No visa, no problem: 31 African countries South Africans can visit
· The South African
South African passport holders have access to 31 destinations across Africa without needing to obtain a traditional visa before travelling, according to the latest Henley Passport Index.
The figures form part of South Africa’s overall 101-destination visa-free score, which places the country 96th out of 199 passports globally.
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But for South Africans looking for an easier international getaway, Africa remains the standout region, accounting for the largest group of destinations accessible without a visa application before departure.
The list includes popular neighbouring countries, Indian Ocean islands and a growing number of destinations across West and East Africa.
Where can South Africans travel in Africa?
South African passport holders can access the following African destinations without obtaining a traditional visa in advance, subject to the applicable entry requirements:
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burundi*
- Cape Verde Islands*
- Comoro Islands*
- Djibouti*
- Egypt*
- eSwatini
- Ethiopia*
- Gabon
- Ghana**
- Guinea-Bissau*
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Madagascar*
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Réunion
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Seychelles***
- Sierra Leone*
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
The options range from easy road-trip destinations such as Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe to island escapes including Mauritius, Madagascar and Seychelles.
For travellers interested in wildlife and safari experiences, countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana offer some of Africa’s most renowned tourism destinations.
Visa-free does not always mean no paperwork
While these destinations are included in the passport’s visa-free or simplified-access score, travellers should pay attention to the different entry requirements.
According to the notation supplied with the index:
- Visa-free: No visa is required before departure.
- * Visa on arrival: A visa can be obtained after arriving at the destination.
- ** Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): An online authorisation must be obtained before travelling.
Travellers should also check requirements such as passport validity, proof of accommodation, return or onward tickets, vaccination certificates and available blank passport pages before departure.
Africa offers the biggest choice
South Africans have access to destinations across several regions of the continent.
East Africa offers options such as Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia, while Southern Africa includes Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
West African options include Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia, Togo, Benin, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone.
For those looking for an island holiday, Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, the Comoros Islands and Réunion are among the options included.
How does South Africa compare globally?
The Henley Passport Index gives the South African passport a visa-free score of 101, placing it at 96th globally.
Singapore currently tops the ranking with access to 192 destinations, while Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates each have access to 188.
At the opposite end of the ranking, Afghanistan has access to just 22 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance.
South Africa’s position therefore reflects moderate global mobility, but the picture is considerably more favourable for travellers who want to explore Africa.
With 31 African destinations included in the latest tally, South Africans have a substantial range of options for holidays, road trips, beach breaks, safaris and cultural experiences without having to secure a traditional visa before leaving home.
Visa and entry requirements can change. Travellers should confirm the latest requirements with the destination’s official authorities before booking or travelling.