South African passport holders have had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several African countries. Note that visa policies can change, and it’s essential to check with the respective embassies or official government websites of the countries you plan to visit for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Here are ten African countries that South Africans could often travel to without a visa, but please verify the current status before making any travel plans
1. Lesotho: South Africans can enter Lesotho without a visa for up to 30 days.
2. Eswatini (formerly Swaziland): South Africans can visit Eswatini without a visa for up to 30 days.
3. Namibia: South Africans can enter Namibia for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 90 days.
4. Botswana: South Africans can enter Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days.
5. Zimbabwe: South Africans used to receive a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe, allowing stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. However, entry requirements can change, so it’s essential to check the latest regulations.
6. Zambia: South Africans could often obtain a visa on arrival in Zambia for up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Always verify current visa policies before traveling.
7. Malawi: South Africans could often obtain a visa on arrival in Malawi for up to 30 days for tourism purposes. Check the latest updates for the most accurate information.
8. Mauritius: South Africans could often visit Mauritius without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism purposes.
9. Kenya: South Africans used to obtain a visa on arrival in Kenya for stays of up to 90 days for tourism. However, entry requirements might have changed, so it’s crucial to verify the current visa policies.
10. Ghana: South Africans could often obtain a visa on arrival in Ghana for stays of up to 30 days for tourism.
