106 countries South Africans can travel to visa-free – with ONE country giving South Africa the boot

Unlocking the Possibilities: Visa-Free Travel for South Africans to 106 Countries

South Africa is now able to travel to 106 countries without the need for a visa; however, Ireland and Togo have recently revoked their visa-free access for South African citizens.

Ireland has formally announced that it will no longer permit visa-free entry for individuals from South Africa. This decision follows its status as one of only four European nations that previously upheld such provisions.

In April 2024, reports indicated that the Irish government was contemplating an end to this policy as part of efforts to mitigate the number of asylum applications being submitted. The Irish Department of Justice noted an influx of International Protection applications primarily stemming from Zimbabwean nationals and individuals from the Democratic Republic of Congo traveling on South African passports.

The confirmation of this policy change came in July, stipulating that effective July 10, 2024, all South African citizens must secure a visa prior to traveling to Ireland.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced the establishment of a dedicated 'South Africa desk' at the Dublin Visa Office specifically intended to manage applications from South African nationals.

The fee structure for visas includes R1,200 for a single-entry visa and R2,000 for a multi-entry visa. Please note that in cases where visas are denied, application fees are non-refundable.

Although VDGS has previously reported on Ireland’s decision to end visa-free travel for South Africans, the latest official update of the Henley Passport Index also shows that South Africans will not need a visa to enter Togo.

Togo is a West African nation of over 8 million people that borders Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso.

As one of the poorest countries in the world, Togo’s GDP totaled only $8 billion (R147 billion in 2022, meaning that every citizen only got $942 (R17,000)per year

The latest cuts mean that South Africans can travel to 106 countries visa-free.

120 countries across the world require South Africans to have a visa.

Despite fewer countries allowing visa-free access, South Africa actually climbed the Henley Passport Index from 52nd at the start of the year to 47th overall.

Singapore still has the strongest passport in the world, allowing visa-free access to 195 countries.

On the other end of the scale, citizens of Afghanistan can only enter 26 countries without a visa.

Source: The Henley Passport Index

The 106 countries that South Africans can visit without a visa can be found below (Note: *visa on arrival, **eTA):

Africa

Americas 

Asia

Caribbean

Europe

Middle East 

Oceania