Visa-Free Countries for South Africa Passport 2026

Around 57 destinations require an embassy visa applied for in advance. The list typically includes major closed or restricted-entry markets — see the full list below grouped by continent.

South Africa passport holders need to apply online before flying for: UK ETA (GBP 16, valid 2 years, multiple entries); South Korea K-ETA (KRW 10,000, valid 3 years, multiple entries). These are not full visas but they are mandatory — without them, airlines will deny boarding.

The Henley Passport Index 2026 ranks the South Africa passport #52, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 106 destinations. Rankings are recompiled quarterly using IATA Timatic data.

Most visa-free or visa-on-arrival entries grant 30, 60, or 90 days. The Schengen Area uses a strict 90-days-in-any-180 rule; some countries (Mexico, Albania) allow 180 days; others (Vietnam) cap at 45. Always confirm the per-country limit before booking long stays.

South Africa passport holders generally need a UK visitor visa applied for at the British embassy or consulate before travel.

South Africa passport holders generally need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) applied for at the embassy of the country they will spend the most time in.

A passport valid for at least 3 to 6 months beyond departure, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of funds for the planned stay. Some countries also ask for travel insurance.

Visa rules are compiled from the Henley Passport Index 2026, the IATA Travel Centre (Timatic), and the destination's official immigration portal, then cross-checked against the issuing-country foreign office. Data last verified May 2026.