441)
Gabon	90 days	120€
Guinea	90 days	$150 (ZAR 2,643)
India	60 days	$25 (ZAR 441)
Iran	30 days	$50 (ZAR 881)
Kazakhstan	30 days	$35 (ZAR 617)
Kenya	90 days	$51 (ZAR 899)
Kuwait	90 days	KD25
Kyrgyzstan	60 days	$40 (ZAR 705)
Libya	30 days	$25 (ZAR 441)
Myanmar	28 days	$50 (ZAR 881)
Nigeria	30 days	$50 (ZAR 881)
Oman	30 days	OMR20
Pakistan	30 days	$60 (ZAR 1,057)
Papua New Guinea	60 days	$50 (ZAR 881)
São Tomé and Príncipe	30 days	$20 (ZAR 352)
Sierra Leone	30 days	$80 (ZAR 1,410)
South Sudan	30 days	$100 (ZAR 1,762)
Tajikistan	60 days	$50 (ZAR 881)
Turkey	30 days	$60 (ZAR 1,057)
Uganda	90 days	$50 (ZAR 881)
Uzbekistan	30 days	$60 (ZAR 1,057)
Vietnam	90 days	$25 (ZAR 441)
Yemen	30 days	$50 (ZAR 881)

Suggested Read: South Africa Visa for Indians

ETA Countries for South Africa Passport Holders

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Here are countries where South Africans need an ETA:

Country	Stay Duration	Cost
Australia	90 days	AUD20
Canada	180 days	CAD7
New Zealand	90 days	NZD17
Sri Lanka	30 days	ZAR 617
United Kingdom	180 days	£10

Note: Citizens with valid South African passports enjoy these visa-free privileges. Check the South African Department of Home Affairs for latest travel information.

Suggested Read: South Africa in Summer: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Top Visa-Free Countries for South African Residents

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Country	Visa	Stay Duration	Attractions
Indonesia	Visa Free	30 days	Bali, Jakarta, Borobudur Temple, and Komodo Island
Malaysia	Visa Free	90 days	Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and Cameron Highlands
Thailand	Visa Free	30 days	Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Phi Phi Islands
Singapore	Visa Free	30 days	Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa
Brazil	Visa Free	90 days	Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Amazon, and Iguazu Falls
Argentina	Visa Free	90 days	Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Mendoza, and Ushuaia
Mauritius	Visa Free	90 days	Port Louis, Black River Gorges, and pristine beaches
Seychelles	Visa Free	90 days	Victoria, Praslin Island, and Aldabra Atoll
Botswana	Visa Free	90 days	Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Kalahari

Suggested Read: South Africa on a Budget: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Benefits of Visa-Free Travel for South African Residents

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Here are the benefits of South Africa visa free travel countries:

• Cost Savings: Visa applications can be expensive. A UK visitor visa costs £115. South Africans save money and spend more on experiences.
• Spontaneous Adventures: Countries with free access to South Africa citizens allow last-minute travel plans to 104+ destinations without advance planning.
• Simplified Planning: No visa required countries for South Africa eliminate complex application processes and document requirements.
• Stress-Free Booking: Without visa denial risks, South Africans can book flights and accommodations confidently.
• Business Opportunities: South Africa entry without visa policies enable easier international business meetings, conferences, and networking events.

Suggested Read: South Africa Famous Food: Explore The 16 Must-Try Dishes

FAQs

Which destinations offer visa-free entry for South African passport holders?

South African passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 104 countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, and many African and Caribbean nations.

Do I need return tickets for visa-free travel?

Yes, most countries require proof of onward or return travel. Immigration officers may request tickets showing your departure plans.

What is the longest visa-free stay for South African travelers?

The longest stays vary by destination. No visa needed for these countries from Hong Kong include Fiji (6 months), Colombia (180 days), and Canada (180 days with ETA). Most destinations allow 30-90 days.

Can South Africans travel to Europe visa-free?

Currently, South Africans need visas for most European countries. However, the UK now requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) starting in 2025 for easier entry.

What documents should I carry when traveling visa-free?

Essential documents include:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Return or onward tickets
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Accommodation confirmation
• Travel insurance (recommended)

What if visa policies change after booking my trip?

Monitor official embassy websites for updates. Contact destination country consulates directly or consult travel agents for current requirements before departure.

Is visa-free travel from South Africa safe?

Yes, South Africa travel without visa arrangements are safe and legitimate. Check current political and safety conditions before traveling to any destination.

How many countries offer visa-on-arrival for South Africans?

Over 20 countries provide visa-on-arrival facilities for South African citizens. Countries with visa free entry to South Africa total over 104 when including all categories.