South Africa

South African citizens have several options when it comes to international travel. Depending on the destination, they may need to apply for a visa in advance, get an eVisa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online, get a Visa on Arrival (VOA), or travel without a visa.

At present, South Africans can apply for eVisas or ETAs to visit 58 countries. These digital visa systems enable travelers to complete their applications online, often without needing to visit an embassy or consulate.

For 13 countries, a Visa on Arrival is available, which can be applied for after landing at the destination’s airport or crossing a border. However, if a destination requires a sticker or stamped visa, applicants must visit the respective embassy or consulate in person. Some countries may allow you to schedule your appointment online before your visit.

To enter any foreign country, South African travellers must carry a valid passport with at least six (6) months of validity from their intended date of arrival.

The South African passport is currently ranked 46th in the world, granting its holders visa-free access to 59 countries.

Since visa policies differ by country, it is always advisable to check the most up-to-date requirements for your chosen destination before beginning the application process.

The eVisa is a digital visa that is issued online. You can apply for the visa online without visiting the destination country’s embassy or consulate. It can be stored on your smartphone or printed on paper and presented at the airport. 

ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is a travel permit that allows you to travel to the destination country without applying for a visa prior to your visit. Upon arrival to the country, you can get your visa directly from the immigration authorities. 

ETA can also be applied online, just like an eVisa. It will also be delivered to your email. While you can travel with your eVisa anytime you want, an ETA has a specific timeframe. You must approach the destination country’s immigration within that time to secure your visa. 

If the timeframe is exceeded, your ETA won’t be valid anymore, and you will have to apply for a new one. 

Here is a list of countries that offer an eVisa and ETA for South African citizens:

VoA or Visa on Arrival is a type of visa that allows travelers to apply for a visa after arriving at the destination country’s airport or border. 

As the immigration authorities hold the power to change the policy of the VoA at times, it is best to check the recent range in policy of your destination country before traveling. 

The countries mentioned below allow South African citizens to get a VoA:

As South Africa’s passport ranks 46th worldwide, citizens can visit 59 countries visa-free.

Here is a list of countries South African citizens can visit visa-free:

South African citizens need to get a sticker visa before they can travel to 67 countries in the world. The visa application can be done both online and offline.

For some countries, the online visa application can be completed without visiting the office and sending your passport via post. This depends on the destination country’s visa application policy.

The offline application process requires you to be present in the embassy or consulate of the desired country to submit your documents, visa application form, and passport for the visa. 

Furthermore, the duration of the visa depends on the type of visa and the intention to visit. You must check the specific requirements for the visa you will apply for before you start the application process.

Here is the list of countries that require a visa from South African citizens:

Some general visa requirements are the same in every country. South African citizens traveling abroad must fulfill the requirements stated below:

• Valid Passport: A valid South African passport with at least six (6) months of validity remaining from the date of entry to the destination country. 
• Visa Application Form: A completed visa application form that needs to be submitted either online or physically to the embassy or consulate of the destination country. The application form will require your personal information, travel details and documents, and your reason for visiting the country.
• Photograph: One or more passport-size photographs. These should be recently taken (within the last three months) and should have a white background, showing your face from all sides.
• Flight Tickets: Some countries require you to submit your proof of travel. This includes your inbound and outbound flight tickets.
• Proof of Accommodation/Stay: The proof of your accommodation or the place you will stay (hotel, hostel, or friends and family) is required. You must show proof of booking or provide a genuine address on your visa application form.

You can visit 197 countries with your South African passport. As the South African passport is ranked 46th globally, you can visit 59 countries without a visa.

South African citizens can visit 59 countries without a visa. These countries are mentioned in the Visa Free list above.

The best way to prove you’re a South African citizen is by showing your South African passport. It’s the most trusted document, especially for international travel. Other documents like your South African ID card, birth certificate, or a certificate of naturalization (if you became a citizen later in life) can also be used to prove citizenship inside the country.

Yes, South Africa allows dual citizenship, but with specific conditions. South African citizens who wish to acquire another nationality must apply for retention of South African citizenship before acquiring the second nationality. Failure to do so may result in the automatic loss of South African citizenship. For minors or individuals born with dual nationality, the rules may vary, but they are generally allowed to hold dual citizenship as long as they comply with South African law.