Passport

South Africa passport visa requirements 2026

Where a South Africa passport gets you in visa-free, with a visa on arrival, with an eVisa, or only with a visa arranged in advance.

Visa data last updated 2026-01-09

South Africa flag
60Visa-free
34eVisa
33Visa on arrival
71Visa required

South Africa passport at a glance

With a South Africa passport you can enter 60 destinations visa-free and 33 with a visa on arrival, so 93 of the 198 destinations we track need no paperwork before you fly. Another 34 issue an eVisa or electronic travel authorisation online, and 71 require a visa from an embassy or consulate before travel.

Open the visa map for South Africa

Do South Africa passport holders need a visa for popular destinations?

DestinationEntry rule for South Africa passports
United States of AmericaVisa required
United KingdomVisa required
Schengen Area (Germany, France, Italy…)Visa required
CanadaVisa required
AustraliaeVisa
JapaneVisa
ChinaVisa required
United Arab EmirateseVisa
TurkeyeVisa
ThailandVisa-free (60 days)
IndiaeVisa

Access by region

Number of destinations in each category for South Africa passport holders.

RegionVisa-freeVisa on arrivaleVisaVisa required
Africa18131210
Asia9151512
Europe10242
North America19013
Oceania4424
South America9120

Longest visa-free stays

Where South Africa passport holders can stay the longest without a visa:

Full list of destinations

Visa-free 60
eVisa 34
Visa on arrival 33
Visa required 71

Frequently asked questions

How many countries can South Africa passport holders visit without a visa?

South Africa passport holders can visit 60 destinations visa-free, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, Georgia and others. Adding the 33 destinations that offer a visa on arrival, 93 destinations need no visa arranged in advance.

Which countries offer visa on arrival to South Africa passport holders?

33 destinations offer a visa on arrival to South Africa passport holders, including Indonesia, Egypt, Armenia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Qatar, Oman and others. Fees, onward-ticket and proof-of-funds requirements still apply at the border.

Where can South Africa passport holders travel with an eVisa?

34 destinations let South Africa passport holders apply online for an eVisa or electronic travel authorisation, including Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Korea, Kenya, Vietnam, Colombia, Australia and others.

Do South Africa passport holders need a visa for Europe's Schengen Area?

South Africa passport holders need a visa issued before travel in the Schengen Area, which covers 29 European countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Hungary. One Schengen visa or visa-free stay covers all member states, limited to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Do South Africa passport holders need a visa for the United States?

South Africa passport holders need a visa issued before travel for the United States, according to our data.

Do South Africa passport holders need a visa for the United Kingdom?

South Africa passport holders need a visa issued before travel for the United Kingdom, according to our data.

Compare other passports from Africa

About this data

Entry categories come from our passport-by-destination matrix, last updated 2026-01-09. Visa policies change, and special rules can apply to diplomatic passports, residents of third countries or travellers arriving by land. Always confirm with the destination's official immigration website or your airline before you travel.

Connecting through a third country? Read when a layover needs a transit visa.