Visa-Exempt Countries - South Africa

Overview

Citizens of certain countries holding valid national passports are allowed to enter South Africa without a visa for tourism or business purposes. The exemption periods are either 30 or 90 days depending on bilateral agreements.

Legal basis: Government notices issued under the Immigration Act, published in the Government Gazette.

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90-DAY VISA EXEMPTION

Citizens of the following countries may visit South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa:

Europe

• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria (added recently)
• Croatia (added recently)
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia (added recently)
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary (added recently)
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia (added recently)
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania (added recently)
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Romania (added recently)
• Slovenia (added recently)
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Americas

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Ecuador
• Panama
• Paraguay
• United States of America
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

Asia-Pacific

• Australia
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Thailand

Africa

• Benin

• Botswana
• Cape Verde
• Eswatini (Swaziland)
• Ghana (limited)
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Rwanda
• Seychelles
• Tanzania
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Middle East

• Israel
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates

Caribbean

• Jamaica
• Trinidad and Tobago

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30-DAY VISA EXEMPTION

Some countries have 30-day (rather than 90-day) exemptions. These vary and should be confirmed with the latest DHA notices.

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COUNTRIES REQUIRING VISAS

Notable countries whose citizens REQUIRE visas to enter South Africa:

• China (Mainland) - now eligible for ETA (Phase 2)
• India - now eligible for ETA (Phase 2)
• Indonesia - now eligible for ETA (Phase 2)
• Mexico - now eligible for ETA (Phase 2)
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Sri Lanka
• Egypt
• Philippines
• Cuba

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RECENT ADDITIONS TO VISA-EXEMPT LIST

In 2024-2025, South Africa granted visa-free access to several Eastern European countries:

• Bulgaria
• Lithuania
• Hungary
• Slovenia
• Romania
• Latvia
• Estonia
• Croatia

These were added for 90-day visa-free access following Government Notices amending the existing exemption list.

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ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (ETA) - NEW

Starting late 2025, nationals of certain visa-required countries can apply for an ETA instead of a traditional paper visa:

Phase 2 ETA-Eligible Countries (November 2025+)

• Mainland China
• India
• Indonesia
• Mexico

Entry Points for ETA

• OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)
• Cape Town International Airport
• Lanseria International Airport

Future ETA Expansion

All visa-required nationals will eventually be eligible for ETA as the system rolls out.

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IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Always verify: The visa-exempt list changes periodically. Check the latest Government Gazette notices or DHA website.
2. Purpose limitations: Visa exemptions are for tourism and business visits only - NOT for work, study, or long-term residence.
3. Maximum stay: Visa-exempt visitors must depart within the allowed period (30 or 90 days).
4. Extension: Visa-exempt visitors can apply for an extension (up to 3 additional months) at a DHA office within SA.
5. Passport requirements: Must have valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and 30+ days validity beyond departure date.
6. No work rights: Visa-exempt entry does NOT confer work rights.

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SOURCES

• Visa Exemption List: https://dirco.gov.za/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/03/Visa-Exemption-List.pdf
• SA Embassy visa-exempt countries: https://www.southafrica-newyork.net/visa-exempt-countries/
• SAvisas.com visa-exempt list: https://www.savisas.com/visa-exempt-countries/
• Wikipedia (comprehensive reference): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_South_Africa