Top 10 Visa-Free Countries for South African Passport Holders in 2023
Updated: Dec 3, 2022
DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
The South African passport is one of the most sought-after passports in the world. If you are a South African passport holder, this article contains a list of 10 countries you can visit without a visa. Consider using the map to find your next destination or simply browse through the list.
South African passport holders can travel to many countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival. With the cost of travel rising and more people wanting to see the world, more countries are offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to their country as a way of attracting visitors.
Here is a list of the top 10 visa-free countries for South African passport holders in 2023. Whether you’re planning an upcoming vacation or thinking about moving abroad, it helps to know which destinations don’t require you to apply for a visa beforehand. The ability to enter other countries without first needing to get an expensive visa beforehand is a privilege that not all people have access to.
Visa-free travel for South African passport holders
Anyone who holds a South African passport will be able to travel to many different countries without needing to get a visa beforehand. This is because South Africa is part of the African Union, with members sharing a mutual visa-free travel agreement. This means that holders of a South African passport can visit members of the AU without needing to apply for a visa beforehand.
You’ll also be able to travel to the Caribbean countries of Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, and Saint Kitts and Nevis without needing to get a visa beforehand. A full list of countries that South Africans can visit without needing to get a visa before departure can be seen below.
105 visa-free list
There are 105 countries where you can go without a visa with a South African passport.
2023 Travel Schedule and Predictions
This list of the top 10 visa-free countries for South African passport holders in 2023 is subject to change. As countries change their visa policies from time to time, the list of destinations may vary slightly from year to year. It’s also worth noting that if any of these countries introduce a new visa requirement for South Africans, it will stay on the list for another three years before expiring. So for example, if India introduced a visa requirement for South Africans in 2022, it would stay on this list until 2025.
10. Singapore
If you’re looking for a destination to visit that won’t require you to get a visa beforehand, Singapore is a great option. The country is quickly becoming a popular destination for travelers, with many people choosing to fly there for work or to see the sights while they’re on vacation. In fact, Singapore has been named as one of the top 10 destinations to visit in 2022 by CNN Travel. If you’re traveling to Singapore on business, you may want to check ahead of your trip to see if you need to bring any special documentation with you. Some companies may ask you to bring proof of vaccinations or other paperwork before you travel to Singapore.
9. Thailand
Thailand has long been a popular destination with travelers. From staying at luxury resorts or tropical islands to visiting famous temples in the capital city of Bangkok, there are many things to do in Bangkok. Although Thailand is known as a tourist-friendly country, you do need to be mindful of a few things when visiting. For example, under Thai law, it is illegal to insult or threaten the royal family, including the late King Bhumibol, who died in 2016. If you are caught doing this, you could face prison time or even a death sentence.
8. Japan
Japan is another popular destination for travelers, especially those who are looking for a unique cultural experience. Experience the thrill of walking through Kyoto while taking pictures from its towers and booking tickets to your cultural experience without waiting in line. This city has strict dress codes designed to help visitors show respect to the local culture, so you should make sure to follow them. In Kyoto, visitors are expected to wear long pants, rather than shorts. You should also avoid wearing items like sandals, which are not considered to be appropriate footwear according to the dress code.
7. UAE
The United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is a popular destination for travelers, particularly those who are interested in visiting Dubai. If you’re planning to visit the UAE, you should know that it has strict rules when it comes to drugs and alcohol. If you are found in possession of either, you can be arrested and imprisoned. It’s also important to be mindful of UAE laws regarding public displays of affection, such as holding hands, even between a married couple. A driver in the UAE must abide by the law. There are times when locals exceed the speed limit, fail to maintain a safe distance, or change lanes. Visitors to Dubai are likely to encounter situations in which they will need their own wheels, so renting a car and self-driving is a great option.
6. Spain
Spain is another popular destination for travelers, particularly those who are interested in history. The Spanish city of Seville is home to the famous Andalusian School of Flamenco, which is a style of dance that’s been around since the 19th century. If you want to see this dance while you’re in Seville, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. Another thing to keep in mind when visiting Spain is that it’s common to be offered food when you’re out and about. You don’t need to accept the offer, but it’s considered polite to at least take a bite before saying “no.”
5. Greece
If you’re traveling to Greece, you may want to be aware of the fact that it’s common for people to greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks. This is especially common among people who are close, such as friends and family members. It’s also important to keep in mind that nudity is permitted at many beaches in Greece, so if you want a more modest experience, you should look into nearby locations.
4. Portugal
Portugal is another Mediterranean destination that’s gaining popularity among travelers. The city of Lisbon, in particular, has become a popular tourist destination in recent years following a fire at a nearby shopping mall that killed dozens of people in 2017. If you’re visiting Lisbon, you should also be aware of the fact that the city’s main museum, the Museu de Art (Museum of Arts), is currently closed due to flooding from a nearby river.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland is another European destination that is expected to be a very popular travel spot in 2023. The country already receives more than 8 million visitors every year, many of whom come to see the beautiful scenery and view the famous Swiss Alps. If you’re traveling to Switzerland, you should also be aware of the fact that it’s illegal to deny the Holocaust, even if you believe that the facts surrounding it have been misinterpreted.
2. Italy
There are many reasons why travelers flock to Italy, such as its long Mediterranean coastline and its cultural sites. You can enjoy this country's beautiful culture and scenery on a yacht charter vacation in Italy. If you’re visiting Italy, you may want to be aware of the fact that you’ll need to purchase a ticket in advance if you want to see the iconic Colosseum in Rome. These tickets are often sold out months in advance, so it’s important to plan ahead. Another thing to keep in mind when visiting Italy is that you’ll need cash, as many places do not accept credit cards.
Let's look at some quick tips for travelling visa-free.
Travelling tips!
DISCLAIMER:This list is for non-restricted travel. Please check all government websites for the most accurate visa requirements before travelling.
What to check first?
First, check the expiration date on your passport and make sure it will still be valid for at least six months after your planned return date. Next, familiarize yourself with the entry requirements of your destination country. Even if you don't need a visa, you may need to book flights and bring other documents like a travel insurance policy or proof of onward travel. Get the best rates on airline tickets and other travel deals. Tourists can also sign up for some membership plan and get cashbacks of up to 20% on bookings of flights, hotels, rentals.
And finally, remember that visa-free travel is a privilege, not a right. If you're denied entry to a country, don't become confrontational or argumentative with border officials. Just accept their decision and move on to another destination.
1. Conclusion
Regardless of the country you choose to visit, it’s important to keep in mind that visa regulations can change at any time. There are 104 countries where you can go without a visa with a South African passport.
Get the full visa-free list here.
This is why it’s important to stay up to date on changes in these regulations, and to apply for a visa as soon as you know that you’ll be travelling to a country that requires one. In addition to being safer, it can also help you avoid spending extra time at the border, as there are often long wait times. With all of this being said, South African passport holders have plenty of options when it comes to choosing where to travel next.
Whether you’re planning an upcoming vacation, thinking about moving abroad, beach vacation, an adventure in the wilderness, or a cultural experience in a big city or whether you're looking to travel for business or pleasure, there are plenty of options available to you and it helps to know which destinations don’t require you to apply for a visa beforehand. The ability to enter other countries without first needing to get an expensive visa beforehand is a privilege that not all people have access to.
Σχόλια