The South African passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world. The passport is easy to obtain and there are over 100 countries South Africans can travel to without a visa.
While some countries do not require a visa some others issue visas upon arrival in the country. this reduces the hassle and stress of getting it one’s own countries.
before embarking on a journey to any of these countries, it is advisable to research on things like the weather, culture, duration of stay required for tourists, and so on.
Below are the countries a South African citizen does not need a visa to visit, and those that require visas upon arrival.
Africa
SADC countries do not require visas when visiting on holidays.
SADC countries are the countries that make up the Southern African Development Community, and just as the name suggests, they are all found in the southern part of Africa. Among these countries are Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Most of these countries offer 90 days without a visa, but some such as Swaziland and Madagascar only offer 30 days.
Other countries in Africa where South Africans can travel to without a visa are:
Benin (90 days)
Gabon (30 days)
Kenya (90 days)
Rwanda (eVisa / Visa on arrival- 30 days)
Saint Helena (You will need a pass to enter)
Senegal
The following African countries offer visas on arrival
Among these countries, although you do not need to have a visa before coming from South Africa, you may need to have a visa on arrival at the airport. Some of these countries still give you some days before needing the visa.
Cape Verde (Visa on arrival)
Comoros (Visa on arrival)
Ethiopia (eVisa / Visa on arrival)
Madagascar (Visa on arrival)
Tanzania (90 days)
Togo (7 days)
Tunisia (3 months)
Uganda (eVisa / Visa on arrival)
Countries South Africans Can Travel Without A Visa in Europe
Ireland (30 days)
Kosovo (90 days)
France’s Reunion Island (3 months)
Asia
Georgia (1 year)
Hong Kong (30 days)
Macau (30 days)
Malaysia
Maldives (Permission is needed)
Philippines (30 days)
Singapore (30 days)
Thailand (30 days)
The following Asian countries offer visas on arrival
The countries in this region that offer free visa entry for South Africans like in most other regions are doing so mostly for tourism purposes. The continent as a whole has become significant of for its aggressive tourism development.
Armenia (eVisa / Visa on arrival- 120 days)
Bahrain (eVisa)
Cambodia (eVisa / Visa on arrival- 30 days)
Indonesia (30 days)
Laos (Visa on arrival- 30 days)
Nepal (Visa on arrival- 90 days)
Sri Lanka (eVisa or Visa on arrival – 30 days)
South Korea (30 days)
Timor-Leste (Visa on arrival- 30 days)
Countries South Africans Can Travel To Without A Visa in The Americas
Countries here are always attracting those interested in water adventure as well as those who want to spend their holidays close to the waters. Most of these countries are islands. Although they do not have many people, the countries are among the most friendly to tourists and that is why they have always remained the first choice for vacation seekers and even many on honeymoon.
Antigua and Barbuda (1 month)
Argentina (90 days)
Bahamas (What this country gives is 3 months, even though it can be extended to 8 months).
Barbados (6 months)
Belize
Brazil (90 days)
British Virgin Islands (30 days, but it can be extended)
Cayman Islands (6 months)
Chile (90 days)
Costa Rica (90 days)
Dominica (6 months)
Ecuador (90 days)
El Salvador (90 days)
Falkland Islands
Grenada (3 months)
Guatemala (90 days)
Guyana (3 months)
Haiti (90 days)
Honduras (3 months)
Jamaica (180 days)
Montserrat (6 months)
Nicaragua (90 days)
Panama (180 days)
Paraguay (90 days)
Peru (180 days)
Saint Lucia (6 weeks)
Saint Vincent and Grenadines (1 month)
Turks and Caicos Islands (90 days)
Uruguay (90 days)
Venezuela (90 days)
SEE ALSO: 52 Countries Egyptians Can Travel To Without Visa
Middle East
Israel (90 days, even though it can be extended, but on some conditions that will involve military service. This is dependent on one’s age).
Jordan (Visa on arrival – 30 days)
Visa upon arrival will be granted in;
Oman (Visa on arrival or e-visa is needed)
Turkey (3 months – you can either get an e-vias or a visa on arrival)
Oceania
Cook Islands (31 days)
Fiji (4 months)
The Federated States of Micronesia (30 days)
Niue (30 days)
Palau (30 days – Visa on arrival)
Samoa (60 days – Entry permit is obtained when you arrive)
Tuvalu (Visa on arrival – 1 month)
Vanuatu (30 days)
SEE ALSO: 55 Countries Moroccans Can Travel To Without Visa
One thing that is very important before embarking on any journey outside South Africa as a citizen is to confirm with the embassy to the country you wish to travel to so as to know the number of days free of visa if there is. This is because the countries on the list still reserve the right to change their policies at any time, and importantly, they each have different policies for those coming in for tourism, business, education, or any other thing.