South Africa welcomes travelers from various countries without requiring a visa, based on nationality and the purpose of their visit. Here, we provide detailed information about the countries whose citizens can enter South Africa visa-free, along with specific conditions.

Visa-Free Entry for Examination

Citizens of certain foreign countries are not obligated to obtain a visa when entering South Africa for the sole purpose of reporting for an examination at a port of entry. However, their entry is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in this schedule, which includes the intended duration of their stay in the Republic.

Visa-Free Entry for Specific Passport Holders

Citizens holding passports from the following countries can enter South Africa without requiring a visa:

• Australia
• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• British Islands of Bailiwick of Guernsey and Jersey, Isle of Man, and Virgin Islands
• Republic of Ireland
• British Overseas territories

It's essential to note that nationals of specific British Dependent Territories may still require a visa to enter South Africa.

Visa-Free Entry for 90-Day Stay and Transit

Passport holders of the countries listed below are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days and transit when visiting South Africa for purposes that warrant a visitor's permit:

• Andorra
• Argentina
• Austria
• Belgium
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Chile
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Ecuador
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Iceland
• Israel
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Mexico
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Paraguay
• Portugal
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Spain
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan (Republic of China)
• Uruguay
• Venezuela
• United States of America

Visa-Free Entry for 30-Day Stay and Transit

Nationals of the countries listed below do not require a visa for stays of 30 days or less and transit when visiting South Africa for purposes that warrant a visitor's permit:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Barbados
• Belize
• Benin
• Bolivia
• Cape Verde
• Costa Rica
• Cyprus (Diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt for up to 90 days)
• Gabon
• Guyana
• Hong Kong (Hong Kong British Nationals Overseas passports and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports)
• Hungary (Diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt for up to 120 days)
• Jordan
• Lesotho
• Macau (Macau Special Administrative Region passports)
• Malaysia
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Mauritius
• Namibia
• Poland
• Peru
• Seychelles
• Slovak Republic
• South Korea
• Swaziland
• Thailand
• Turkey
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe (Government officials, including police on cross-border investigation)

Visa Exemptions for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders

Holders of diplomatic and official passports from the following countries are exempt from visa requirements for stays of 90 days or less and transit:

• Egypt
• Malta
• Morocco
• Poland
• Romania
• Slovenia
• Tunisia

Visa Exemptions Withdrawal and Compliance

In case a foreigner's visa exemption has been withdrawn, they must adhere to visa requirements until they are officially notified by the Department of the reinstatement of their visa exemption, either through a petition or at the Department's discretion.

Visa-Free Entry for Commercial or Heavy Duty Vehicle Drivers

Passport holders from Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Malawi, who are employed as commercial or heavy-duty vehicle drivers, can enter South Africa without a visa. This is provided that their visits do not exceed 15 days and they can present a letter confirming their employment with a transport company upon entry.

Visa Exemption for SADC Staff Members

Staff members of the South African Development Community (SADC) traveling on SADC laissez-passer are exempt from visa requirements for bona fide official business visits of up to 90 days and transit.

Visa Exemption for United Nations Personnel

Holders of United Nations' laissez-passer are exempt from visa requirements when visiting South Africa for periods not exceeding 90 days for purposes that warrant a visitor's permit. 

This exemption also extends to official business purposes and transits for individuals accredited for placement at a UN mission in South Africa throughout their accreditation. Volunteers attached to UN agencies and traveling on ordinary passports are exempt from visa requirements, provided they carry relevant letters or identification documents to identify themselves as UN agency personnel at ports of entry.

FAQ

Is South Africa visa-free for Indian passport holders? 

No, Indian passport holders are not visa-free in South Africa. Only holders of India's diplomatic, official, and service passports can enter South Africa without a visa.

Does South Africa offer visa on arrival? 

South Africa does not offer visas on arrival. Visas must be obtained in advance, and airline officials are required to ensure passengers have the necessary visas before allowing them to board. If you arrive in South Africa without a visa, you may be put on a flight back to your home country.

Is South Africa visa-free for France? 

No, South Africa is not visa-free for France. French citizens can stay in South Africa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa. However, South African citizens visiting France must have a passport valid for three months after their intended stay and a valid Schengen visa to enter France.

Is South Africa visa on arrival for Indians? 

No, South Africa does not offer visa on arrival for Indian nationals. Indian citizens planning to travel to South Africa for tourism or business purposes must obtain a South Africa visit visa before making travel arrangements. India is not among the visa-exempt nations, so Indian citizens are required to apply for an eVisa for South Africa in advance.