South Africa Passport
Visa Requirements 2026
South African passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 69 destinations worldwide. Use our visa checker tool below to find specific requirements for any destination.
Check Visa RequirementsVisa-Free Countries
South African passport holders can enter these 43 countries without a visa
Asia(9)
North America(13)
Africa(13)
Oceania(2)
Visa on Arrival
Get your visa at the airport in these 26 countries
Asia(9)
Africa(16)
Oceania(1)
eVisa Countries
Apply online before traveling to these 14 destinations
Visa Required
Apply at an embassy for these 57 countries
Europe(29)
Asia(11)
North America(4)
South America(2)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries can South African passport holders visit visa-free?
South African passport holders can visit 69 countries without obtaining a visa in advance. This includes 43 completely visa-free destinations and 26 countries that offer visa-on-arrival.
What is the South Africa passport ranking?
The South Africa passport is ranked #52 globally according to the Henley Passport Index 2026. This ranking is based on the number of destinations passport holders can access without a prior visa.
Which popular destinations require a visa for South African citizens?
South African passport holders need to apply for a visa in advance to visit 57 countries. Always check specific requirements before traveling as visa policies can change.
Can South African passport holders get an eVisa?
Yes, 14 countries offer electronic visas (eVisa) for South African passport holders. eVisas can typically be applied for online and are processed within a few days. This is often more convenient than visiting an embassy.
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Check Visa Requirements for Any Destination
Use our free visa checker tool to instantly find visa requirements for your South Africa passport and any destination worldwide.
Open Visa CheckerVisa requirement data last verified: January 2026. Requirements can change — always verify with official embassy sources before travel.