Last Updated: 16 September 2026
Your passport decides your entry rules. This overview is for South African ordinary passport holders travelling for tourism or short business visits. Rules change, so confirm the latest requirements before booking.
Planning a multi-country trip? Get help working out every visa you need.
Get Visa AssistanceVisa Requirements by Destination
| Destination | What South Africans typically need | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Visa before travel | UK visa |
| United States | B1/B2 visa and interview | USA visa |
| Schengen Area | Schengen short-stay visa | Schengen visa |
| Ireland | Visa before travel | Ireland visa |
| Canada | Visitor visa and biometrics | Canada visa |
| Australia | Visitor visa online | Australia visa |
| New Zealand | Visitor visa online | New Zealand visa |
| China | Visa via service centre | China visa |
| UAE and Dubai | Pre-approved visa, unless eligible for residence-based visa on arrival | UAE visa |
| Saudi Arabia | Tourist eVisa | Saudi visa |
| India | e-Visa | India visa |
| Turkey | e-Visa | Turkey visa |
| Egypt | e-Visa for tourism | Egypt visa |
| Vietnam | e-Visa | Vietnam visa |
| Nigeria | eVisa | Nigeria visa |
| Angola | Visa-free for tourism, limits apply | Angola visa |
| Kuwait | Visa, usually via embassy or sponsor | Kuwait visa |
| Mozambique | Visa-free short visits, limits apply | Mozambique visa |
| Burkina Faso | eVisa | Burkina Faso visa |
| Japan | Tourist eVisa or embassy visa | Japan visa |
| Cambodia | e-Visa or visa on arrival | Cambodia visa |
| Taiwan | Visa via Taipei Liaison Office | Taiwan visa |
| Algeria | Embassy visa | Algeria visa |
| Cameroon | eVisa | Cameroon visa |
| Ghana | Visa-free up to 90 days a year | Ghana visa |
| Mali | Embassy visa | Mali visa |
Visa, eVisa or Visa-Free
| Type | How it works |
|---|---|
| Visa | Apply before travel, often with biometrics or an interview |
| eVisa | Apply and pay online, approval by email |
| Visa on arrival | Issued at the border - limited for South Africans |
| Visa-free | No visa for eligible short visits, other entry rules still apply |
Typical Visa Costs
| Destination | Official fee | Type |
|---|---|---|
| UK Standard Visitor | £135 (approx. R2,940) | Official |
| USA B1/B2 | US$185 (approx. R3,000) | Official |
| Schengen | €90 (approx. R1,700) | Official |
| Canada visa and biometrics | CAD 185 (approx. R2,180) | Official |
| Australia 600 Tourist | AUD 250 (approx. R2,680) | Official |
| Visa assistance | R400 - R4,500 depending on destination | Optional assistance fee |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Transit Visas
Connecting through the UK, USA, Canada or some Schengen airports can need a transit visa depending on your route. Check before booking flights with connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries need a visa for South Africans?
Popular destinations such as the UK, USA, Schengen countries, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand need a visa before travel.
What is the difference between a visa and an eVisa?
An eVisa is applied for and issued online. A traditional visa often needs an appointment, biometrics or an interview.
Do I need a transit visa?
It depends on the country, airport and whether you pass through border control.
Use Visa Application to get more than one quote before you pay anyone to help with a travel visa application.
Related Pages
Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority. Visa Application is not a government department, embassy, consulate or visa application centre, and no provider can guarantee approval, appointment availability or processing time.
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