If you’re a South African who loves to travel but is concerned about visa requirements, there are still plenty of fantastic destinations you can explore without needing a visa.
With the South African passport offering visa-free access to 104 countries, there are many options for your next getaway.
It’s important to note that as of June, visa-free travel to Ireland has ended for South African and Botswana nationals, requiring a visa for any travel to that country. This decision was part of a strategy to limit asylum applications.
If you’re planning to travel soon and are undecided about where to go, here are the top 10 holiday destinations that South African passport holders can visit without a visa:
1. Cape Verde
With average high temperatures of 27°C in December and January, Cape Verde is an excellent holiday destination.
2. Comoro Islands
The Comoros Islands are more expensive than other parts of East Africa because they are isolated. As a South African, you should be sorted if you have a reasonable budget.
3. Mauritius
Prices can vary dramatically within a few weeks, so it’s best to be flexible about when you go. The cheapest time to visit is winter but again what’s the point? If you can’t afford Mauritius, Cape Verde should be your other option.
Visa-free countries for South Africans as of 2014
4. Argentina
Besides Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, Argentina is known for its natural beauty, food and wine, and cultural heritage.
5. Brazil
The cultural diversity, love for music variety of food make South Africans and Brazilians similar.
6. Singapore
If you are visiting Singapore as a South African, more likely you have already applied for a visa to one of the top European countries. The city is also known for its world-class shopping districts and if you a planning on going there, you are more likely to visit places like Dubai and Paris next.
7. Thailand
Thailand is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the world. If you don’t box your December bonus, you might want to start looking at flight tickets and accommodation in January.
8. Qatar
Qatar as a country is one of the most high-tech and safest places in the Middle East. If you are a drinker, however, it might not be a place for you.
9. Bahamas
It’s cheaper to visit in December and January. The Bahamas is famous for ots beauty, amazing weather, and the fact that there are so many islands (700 in total).
10. Barbados
Barbados is one of the more expensive Caribbean islands, but worth visiting.
Remember, applying for a visa as a South African can be costly and time-consuming, with single-entry visas costing around R1,200 and multi-entry visas R2,000. Additionally, if your visa application is rejected, you won’t receive a refund.
