Securing a visa to visit an international country can be an exhausting, time-consuming and expensive exercise. Here are ten countries that South Africans don’t need a visa to visit.
Graphic: Samantha Camara
Most young people dream of adventuring across the world but getting a visa can often be a frustrating, time-consuming and expensive process.
Luckily, South African citizens are able to travel to over 40 countries without a visa. (This list excludes countries that offer a visa on arrival).
With a valid South African passport, these are some of the countries that you don’t need a visa to visit.
AFRICA
1. Namibia
As one of our neighbouring countries, Namibia is a short two-hour flight away. It is home to one of the largest coastal deserts, the Namib and part of the Kalahari, the fifth largest desert in the world. Namibia is also known for its incredible wildlife.
2. Seychelles
La Digue Island, Seychelles. Photo: Dider Baertschiger
The archipelago of 115 islands called the Seychelles sits off the east coast of Africa. Scuba-diving, snorkeling, sunshine and lazy beach days on an island paradise – no visa required.
3. Tanzania
Tanzania is best known for Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Countless hikers and mountaineers visit Tanzania every year to climb the mountain’s peak and explore the natural beauty this country has to offer. The annual migration of animals through the Serengeti National Park, the area where Disney’s The Lion King is based, is also popular.
4. Zanzibar
Bwejuu Beach, Zanzibar. Photo: Chris Huh
Off the coast of Tanzania is the island of Zanzibar. Like the Seychelles, the archipelago is a perfect destination for scuba-diving, snorkeling and water sports. A trip to another continent is not needed when we have paradise so close to home.
NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA
5. Brazil
Copacabana Beach (Praia de Copacabana), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo: Bisonlux
Vibrant and beautiful, Brazil is host to one of the biggest annual parties in the world, The Rio Carnival. The stretches of beaches and the Amazon Rain forest are also popular tourist attraction for those wishing to escape the city. The best part is that Brazil, and most of South America, do not require a visa.
6. Costa Rica
The small, rain forested country of Costa Rica is a perfect place to experience the best of tropical life. Beaches on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea are a perfect place to surf and the rain forests provide an adventure of their own.
7. Caribbean Islands
Jerusalem, Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica. Photo: Greg Walters.
Jamaica, Barabados, Bahamas, Haiti and Dominica are Caribbean Islands that welcome South Africans without visas. Whether you want to envelope yourself in the laid back island culture of Jamaica or provide humanitarian aid to those in Haiti, the Caribbean Islands are a paradise waiting to be explored.
SOUTH EAST ASIA
8. Thailand
Tropical beaches, ancient ruins, magnificent temples and a modern cities. Thailand is a world of it’s own and a mecca for the adventurous spirit who enjoys learning about different cultures.
Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Mike Behnken.
EUROPE
9. Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland is one of the only places in Europe that you do not need a visa to visit. Lush green hills, old castles and “real” guinness are on offer as you navigate the country side.
OCEANIA
10. New Zealand
Glaciers, snow capped mountains and incredibly blue lakes make New Zealand an awe inspiring place to visit. Fans of The Lord of the Rings can take a tour through Middle Earth, as most of the franchise was filmed in New Zealand and special tours to the sets are available.
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand. Photo: Alan Lam.
