Visa guide
Visa-free Countries for South Africa Passport Holders
Every destination South African can enter visa-free — visa-not-required, visa-on-arrival and eVisa options.
Visa not required countries for South African passport holders
75 countries do not require South African passport holders to obtain a visa before entering — you can travel on a valid passport alone.
Visa on arrival countries for South African passport holders
41 countries let South African passport holders pick up a visa at the port of entry. There is usually a fee at the immigration desk, though some countries issue it free of charge.
E-visa countries for South African passport holders
24 countries require South African passport holders to obtain an electronic visa (eVisa) online before they travel.
General visa requirements & things to know before you travel
A general checklist of what most countries ask for when South African apply for a visa.
- A valid international travel passport
- A completed visa application form
- The applicable visa fee
- Evidence of permission to enter the destination country
- A photocopy of your passport data page
- Financial proof — an original bank statement
- A letter of invitation, where one is required
Exact requirements vary by destination and visa type — always confirm what your destination needs before you apply.
Schengen visa for South African
Visa requirements for the 29 Schengen Area countries — one Schengen visa covers them all.
Visa information for other nationalities
Visa requirements for travellers from other countries visiting South Africa.
About South Africa
South Africa is officially divided into three capitals namely Pretoria(Executive), Bloemfontein(Judicial) and Cape Town(Legislative). South Africa plays hosts to quite a number a number of tourist attractions and it is highly recommended for tourists to visit during the hot, summer months which falls between November to February. However, for those keen on whale watching, the periods between July to November is recommended for them and the winter months of May to September for big game lovers.
There are about 10 major tribes in South Africa with the Zulu tribe consisting of about 22.7% of the South African population. They are closely followed by the Xhosa tribe. Other major tribes include Sotho, Tswana, Pedi, Venda, Ndebele, Tsonga, Pondo, Swati. Officially there are 11 languages being spoken in South Africa. Each tribe mentioned above has a language peculiar to their group. With the addition of English and Afrikaans, the languages spoken in South Africa are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Tswana, Sesotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda, Ndebele.
South Africa is mainly dominated by Christians with other minority faith such as Islam, Hindu, Buddhism, and Judaism. Popular delicacies such as Biltong, Bobotie, Sosaties, Frikkadel, Bredie, and Mealie are a must for tourists when visiting.
With a good road network and a functional rail system, travellers can enjoy a smooth commute through trains, coaches, taxis and car hire. However, tourist attractions in South Africa are spread all over the country in large distances and could be seen as constraints by travellers who don’t appreciate long road travels. Air travel would ease the burden of a long journey. South Africa has three major airports which are the Cape Town International Airport, Oliver Tambo International Airport, and King Shaka International Airport.
Crime rate, as well as xenophobic rates, are extremely high in South Africa, so tourists are advised to take precautionary measures while avoiding slum neighbourhoods.
South Africans never shy away from having a good time and that is reflected by their plethora of festivals and activities. From the Cape Town Fringe festival to the Port Elizabeth wine show, OppiKoppi Festival, AfrikaBurn, Footprints Festival, WordFest, Apollo Annual Film Festival e.t.c.
South Africans surely know how to have fun.
Asides from festivities, it’s notable tourist attractions are The National Botanical Gardens, The Game, and Nature Reserves, Kruger National Park, Drakensberg Mountains, The Wine Estates and it’s prestigious World Heritage Sites. Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, Soweto are the major cities in South Africa and play host to some of the priciest hotels and apartments in the country. Other cities are Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, Kimberley, Upington, Polokwane, and Bloemfontein. Some notable facts about South Africa are:
- It is the home to the largest themed resort in the world called The Palace of the Lost City.
- It is the home to two noble prize winners, Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
- It is the second largest producer of fruits in the world.
- It is the only country to have hosted Soccer, Cricket, and Rugby world cup.
- It is the home to the highest commercial bungee jump in the world.
- It encloses two landlocked countries which are Swaziland and Lesotho.
Wth over 8000 hotels in South Africa, there are endless choices for accommodation in the Rainbow Nation.
When Visiting South Africa it is important that you dress appropriately for the weather. If you are visiting during the summer then you would want to wear something light and airy. However, if you happen to be travelling to South Africa in winter (though the winters are usually mild) more layered clothing will be appropriate.