5 great countries South Africans can travel to visa-free
South Africans can travel visa-free to 108 countries, including Mauritius, Argentina, Singapore, South Korea, and Ireland.
The 2024 Henley Passport Index showed that South Africa is an average country when it comes to the number of destinations its citizens can access without a visa.
The index is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – the largest, most accurate travel information database.
Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain have the most powerful passports, giving their citizens visa-free access to 194 countries.
A South African passport, with visa-free entry to 108 countries, has been declining in power over the last two decades.
Since 2006, South Africa’s place on the rankings dropped from a high of 35 in 2009 to a low of 58 in 2021.
South African passport holders must get visas to travel to top destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and most of Western Europe.
However, this does not mean that there are no great countries local citizens can visit without a visa.
South Africans can travel without a visa to many countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
Some of the world’s most popular tourist spots, such as Mauritius, Argentina, Singapore, South Korea, and Ireland, do not require visas.
Mauritius, for example, has been voted the Indian Ocean’s leading adventure tourism destination at the World Travel Awards.
Singapore is another tourism hotspot. It is the fifth most visited city in the world, and the second most popular in Asia-Pacific.
Here are five popular tourism destinations South African passport holders can travel to without a visa.
Mauritius
Mauritius is one of the most popular holiday destinations among South Africans looking for a relaxing time on a tropical island.
The country’s top attractions, outside of its great beaches, include the Chamarel Waterfall, the Black River Gorges National Park, the Grand Bassin Crater Lake, and the Trou aux Cerfs volcano.
Argentina
Argentina is one of the largest countries in South America and boasts an impressive variety of landscapes.
Popular tourist attractions include the rainforest surrounding Iguazu Falls, the arid Andean plateau of the Northwest, and the vast Patagonian clear lakes and snow-capped mountains.
Singapore
Tourism is a major industry and contributor to the Singaporean economy. It is seen as a playground for the rich, with high-end shopping malls, luxury hotels, and fine dining.
It has numerous great attractions, including Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Botanic Gardens, Singapore Zoo, and Orchard Road.
South Korea
South Korea offers tourists far more than access to an advanced society with great technology. It has great national parks, beautiful mountain ranges, ski slopes, and remote islands.
Top tourist attractions in the country include King Sejong statue, The Cheonggyecheon stream, and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Ireland
Ireland’s tourism industry is booming thanks to its rich history and wide range of landmarks, beaches, scenery, and historical buildings.
Top attractions include the Cliffs of Moher, Dun Aengus, the Guinness Storehouse, the Ring of Kerry, and Croagh Patrick.
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