Where Can South Africans Travel Visa-Free?

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Which Countries Can South Africans Visit Visa-Free?

With the South African passport ranked 52nd in the world according to the Henley Passport Index, international travel has historically been challenging for South Africans. Paying hefty fees for visas, providing stacks of paperwork, and visits to embassies can often be the norm.

Despite this, the South African passport is inching up the global rankings year-over-year. In 2024, South Africans can travel to 71 countries and territories completely visa-free, with an additional 58 issuing either an eVisa or visa on arrival (VOA).

We’ve selected four of our favourite countries where South Africans can travel visa-free. You’ll also find a full list of visa-free countries for South African citizens towards the bottom of the page.

Georgia

Straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, Georgia has a lot to offer to its visitors. With astounding natural beauty, lively (and somewhat quirky) cities, and as the birthplace of wine, there’s something for everyone in Georgia. It’s budget-friendly, too, with food, drink, accommodation, and transportation particularly affordable compared to other European counterparts.

South African citizens do not need a visa to enter Georgia, and can remain in the country for one year visa-free for travel purposes. Plus, it’s relatively straightforward to visit the neighbouring countries of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey, thanks to their eVisa policies. South Africans can apply for a visa online and explore the beautiful Caucasus hassle-free!

There are no airlines that fly directly to Georgia from South Africa. We recommend Emirates who offer flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Tbilisi via Dubai. The total travel time is around 14 hours with a 3-hour connection in Dubai International Airport.

Barbados

Home to unspoiled tropical beaches, delicious rum, and over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Barbados is a Caribbean paradise which South Africans can visit for up to 6 months (180 days) visa-free. You’ll need proof of a return flight and must have a passport valid for 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit.

The best time to visit Barbados is between December and April, when sunshine is in abundance and rainfall is scarce. If you’d prefer a more relaxed experience, the shoulder seasons of May and September are fantastic months to visit Barbados. There’s fewer crowds and the weather remains excellent.

There are no direct flights from South Africa to Barbados. In our opinion, the best option is to fly with British Airways (from either Cape Town or Johannesburg) via London Heathrow.

Ireland

Ireland is one of three countries in Europe where South Africans can travel visa-free. Filled with stunning landscapes, lively cities, and friendly locals, South African citizens can visit the Emerald Isle without a visa for a maximum of 90 days.

We recommend visiting Ireland during the summer months of May to September, coinciding with the winter in South Africa. It’s an excellent time of year for outdoor activities such as hiking the Cliffs of Moher and exploring the lively cities of Dublin, Cork, and Galway.

Currently, there are no direct flights from South Africa to Ireland and a stopover is required. One of the quickest routes is from Cape Town to Dublin via Amsterdam with KLM, which takes roughly 14 hours in total. British Airways and Lufthansa also offer flights from South Africa to Dublin with a total travel time of less than 15 hours (with one stop included).

Be aware that entry into Northern Ireland is not permitted to South Africans unless the passport holder has a valid UK visa.

Thailand

There’s a lot to love about Thailand. With stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultures, delicious food, and bustling cities, you’ll quickly see why it’s known as the Land of Smiles!

South African passport holders can enter Thailand for 30 days visa-free. Visitors must have a return ticket as well as a passport with at least 6 months validity. If you’d like to extend your stay, it’s usually simple to apply for a 30 day extension with the Immigration Bureau.

Aim to visit Thailand between November and April, when the weather is dry and sunny. Our favourite destinations in Thailand are Ko Lanta, Chiang Mai, Khao Sok, and Bangkok.

Whilst there are no direct flights from South Africa to Thailand, Qatar Airways and Emirates both offer convenient options with a short stopover in Doha or Dubai. Once you arrive in Thailand, it’s very affordable.

If you’d like to do some travelling in Southeast Asia (and we highly recommend that you do!), the nearby countries of Malaysia and Singapore offer visa-free travel for South African citizens. You can visit Malaysia for up to 90 days, which is plenty of time to explore the lively capital of Kuala Lumpur, the foodie island of Penang, and relax on the beaches of Langkawi.

Singapore provides visa-free access for 30 days. Given its small size, it’s more than enough time to enjoy the city.

Visa-Free vs. Visa on Arrival

South Africans can obtain an eVisa or visa on arrival (VOA) for a further 58 countries. Many of these countries do not charge a fee for eVisas or VOAs.

For an eVisa, the application process is often as simple as filling out a form online before you travel. VOAs are obtained upon arrival at the airport or border crossing of the destination country.

Destinations where South Africans can travel with a visa on arrival include Egypt, Indonesia, Turkey, Nepal, and more.

Full List of Visa-Free Destinations for South African Passport Holders

As of July 2024, there are 71 countries and territories where South Africans can travel without a visa.

Visa-Free Countries in Africa

Angola, Benin, Botswana, Eswatini, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Réunion, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Zambia, & Zimbabwe.

Visa-Free Countries in Asia

Hong Kong, Israel, Macau, Malaysia, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, & Thailand.

Visa-Free Countries in Europe

Georgia, Kosovo, & Ireland.

Visa-Free Countries in North & South America

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uruguay, & Venezuela.

Visa-Free Countries in Oceania

Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Micronesia, Niue, Pitcairn Islands, & Vanuatu.

Search for Flights to Visa-Free Destinations

Booking flights to visa-free countries is simple with Alternative Airlines. We ticket 600+ airlines from across the world. Wherever you’re heading, there’s an airline to take you there.

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If you’re a South African resident, you can now take advantage of PayJustNow when booking flights through Alternative Airlines. This Buy Now, Pay Later service lets you split your payments into 3 equal parts. You won’t be charged interest, providing payments are made on time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can South Africans travel to the UK visa-free?

No, South Africans cannot travel to the United Kingdom visa-free. A visa is required for entry. Visit the UK Government website for up-to-date visa information.

Can I buy flights with cryptocurrency?

Yes, you can! With Alternative Airlines, you can book flights from South Africa using over 100 cryptocurrencies. This includes Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and Ripple (XRP), among many other altcoins.

How strong is the South African passport?

The South African passport is ranked the 52nd strongest according to the Henley Passport Index. It's not particularly strong, but not particularly weak either. In recent years, the South African passport has become stronger, with more countries granting visa-free access to South African citizens.

What's the general advice for travelling to South Africa?

There are many things to consider before travelling to South Africa, such as travel visas, safety concerns, vaccinations and more. You can find out more information through our South Africa Travel Advice guide right here at Alternative Airlines.