countries you can visit on a south african passport

South African Passport

The citizens of South Africa can visit 72 countries without a visa.

South African passport holders also have access to get 44 e-visas or 15 visas on arrival .

South Africa has a population of 59.3M people and the capital is Pretoria 🇿🇦.

Visa-free map

Nearby countries.

The nearest visa free countries to visit for South African passport holders are Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia .

Visa free countries

So, where can South Africans travel without a visa? We have listed all the countries where South Africa citizens can travel visa-free, eliminating the hassle of visa paperwork.

• 🇦🇴 Angola (N/A)
• 🇧🇯 Benin (90 Days)
• 🇧🇼 Botswana (90 days)
• 🇸🇿 Eswatini (30 days)
• 🇬🇦 Gabon (30 days.)
• 🇬🇲 Gambia (90 days)
• 🇬🇭 Ghana (90 days)
• 🇱🇸 Lesotho (90 days)
• 🇲🇼 Malawi (90 days)
• 🇲🇺 Mauritius (90 days)
• 🇲🇿 Mozambique (3 months)
• 🇳🇦 Namibia (3 months)
• 🇹🇿 Tanzania (90 days)
• 🇹🇬 Togo (N/A)
• 🇹🇳 Tunisia (3 months)
• 🇿🇲 Zambia (90 days)
• 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe (3 months)
• 🇷🇪 Réunion (3 months. Travel to mainland France is prohibited unless in possession of a Valid Schengen Visa, Identity and Visa checks are conducted between Reunion and mainland France/ EU or EEA countries and Switzerland.)
• 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda (1 month)
• 🇦🇷 Argentina (90 days)
• 🇧🇸 Bahamas (3 months)
• 🇧🇧 Barbados (6 months)
• 🇧🇿 Belize (N/A)
• 🇧🇷 Brazil (90 days)
• 🇨🇱 Chile (90 days)
• 🇨🇷 Costa Rica (90 days)
• 🇩🇲 Dominica (6 months)
• 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic (N/A)
• 🇪🇨 Ecuador (90 days)
• 🇸🇻 El Salvador (90 days)
• 🇬🇩 Grenada (3 months)
• 🇬🇹 Guatemala (90 days)
• 🇬🇾 Guyana (3 months)
• 🇭🇹 Haiti (3 months)
• 🇭🇳 Honduras (90 days)
• 🇯🇲 Jamaica (180 days)
• 🇳🇮 Nicaragua (90 days)
• 🇵🇦 Panama (90 days)
• 🇵🇾 Paraguay (90 days)
• 🇵🇪 Peru (180 days)
• 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis (3 months)
• 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia (6 weeks)
• 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (3 month)
• 🇸🇷 Suriname (90 days)
• 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago (90 days)
• 🇺🇾 Uruguay (90 days)
• 🇻🇪 Venezuela (90 days)
• 🇻🇬 British Virgin Islands (30 days, extensions possible)
• 🇰🇾 Cayman Islands (6 months)
• 🇫🇰 Falkland Islands (N/A)
• 🇲🇸 Montserrat (6 months)
• 🇹🇨 Turks and Caicos Islands (90 days)
• 🇫🇯 Fiji (4 months)
• 🇰🇮 Kiribati (90 days)
• 🇫🇲 Micronesia (30 days)
• 🇻🇺 Vanuatu (30 days)
• 🇨🇰 Cook Islands (31 days)
• 🇳🇺 Niue (30 days)
• 🇵🇳 Pitcairn Islands (14 days visa free and landing fee US$35 or tax of US$5 if not going ashore.)
• 🇬🇪 Georgia (1 year)
• 🇮🇱 Israel (90 days)
• 🇲🇾 Malaysia (90 days)
• 🇵🇭 Philippines (30 days)
• 🇶🇦 Qatar (30 days)
• 🇸🇬 Singapore (30 days)
• 🇹🇭 Thailand (30 days)
• 🇵🇸 Palestine (Arrival by sea to Gaza Strip not allowed.)
• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong (30 days. Landing slip with stay conditions issued upon arrival in place of entry stamp. This is not a permit, however it is used to classify South African citizens as being visa exempted.)
• 🇲🇴 Macau (30 days)
• 🇮🇪 Ireland (90 days)
• 🇷🇺 Russia (90 days)
• 🇽🇰 Kosovo (90 days)

This data has been sourced from Wikipedia and was last updated on 4/1/2024.

• Lesotho visa free countries
• Botswana visa free countries
• Swaziland visa free countries

South Africa passport visa free countries 2024

What are the visa-free countries for south africa passport holders, what countries provide visa on arrival for south africa passport holders.

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The Complete List of Visa-Free Countries for South Africans

September 20, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on September 27, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

One of the most frustrating parts about travelling as a South African is tourist visa applications.

You have to make appointments at consulates, take time off work for officials to grill you about the purpose of your trip, make a sizeable offering of paperwork, and the expensive visa fees.

(I’m looking at you, the United Kingdom and the United States of America!)

But there is light at the end of the tunnel, my friends.

Once, we had only a measly 90 visa-free countries to visit, but as of 2023, South African passport holders can visit 111 visa-free countries (including visa on arrival), ranking South Africa’s passport 46th in terms of travel freedom.

As long s you have a valid passport, you can gain access to 64 countries (visa-free) and 47 (visa on arrival), leaving 87 countries with visa requirements for South Africans.

Hopefully, this number will continue to climb, but I think that’s a pretty decent chunk of the world to explore in the meantime!

If you need a little wanderlust inspiration – here is a complete list of visa-free countries for South Africans!

P.S. Always double-check the visa requirements for each destination. Things can change before I’ve had a chance to update this blog post.

Psst…Want more visa-free travel inspiration? Check out my other posts:

• 12 Best Visa-Free Destinations for South Africans to Visit
• 14 Unique Visa-Free Countries for South Africans
• 20 Incredible Visa-Free Countries South Africans Need to Visit

Table of Contents

Central America

South america, middle east, visa-free countries for south africans.

What does visa-free mean exactly?

It means there are no entry requirements (besides a valid passport).

All you need to do is book your flights, get your passport stamped at the port of entry, and you’re good to go!

• Angola – 30 days
• Benin – 90 days
• Botswana – 90 days
• Gabon – 30 days
• Gambia – 90 days
• Kenya – 90 days
• Lesotho – 90 days
• Malawi – 90 days
• Mauritius – 90 days
• Mozambique – 90 days
• Namibia – 90 days
• Reunion – 90 days
• Swaziland / eSwatini – 30 days
• Tanzania – 90 days
• Tunisia – 90 days
• Zambia – 30 days
• Zimbabwe – 90 days

Read more on Africa travel:

• An Incredible 10-Day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary
• How To Travel To Mozambique on a Budget from South Africa
• Reunion Island Itinerary: How to See the Best of Reunion Island in One Week
• A Quick Guide to Victoria Falls: Everything You Need to Know
• 10 of the Cheapest African Countries to Visit
• 7 Epic Things to Do in Diani Beach, Kenya
• How to Travel Kenya on a Budget
• What It’s Like Staying on Mumbo Island in Malawi
• The Perfect Self-Drive Botswana Itinerary for an Epic Safari Trip
• Botswana Bucket List: 10+ Best Things to do in Botswana
• The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit

• Hong Kong – 30 days
• Indonesia – 30 days
• Macau – 30 days
• Malaysia – 90 days
• Philippines – 30 days
• Singapore – 30 days
• Thailand – 30 days

Read more on Asia travel:

• The Best of Bangkok: The Perfect 3-day Bangkok Itinerary
• Singapore 4-Day Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Travellers
• How to Travel Bali on a Budget as a Frugal South African
• How to Backpack Sepilok, Borneo on a Budget

• Georgia – 360 days
• Ireland – 90 days
• Kosovo – 90 days
• Russia – 90 days

Read more on Europe travel:

• A Quick Guide To The Cliffs of Moher
• The Ultimate Tbilisi, Georgia Travel Guide
• 7 Experiences You Absolutely Must Have in Georgia
• How to Apply for Your Schengen Visa as a South African
• Digital Nomad Visas: 15+ Destinations That Let You Work Remotely

• Antigua and Barbuda – 180 days
• Bahamas – 90 days
• Barbados – 180 days
• The British Virgin Islands – 30 days 
• Cayman Islands – 6 months 
• Dominica – 180 days
• Dominican Republic
• Grenada – 90 days
• Haiti – 90 days
• Saint Kitts and Nevis – 90 days 
• Saint Lucia – 42 days
• St Vincent and Grenadines – 90 days 
• Trinidad and Tobago – 90 days
• The Turks and Caicos Islands – 90 days 

Read More:  12 Best Visa-Free Countries for South Africans to Visit

• Belize – 30 days
• Costa Rica – 90 days
• El Salvador – 90 days
• Guatemala – 90 days
• Honduras – 90 days
• Nicaragua – 90 days
• Panama – 90 days

• Argentina – 90 days
• Brazil – 90 days
• Chile – 90 days
• Ecuador – 90 days
• Falkland Islands 
• Guyana – 30 days
• Paraguay – 90 days
• Peru – 180 days
• Uruguay – 90 days
• Venezuela – 90 days

Read More:  14 Unique Visa-Free Countries for South Africans

• Cook Islands – 31 days
• Fiji – 120 days
• Micronesia – 30 days
• Vanuatu – 30 days

• Israel – 90 days
• Palestine – 30 days

Read More:  20 Incredible Visa-Free Countries South Africans Need to Visit in 2020

Visa on Arrival Countries for South Africans

What does a visa on arrival mean, and what makes it different to the rest?

Well, your entry visa isn’t free.

You will usually pay a fee on arrival, but you won’t need to go to the embassy in your country of residence beforehand.

For an eVisa, the process is slightly different.

Instead of going to the consulate in person, you’ll complete an online application form, upload any required documents, and pay your fee. Then, the consulate emails you an electronic visa to print out or show on your phone upon arrival.

The process will differ depending on the destination country, but it’s a straightforward process and only takes a couple of minutes to complete.

• Burundi – 30 days
• Cape Verde – visa on arrival (EASE)
• Comoros – 45 days
• Congo – 90 days (eVisa)
• Djibouti – 31 days
• Equatorial Guinea – visa on arrival
• Egypt – 30 days (eVisa)
• Ethiopia – 90 days (eVisa)
• Ghana – 30 days
• Guinea – 90 days (eVisa)
• Guinea-Bissau – 90 days
• Madagascar – 30 days
• Mauritania – visa on arrival
• Nigeria – 30 days (eVisa)
• Rwanda – 30 days
• Senegal – 90 days
• Seychelles – 90 days (tourist registration)
• Sierra Leone – 30 days (eVisa)
• Somalia – 30 days
• South Sudan – eVisa
• St Helena – 90 days
• Togo – 15 days (eVisa)

Read More on Africa Travel:

• Travel to Rwanda: 15 Useful Things to Know Before You Go
• Everything You Need to Know about the Dian Fossey Hike
• Akagera National Park: The Complete Guide
• 100 of the Best Places You Can Visit in Africa

• Armenia – 120 days
• Azerbaijan – 30 days (eVisa)
• Cambodia – 30 days
• India – 30 days (eVisa)
• Kyrgyzstan – 30 days (eVisa)
• Laos – 30 days
• Maldives – 90 days
• Nepal – 90 days
• Pakistan – 30 days (eTA)
• South Korea – 30 days (eTA)
• Sri Lanka – 30 days (eTA)
• Tajikistan – 45 days (eVisa)
• Timor-Leste – 30 days
• Vietnam – 90 days (eVisa)

Read More on Asia Travel:

• 20 Maldives Travel Tips to Plan The Tropical Getaway of Your Dreams
• How to Get Your Visa on Arrival for Vietnam in 3 Easy Steps
• What You Need to Know About Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam
• My Complete 2-Week Vietnam Backpacking Itinerary
• How To Conquer The Temples of Angkor Wat in One Day

• Iran – 30 days (eVisa)
• Jordan – 30 days (eVisa)
• Oman – 30 days (eVisa)
• Qatar – 30 days
• Saudi Arabia (eVisa)
• Turkey (eVisa)

Read More:  South Africans: How To Get Your Visa On Arrival For Iran

• Marshall Islands – 90 days
• Palau – 30 days
• Papua New Guinea – 30 days (eVisa)
• Samoa – 90 days
• Tuvalu – 30 days
• Bolivia – 90 days
• Suriname – 90 days (eVisa)

Which of these visa-free travel destinations for South Africans are you going to visit next? Let me know in the comments below!

If you like it, then you should put a pin on it

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

February 17, 2019 at 10:19 pm

Such a helpful article. Well done on the research, thank you.

Mozambique Tofo

October 2, 2019 at 9:06 am

thank you! makes choosing holiday spots so much easier….

October 2, 2019 at 11:48 am

I know!! And much less painful

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Visa Free Countries for South African Passport Holders

• Post author: VisaTimeAdmin
• Post published: 31/01/2023
• Post category: Global Travel / Visa Info

List of 74 countries that you can visit visa free with a South African passport in 2023.

The South African passport ranks 98th in the world as of January 2023 according to  VisaGuide Passport Index. This means that South African citizens can travel visa-free to 74 countries in the world. However, to enter the remaining countries, South African passport holders must apply for a visa beforehand.

Credit: VisaGuide.world

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Things to know before you travel with a South African passport

Traveling with a South African passport can be a great experience. South Africa passport holders travel to many countries visa-free, making it the world's joint 53rd most powerful passport out of a possible 199.

South African citizens are able to go to 58 visa-free countries. Moreover, South African passport holders are offered visas on arrival by 28 countries and electronic visas by 26 countries.

There is a need to go to an embassy to get an entry document for 90 countries, but the number of countries which South African citizens can visit visa-free, with a visa on arrival or an electronic visa is still higher.

Spontaneous trips for South African citizens with visa-free travel

When you travel visa-free, you don't have the burden of planning weeks in advance, you are able to go to your destination immediately. 

It's easier for you to take your chance to travel when you know you don't need to do any lengthy paperwork. As a result, you visit more new places and meet more new people.

How to acquire South African citizenship 

Unless you are born in South Africa or have South African parents, you can get South African citizenship only by naturalization: after holding a permanent residence permit for five years, by marrying a South African citizen, or by being a minor with a permanent residence visa.

In order to apply for South African citizenship by naturalization, you must pay the fee and submit the necessary documents to the Department of Home Affairs.

The advantages of traveling visa-free for South Africans 

Visa-free international travel is very advantageous:

• you don't have to fill out application forms and attach additional documents;
• you don't have to go to an embassy and wait in a queue;
• you don't have to pay for a visa;
• you don't need to plan your trip beforehand;
• you don't have to wait at border control on arrival.

58 countries where South African passport holders don't need a visa

South african passport visa-free countries:.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Philippines
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• South Korea
• Trinidad and Tobago

Also, South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in 28 countries and apply for an electronic visa to 26 countries.

Visa on arrival countries

• Guinea-Bissau
• Marshall Islands
• Sierra Leone
• Timor-Leste

Electronic visa countries

• Côte d'Ivoire
• Papua New Guinea
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• South Sudan

How to find out if your destination is a visa-free country?

In order to find out if your destination is among visa-free countries, check visa exemptions/requirements.

What to do if your destination is not a visa-free country?

If your destination is not visa-free, choose other options to enter the country, such as a visa on arrival, eVisa, eTA, or an embassy visa.

Tips for preparing for travel to non-visa-free countries

If you are going to travel to a non-visa-free country, you should check all visa information to discover which visa type you need and are eligible for (for example, you may get an online visa instead of going to an embassy for a regular one).

Is it important to research the different visa requirements of each country before traveling?

It is essential to know the different visa requirements before traveling, as this way, you will ensure to prepare all the necessary documents for entering a country and will choose the best eligible visa option.

South Korea Passport Visa-Free Countries READ MORE

Ukraine Passport Visa-Free Countries READ MORE

France Passport Visa-Free Countries READ MORE

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Visa free countries for South Africans 2024

Traveling can bring rich experiences of multiple cultures, various foods, and amazing landscapes to people. For South Africans, global travel is becoming much more exciting because of the wide choices of visa-free destinations. Whether it is the vibrant streets of Brazil or the tranquil beaches of Mozambique, South Africans can now explore multiple countries without complicated visa procedures. However, some other countries do need visas like eVisa or visa on arrival for South Africans.

In case you didn’t know, we will share all the information about the aforementioned topic in the article. So, grab your passport, pack your luggage, and be ready to explore all the visa-free paradises that wait for you.

Which Countries Are Visa-Free for South African Passport?

South African passport holders have the privilege of visa-free access to several countries around the world for up to 1 year depending on the specific country, which greatly facilitates international travel for leisure, business, or transit purposes. No need for complicated pre-arranged application procedures for a visa. You can now enter the most notable destinations, including Brazil, Russia, and Thailand, etc., and experience various cultures. 

However, due to the fluctuating changes to international visa policies, the number of visa-free countries for South African holders is also subject to change from time to time. By far, South Africans can now visit 74 countries visa-free. But, before you plan any international trip, checking the newest requirements for a visa is critical because all these may change.

🔎 Read Also: How to Apply for a South African Passport?

What Countries Issue eVisa to South African Citizens?

Except for these visa-free countries for South Africans, some countries issue visas to South African citizens. This kind of eVisa for South Africans is an electronic permit for traveling globally to other countries. It can be applied online, which simplifies the procedures and makes it more convenient to get. Just submit the online application along with the required documents and pay the bill. Once you are approved, the visa is sent electronically to you rather than a physical visa stamp or sticker on the passport. Just print it out and bring it with you when you are traveling.  

By now, eVisas are available in 28 countries for South Africans. These are Turkey, India, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, and Keny, etc. With the growing availability of eVisas, South African citizens can embark on unforgettable journeys around the globe without the stress of traditional visa applications. 

What Countries Issue Visa on Arrival to South African Passport Holders?

You have learned about visa-free countries and countries that issue eVisas. Except for these countries, there is visa on arrival (VOA) access to some other countries to make the procedures for traveling abroad simpler and more convenient. Visa on arrival allows you to obtain a visa right away when you arrive at the airport or the border crossing point of another country. But to obtain it, you need to prepare the required documents, complete the requisite paperwork, and pay the visa fee. After you get it, you can stay in the country within the specified days.

By now, VOA for South Africans is available in 33 countries (some of them also offer eVisas), including Armenia, Bahrain, Bolivia, Burundi, etc. However, travelers need to stay updated on visa policies as they can change. Always make sure you check the newest requirements before your journey. 

Countries With Visa Requirements for South African Citizens

You may also want to travel to a country that requires you to have a regular visa. A regular visa’s requirements and application processes differ from country to country, depending on the applicant’s purpose of visiting and nationality. Typically, a visa application involves a form and supporting documents such as a passport, travel itinerary, and proof of finances. The application may also require an interview with consular officers at the embassy or consulate of the destination country. The processing time for a visa can range from a few days to several weeks, or even months, and the cost of a visa can also vary greatly.

By now, 95 countries require a visa to enter, and some countries may impose additional conditions on South African passport holders, such as proof of vaccination requirements. It’s important to stay informed about the latest travel updates and entry requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. 

How Powerful is the South African Passport?

Passport strength involves visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to countries. South African passports grant moderate global mobility, affording privileges in many regions and countries like parts of Africa and South America. However, South Africans must obtain visas to travel to many countries in North America, Europe and Asia. Therefore, it cannot be compared to the broad access offered by passports from more powerful countries. Currently, the South African passport is ranked 53rd globally in the newly released Henry Passport Index 2024, dropping one place down from the previous year.

How many countries can a South African visit without a visa?

Currently, South African citizens can travel to 108 countries without a visa.

Is Canada visa-free to South Africa?

No, Canada is not visa-free for South African passport holders. South African citizens need to obtain a visa before traveling to Canada. 

Is Australia visa free for South Africa?

No, Australia is not visa-free for South African passport holders. South African citizens are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Australia for tourism, business, study, or any other purpose. 

Do Canadian permanent residents need a visa for South Africa?

A short visit to South Africa for no more than 90 days is visa-free for Canadian permanent residents for tourism or business purposes. But if you break the law to overstay South Africa without authority or perform any other unauthorized activities. In that case, you will face finement or/and refusal to re-enter South Africa for up to 5 years. 

🔎 Read Also: Which Countries Can Canadian Permanent Resident Travel without Visa

Which countries are easy for South Africans to immigrate to?

Mauritius, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada are among the countries that offer relatively straightforward immigration processes for South Africans.

What countries are visa free for Swaziland?

Currently, Swazi passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 45 countries in the world, including Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, and South Africa within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Additionally, Swazi citizens can travel to certain countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean without needing a visa, or by obtaining a visa upon arrival. However, visa requirements and agreements can change, so travelers should check with the relevant authorities or embassies before planning their trips. 

Several visa-free destinations beckon for South African travelers. However, some countries require visas, either by applying for a eVisa or by arriving on a visa. In the case of regular visas, it is important to plan your days in advance to avoid any unforeseen circumstances. Travelers need to stay up-to-date on the latest visa requirements and regulations, which can change over time.

By Dolores Xiao

I am a content creator and marketer with over 5 years of professional writing experience. I hold a bachelor's degree in communications and have a natural curiosity about technology, as evidenced by my technology blog. As an avid traveler, I draw upon adventures in over 10 countries to inject unique cultural perspectives into my articles and social media campaigns. I thrive on developing engaging content that informs and inspires audiences.

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Home » Four European countries SA passport holders can visit visa-free

Four European countries SA passport holders can visit visa-free

The latest Henley & Partners Passport Index for 2023 outlines the 106 countries that South African passport holders can travel to without requiring a visa. The index included 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, ranking them quarterly in terms of travel power. Each passport was scored on the total number of destinations that the holder can access visa-free. CHECKMATE | These are South Africa’s Top 20 […]

The latest  Henley & Partners Passport Index  for 2023 outlines the  106  countries that South African passport holders can travel to  without  requiring a visa.

The index included  199  passports and  227  travel destinations, ranking them quarterly in terms of travel power.

Each passport was scored on the total number of destinations that the holder can access visa-free.

CHECKMATE |  These are South Africa’s Top 20 chess players

South Africa placed  52nd  out of 104 countries with a visa-free score of  106 .

That means there are 106 countries across the world that a South African passport holder can travel to visa-free.

Meanwhile, the index found that the  Singapore  passport was the most powerful with a visa-free score of 192, followed by  Germany ,  Italy  and  Spain  in a tie for second with 190.

Afghanistan  sits at the bottom of the list with a score of 27.

Of those 106 countries,  4  are in  Europe .

They are: Ireland, Kosovo, Georgia, Russian Federation.

ALSO READ |  First woman in 20 years executed in Singapore

COUNTRIES SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT HOLDERS CAN VISIT VISA-FREE PER REGION:

Africa – 35

Americas – 18

Caribbean – 16

Middle East – 7

Oceania – 9

THE 106 COUNTRIES SOUTH AFRICANS CAN VISIT VISA-FREE

* visa on arrival, ** electronic travel authority (ETA)

Antigua and Barbuda

British Virgin Islands

Cape Verde Islands *

Cayman Islands

Comoro Islands *

Cook Islands

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Falkland Islands

Guinea-Bissau *

Hong Kong (SAR China)

Kyrgyzstan *

Macao (SAR China)

Madagascar *

Marshall Islands *

Mauritania *

Pakistan **

Palau Islands *

Palestinian Territory

Philippines

Russian Federation

Seychelles *

Sierra Leone *

South Korea **

Sri Lanka **

St. Helena *

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Tajikistan *

Timor-Leste *

Trinidad and Tobago

Turks and Caicos Islands

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World Wild Schooling

12 Visa-Free South American Countries for US Passport Holders

Posted: March 24, 2024 | Last updated: March 24, 2024

South American countries requiring US passport holders to obtain a visa include Bolivia, Suriname, and Venezuela, so don’t head to any of these without ensuring you can enter. The good news, though, is that the following countries in South or Central America don’t ask US passport holders to get a visa before visiting. Here’s the full lowdown on what each nation offers the adventurous traveler. 

Argentina is a favored foodie and wine destination known for rich reds and succulent meats. Other reasons to head to Argentina include the incredible Iguazu Falls, the southern plateau of Patagonia, and Latin dance. Like some other South American countries, Argentina is also a famous footballing nation. 

Read also: Visa-Free Countries for Americans

The colorful Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro could keep visitors happily occupied for days on end, not least during carnival. But venture beyond the city limits to discover breathtaking beaches , fascinating architecture and history, and the mighty Amazon rainforest. Vibrant Sao Paolo can also give Rio a run for its money in partying. 

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Chile is a bucket-list destination , with Easter Island being one of the country’s main draws. Other Chilean highlights include Torres del Paine National Park and the Atacama Desert. It’s the ideal place for a road trip, with looming volcanoes, tranquil lakes, desert landscapes, and rolling vineyards to see en route.

Read also: Tropical Destinations to Discover

Colombia offers the fashionable city of Bogotá, the majestic Andes, and fascinating archaeological sites. Of course, visitors can also delve deeper into the country’s coffee culture by visiting a plantation. Add to all that the rugged Caribbean coastline, and you have a destination offering something for everyone. 

Read also: Underrated Tropical Destinations

Costa Rica is probably the number one South American destination for wildlife lovers. Head here, and you can see squirrel monkeys, sloths, scarlet macaws, and much more. Costa Rica is abundant in tumbling waterfalls, towering volcanoes, tropical rainforests, and breathtaking beaches.

Read also: Amazing Natural Wonders to See in Europe

Ecuador is packed with appealing places to visit. There’s the Galápagos Islands, which are paradise for anyone who’s into wildlife in a big way. You can also gaze at well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture in Quito, discover the Andean highlands, or delve into the Amazon jungle.

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French Guiana

French Guiana is situated on South America’s northeast coast and is covered in lush rainforest. The capital of Cayenne also offers Creole architecture, the remains of Fort Cépérou, a palm-lined main square, and colorful markets. For a flavor of South American beach life, head to the Atlantic coast beaches of the Rémire-Montjoly locale.

Read also: Cheap Beach Destinations in Europe

Guyana is awash with both British and Caribbean culture. Georgetown, the capital, is packed with beautiful colonial buildings, and you can also shop for fresh local produce at Stabroek Market. Guyana is also a top destination for cricket fans or anyone who wants to listen to calypso music. 

Read also: Top Tropical Destinations To Add to Your Bucket List

The Republic of Nicaragua is the biggest of the Central American countries and sits between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Its landscape is dotted with volcanoes, lakes, and some of the most appealing beaches on the continent. You can also admire Spanish colonial architecture in Granada or go to the islands for birdwatching.

Read also: Hidden Beaches in the Caribbean

Unlike other Central and South American destinations, don’t expect to find lovely beaches in landlocked Paraguay. Instead, local attractions include the capital, Asunción’s fine historic architecture, and a clutch of top-notch museums. Though there’s no coastline, the terrain is diverse, meaning you can explore swamps, scrubland, savanna, and subtropical forests.

Read also: Top UNESCO Heritage Sites to Visit

Peru is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. Machu Picchu in the Andes is, of course, a bucket list must for many. But do venture further afield, if you can, to encounter pre-colonial artwork and colonial buildings in Lima. You can also experience the Amazon rainforest in Peru, explore the Sacred Valley, or enjoy fabulous food in Cusco.

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From lively Plaza Independencia at the social and cultural heart of Montevideo to sunkissed South Atlantic beaches, it’s hard to understand why Uruguay is relatively off the tourist radar. Many steakhouses are in the capital, reflecting the country’s thriving beef industry. Fine colonial architecture also lines the streets of Colonia and Montevideo. 

Read also: Hidden Beaches Around the Globe

Caribbean Destinations Where No Visa Is Needed for Americans

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Read the original thread on 12 Visa-Free South American Countries for US Passport Holders .

This article was produced and syndicated by World Wild Schooling .

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The Henley & Partners Passport Index for 2023 outlines the 106 countries that South Africans can travel to without requiring a visa. Photo: PEXELS

The FOUR European countries South African passport holders can visit visa-free

The Henley & Partners Passport Index for 2023 outlines the 106 countries that South Africans can travel to without requiring a visa.

The Henley & Partners Passport Index for 2023 outlines the 106 countries that South Africans can travel to without requiring a visa.

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The index included 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, ranking them in terms of travel power.

Each passport as scored on the total number of destinations that the holder can access visa-free.

LOL |  PUN OF THE DAY

South Africa placed 53rd with a visa-free score of 106 .

That means there are 106 countries across the world that a South African passport holder can travel to visa-free.

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South Africa has slipped two positions from 51st last year, but its score has increased by two after Burundi and Gambia allowed visa-free South African passport holders to enter the country.

Meanwhile, the index found that the Japanese passport was the most powerful with a visa-free score of 193, followed by Singapore and South Korea in a tie with 192.

Afghanistan sits at the bottom of the list with a score of 27.

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Of t hose 106 countries, only FOUR are in Europe.

They are: Georgia, Ireland, Kosovo, Russian Federation

Countries South African passport holders can visit visa-free per region:

Africa – 35

Americas – 18

Asia – 17

Caribbean – 16

Europe – 4

Middle East – 7

Oceania – 9

THE 106 COUNTRIES SOUTH AFRICANS CAN VISIT VISA-FREE

* visa on arrival, ** electronic travel authority (ETA)

Antigua and Barbuda

British Virgin Islands

Cape Verde Islands *

Cayman Islands

Comoro Islands *

Cook Islands

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Falkland Islands

Guinea-Bissau *

Hong Kong (SAR China)

Kyrgyzstan *

Macao (SAR China)

Madagascar *

Marshall Islands *

Mauritania *

Pakistan **

Palau Islands *

Palestinian Territory

Philippines

Russian Federation

Seychelles *

Sierra Leone *

South Korea **

Sri Lanka **

St. Helena *

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Tajikistan *

Timor-Leste *

Trinidad and Tobago

Turks and Caicos Islands

Is jy Afrikaans? Kliek hier vir nuus in jou taal!

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