5 great countries South Africans can travel to visa-free
According to the latest Passport Index, South African passport holders can now visit 100 countries without a visa, down from 101 in January. This change has placed the South African passport 47th in global rankings.
In January 2026, South African passport holders lost visa-free access to five destinations: Mauritania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Kosovo, and Palestine, which ranked the passport 48th globally, positioned between Qatar and Belize.
However, recent data from The Henley Passport Index shows that South Africans have lost visa-free access to two additional destinations: Somalia and the Falkland Islands, while regaining visa-free access to Palestine, resulting in a one-position improvement in the global ranking.
Singapore is first on the Henley Index, ranked as the most powerful passport in the world. The South-East Asian country grants visa-free access to 192 out of 227 destinations.
Japan and South Korea’s passports are tied, both ranked second-strongest, granting access to 187 countries out of 227.
Although South Africans are still required to obtain visas for destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and most of Western Europe, many countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean do not require visas for South African passport holders.
Many popular tourist destinations remain visa-free for South African passport holders for periods of 30 to 90 days, including Indonesia, which is now completely visa-free for up to 30 days.
Previously, South Africans visiting the country were required to obtain a visa upon arrival and demonstrate sufficient funds and accommodations for the duration of the stay.
Other popular tourist destinations such as Brazil, Egypt, Argentina, Hong Kong, and Fiji remain visa-free for South African passport holders.
Brazil, the largest country in South America, is also the fifth-largest country in the world, occupying nearly half of the land area on the South American continent.
Fiji, located in the southern Pacific Ocean, offers an array of over 300 islands—an archipelago belonging to the Polynesian islands, with fewer than half inhabited.
Here are five popular tourism destinations South African passport holders can travel to visa-free.
Brazil
Brazil is home to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro—one of the seven wonders of the world.
In addition, Brazil boasts popular tourist attractions such as the Iguaçu Falls, the Amazon Rainforest, Sugarloaf Mountain and world-renowned white-sand Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.
Egypt
Egypt is a popular destination for tourists due to its historical and cultural attractions, such as the ancient Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings, where ancient pharaohs such as Tutankhamun are laid to rest.
The Red Sea is a popular destination for snorkelers and divers, known for its vibrant coral reefs.
Argentina
Argentina is among the largest countries in South America and offers a diverse range of landscapes.
Key attractions include the rainforest near Iguazu Falls, the dry Andean plateau in the northwest, and the Patagonian lakes and snow-covered mountains.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is located on China’s southern coast and has English as one of its official languages, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide.
The key attractions are Hong Kong Disneyland, Victoria Peak, the historic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, and the Tian Tan Buddha, which is a bronze statue weighing over 250 metric tons.
Fiji
The Mamanuca and Yasawa islands in Fiji are popular tourist destinations, known for their white-sand beaches and clear water.
Other top tourist attractions include the Kula Eco Park, the Sabeto Mud Baths, Sigatoka Sand Dunes, and the extinct volcano Mount Tomanivi.
Loading ...