passport holders can travel without visas to 35 African nations, 18 countries in the Americas, 17 in Asia, 16 in the Caribbean, 3 in Europe, 8 in the Middle East and 10 in Oceania. However, recent changes to visa regulations, such as Ireland’s adjustment, have reduced their global influence. South Africans should stay informed about evolving visa regulations to make the most of their passport’s opportunities.
What visa-free travel destinations are available for South African passport holders?
South Africans can travel without a visa to 35 African nations, 18 countries in the Americas, 17 in Asia, 16 in the Caribbean, 3 in Europe, 8 in the Middle East and 10 in Oceania. However, recent changes to visa regulations for South Africans, such as Ireland’s adjustment, have reduced their global influence. It is important for South Africans to stay informed about evolving visa regulations.
Remarkable Changes in Visa Regulations for South Africans
In a surprising deviation from usual diplomatic practices, South African citizens will now have to acquire a visa to enter Ireland, a destination they were previously able to access without one. The Irish Department of Justice has, as of July 10, adjusted its visa prerequisites for South African passport holders. This adjustment has not only altered the travel patterns for South Africans but also necessitates a transit visa for those planning to travel through Ireland to another location.
This significant adjustment modifies the global influence of the South African passport. According to the Henley & Partners Passport Index, South African passport holders can now only access 107 countries without a visa, a discernible reduction in their ‘passport power’.
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Visa-free Travel Destinations for South Africans
To give a more detailed understanding, let’s examine the specifics: South Africans can travel without a visa to 35 African nations, 18 countries in the Americas, 17 in Asia, 16 in the Caribbean, 3 in Europe, 8 in the Middle East and 10 in Oceania. Even though the list is still extensive, Ireland’s departure from this list represents a symbolic blow to South Africa’s global image.
Within Africa, South African tourists still have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nations such as Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Reunion, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo*, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The asterisks signify countries offering visa on arrival.
Exploring the Americas and Asia with a South African Passport
In the Americas, South African passport holders can visit countries like Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia*, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, and Panama without a visa. Bolivia, notably, offers visa on arrival.
In Asia, 17 countries continue to welcome South Africans, including Armenia, Cambodia, Georgia, Hong Kong (SAR China), Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macao (SAR China), Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka* and the Russian Federation. The double asterisks denote countries that provide electronic travel authority (ETA).
South African Passport’s Influence in Europe, Middle-East, and Oceania
The Caribbean remains open, with countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks and Caicos Islands still providing visa-free access.
However, Europe seems to be an area where the South African passport has lost considerable strength, permitting visa-free entry only to Kosovo, the Russian Federation, and the British Virgin Islands.
In the Middle East, countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian Territory provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to South Africans. On the other hand, Oceania features countries like Fiji, Micronesia, Cook Islands, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and the Marshall Islands that permit visa-free or visa-on-arrival visits.
The Current State and Future Implications
This comprehensive overview of destinations South African passport holders can visit without a visa mirrors the current standing of South Africa’s global reach. It attests to the reality that change is the only constant, particularly in international relations. The recent development involving Ireland may be a setback, but South Africa’s overall global influence remains broad, giving its citizens a plethora of opportunities to explore.
However, this change serves as a reminder for South Africans about the ever-evolving nature of international visa regulations, prompting them to stay up-to-date and ready for future adjustments. After all, being well-informed is crucial when traversing the intricate terrains of global travel.
1. What visa-free travel destinations are available for South African passport holders?
South Africans can travel without a visa to 35 African nations, 18 countries in the Americas, 17 in Asia, 16 in the Caribbean, 3 in Europe, 8 in the Middle East and 10 in Oceania.
2. What recent changes to visa regulations have affected South Africans’ global influence?
Ireland has adjusted its visa prerequisites for South African passport holders, requiring them to acquire a visa to enter Ireland. This adjustment has reduced South Africa’s global influence, according to the Henley & Partners Passport Index.
3. Which African nations allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access for South African tourists?
South African tourists can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 35 African nations, including Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Reunion, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
4. What are some of the visa-free travel destinations available for South African passport holders in the Americas and Asia?
In the Americas, South Africans can travel without a visa to countries such as Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, and Panama. In Asia, they can visit countries like Armenia, Cambodia, Georgia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macao, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and the Russian Federation.
5. Which regions have limited visa-free access for South African passport holders?
In Europe, South Africans can only enter Kosovo, the Russian Federation, and the British Virgin Islands without a visa. The Middle East permits visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to South Africans in countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinian Territory. Oceania features countries like Fiji, Micronesia, Cook Islands, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and the Marshall Islands that permit visa-free or visa-on-arrival visits.
6. Why is it important for South Africans to stay informed about evolving visa regulations?
The recent adjustment to Ireland’s visa prerequisites for South African passport holders serves as a reminder that visa regulations are constantly evolving. Staying informed about these changes is crucial when traveling globally to ensure that South Africans can make the most of their passport’s opportunities.

• The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs is not entirely happy with newly appointed Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber`s decision to extend the temporary concession for foreign nationals awaiting their visas.
• Several MPs serving on the committee raised concerns about capacity to ensure that undocumented individuals are deported.
• The committee also wants home affairs officials to join operations targeting spaza shops engaged in illicit activities more frequently.
Extending the visas of foreign nationals already in South Africa shifts focus and resources away from the needs of citizens. This is according to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs after newly appointed Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber`s decision to extend the temporary concession for foreign nationals who are currently awaiting the outcome of visa, waiver and appeal applications.
According to Schreiber, the extension safeguards applicants - including those who are contributing to South Africa`s economy through their scarce skills - from suffering adverse consequences or being erroneously declared undesirable while they await the outcome of applications submitted to the department.
But the committee has raised concerns about capacity. These concerns were captured in the committee`s report on the department`s budget and plans for the 2024/25 financial year.
`The extension of the visas is for people who came legally into the country. It is either that they applied to move to other visas or were extending their stay. There was concern [whether] the BMA [Border Management Authority] or the DHA [Department of Home Affairs] had the capacity to ensure that [foreign nationals] leave or are deported from South Africa.
`The BMA stated that its work was at the border environment and once a person was in the country illegally, it was the responsibility of the immigration inspectorate. There is a need for additional staff in both cases, but this must also be supported by improved surveillance technology,` the report reads.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Schreiber was adamant that the measure would aid the economy.
`Without this concession, international tourists and workers who contribute to our economy would have been punished if their documentation expired while they awaited the outcome of home affairs processes. This would be unfair and irrational and discourage investment, tourism and skills transfer,` he said in the post.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the extension applies to:
• Visa holders who have applied for waivers and whose applications are still pending as of 30 June;
• Visa holders who have applied for long-term visas - including study, business, relative visas and work visas - and whose applications are still pending as of 30 June; and
• Those who have appealed a negative decision on their long-term visa applications, including study, business, relative visas and work visas.
Another concern for the committee was the escape, in March, of 69 undocumented immigrants who were being detained at the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp, awaiting deportation.
`The DHA reported that the National Treasury was investigating the contract of the service provider,` the report says.
During the sixth administration, the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs raised the matter of naturalised citizens who were unable to apply for smart ID cards.
The committee also raised the issue of loss of citizenship by South Africans who have taken a second nationality.
The committee indicated the need for the department to join more joint law enforcement operations targeting spaza shops engaged in illicit activities in Johannesburg, given the potential health risks of these operations.
`The DHA reported that in the sixth administration, the then minister of home affairs convened a meeting with all stakeholders on the issue of spaza shops. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs was tasked with the development of by-laws in this respect, and the by-laws are now out for public [comment]. The passing of the DHA Bill would also allow for after-office hour shifts to join evening operations,` the committee said.

Australia’s Home Affairs has pledged to improve oversight and timeliness in regulating migration agents by June 2025, after an audit exposed major flaws.

The Department for Home Affairs expects that all ANAO recommendations will be implemented by 30 June 2025.
The Australian National Audit Office released a report in May, in which it raised serious concerns regarding the processes of the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority - an office within the Department of Home Affairs.
The report found the department’s regulation of migration agents to be ineffective, stating that “appropriate arrangements are not in place to support the regulation of migration agents” and that migration agents in Australia are not currently “effectively regulated”.

As of June 2023, there were 4883 registered migration agents in Australia, according to ANAO. There were 299 complaints received in 2022-23 in respect to 244 agents which translates to 5% of agents.
However, the report found that complaints have not been actioned in a timely and effective manner.
A number of case studies were presented to provide evidence of such failures, including an example which claims that an automated system for assessing agent registration applications has allowed a number of agents to continue operating despite having open complaints against them.
The report went on to reveal that the regulation of agent continuing professional development has also not been effective, showing that between 2019 and 2023, some 267 registered agents - 1% of total agents - were automatically re-approved by the department, despite not meeting the professional development requirements.

Furthermore, it found there to be an “absence of regulatory action to monitor the activities of registered agents”.

In the report, some 11 recommendations were made - all of which Home Affairs has agreed to.

Recommendations include actions to improve timeliness, as well making greater use of the powers provided to it by the Migration Act 1958 to investigate complaints.
The report also said the department should take steps to assure itself that the automated approval of applications for registration of migration agents is supported by the same act, among other recommendations.

A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs told The PIE News that it expects that all of the ANAO recommendations will be fully implemented by 30 June 2025.

“The department agrees with the 11 recommendations outlined in the ANAO report, which correspond to significant improvements the department had already initiated to enhance the capabilities of the OMARA across its regulatory functions,” they said.

As part of the reforms, OMARA is increasing staff levels to 50 full time employees, and has committed to better triaging, assessing and investigation of complaints, as well as improved record keeping practices, particularly around critical decisions.

Better peer review and enhanced quality assurance processes are part of the department’s improved processes and the spokesperson added that additional improvements are also being made to compliance and monitoring, governance, use of data and timeliness of decision making.

“This work will go to further bolstering the OMARA’s firm focus on ensuring inappropriate conduct is dealt with at the earliest opportunity and that only those people who meet the character requirements and high professional standards expected of the profession are registered as migration agents.”

The reforms are already producing results, they said, with 10 sanction decisions and 11 registration refusal decisions being made since 1 July 2023.

“The department is satisfied that the significant work undertaken to date, the work currently underway and the future work planned to strengthen the OMARA’s regulatory capabilities will be evident in the OMARA’s future performance and regulatory outcomes.”
This work will go to further bolstering the OMARA’s firm focus on ensuring inappropriate conduct is dealt with at the earliest opportunity
Departmental spokesperson, home affairs
Meanwhile, Shayaz Khan, CEO of Bluesky Immigration and Students Consultancy Services told The PIE the government’s agreement to all 11 recommendations is a “a positive step” but said it is “crucial” that these changes be implemented by an independent entity to ensure their effectiveness.

Khan is therefore calling for an independent body to manage the OMARA instead of the Department of Home Affairs.

“The ANAO report has highlighted significant failings within OMARA under the current management, which has led to prolonged and ineffective oversight of migration agents,” he told The PIE.

“The key issues identified in the ANAO report are deeply concerning. Poor record-keeping, inadequate compliance monitoring, and slow responses to complaints are critical failings that compromise the integrity of Australia’s migration system.

“The fact that OMARA rarely used its full powers to investigate allegations against migration agents and dismissed investigations without thorough scrutiny is unacceptable.”

Khan believes an independent body managing OMARA would provide a more “transparent, accountable and efficient regulatory environment”.
“Such a body would be solely focused on the oversight of migration agents, free from the broader responsibilities and potential conflicts of interest inherent in the Department of Home Affairs.

“This could lead to more timely and effective investigations, better compliance monitoring, and a higher standard of professional conduct among migration agents.”

Irish eyes might be smiling, but South Africans are rightly rankled by Ireland’s new visa requirements, imposed on Monday with a tiny bone thrown our way by way of a ‘grace period’ that is probably of use to only a minuscule cohort of travellers.

Rugby Fan” said it best: “Jeez, beat them in one rugby game, and they go nuts.”

Jokes aside, it’s not about sour grapes stemming from Saturday’s Test match when the Boks beat Ireland 27-20.

Nor is it just that South Africans and Botswanans must now apply for a visa to Ireland.

It’s that it was instituted so hastily - when the roll-out was on the cards for a while - with what appears to be hardly a thought given to people who have existing, paid-for trips planned in a month’s time.

A one-month “grace period” offers some relief for a tiny category of people: Travellers who booked their trips before 10 July can still enter Ireland until 10 August (provided they have proof of their bookings and a valid passport, to state the obvious).

However, those who booked before (or after) 10 July but are only travelling to Ireland after 10 August now need a visa.

And a transit visa is mandatory if you’re just passing through Ireland on your way to another country.

An Irish visa doesn’t cost as much as Schengen visas - a single-entry, short-stay visa will cost R1,200 and multiple-entry visas are R2,000 - but that’s not the point. To lump a new, onerous requirement on travellers - who have already spent a lot on their tickets and probably accommodation - without being able to guarantee a quick turnaround for visa applications is of little comfort.
Cold shoulder

Despite Irish Ambassador Austin Gormley’s assurance that a “warm Irish welcome” awaits travellers, it feels more like a cold shoulder to our country. Ireland, he said, “of course, enjoys very strong [ties] in Africa, including political, economic, people-to-people and of course, sport.”

Explaining that the new visa requirements were introduced to align with the Schengen area and the UK, he said Ireland would continue to facilitate “legitimate travel” to the country.

Immigration is a hot topic in Ireland. The left-leaning Politico describes parts of Dublin and Cork as being “turned into foul-smelling refugee camps”. These refugees, who escaped war, famine and poverty, view “Ireland as their last-chance saloon to stay in Europe, now that Britain has withdrawn the welcome mat”.

Sharing 500km of a “soft” border with its Northern Ireland neighbour, refugees flooded into the EU through the Irish “back door” to escape Britain’s Rwanda extradition plan, before new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the plan was “dead and buried”.

European Union law applies to all member states, but three states have negotiated opt-outs from legislation or treaties, so they do not have to participate in certain policy areas.

Before Brexit, the UK had four opt-outs in place (including the euro). Denmark, which has two opt-outs (including the euro), rapidly retreated on its third exemption - security commitments - after Russia attacked Ukraine. Poland has opted out of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Ireland, which is not part of the Schengen zone but part of the EU, had two opt-outs (from the area of freedom, security and justice and the Schengen agreement), although Europe’s refugee crisis forced it to announce in June that it would opt in to the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum, to tackle this global issue in solidarity with other member states.

This sudden change in visa regulations hasn’t gone down well with South African travellers or travel agents, who have described the lack of notice and immediate implementation as “regrettable”.

Irish consul to South Africa Evan Cunningham says travellers concerned about the timeline of their visa application can contact travelrequest@justice.ie.

But it appears the only available appointments through VFS Global are premium and prime slots, costing between £500 and £1,000, which a customer described on Twitter as “pure exploitation after paying the high costs of visas & the minimum monthly wage in SA being less than £200”.

VFS says the appointment system works on a first-come, first-served basis - and it’s the embassies that determine the number of slots.

It’s not about the rugby. But it is a shambles. DM

A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Ireland is part of the Schengen Zone. Ireland is, in fact, a member of the European Union. We apologise for the error.

The remote work visa allows individuals employed by foreign companies to work remotely in South Africa, and is similar to the nomad visas now popular in many countries across the globe, explains Aadil Wadee.
A significant change introduced by the newly gazetted regulations on 20 May 2024, was the implementation of the remote work visa in South Africa.This is similar to the nomad visas now popular in many countries across the globe.

The remote work visa should not be confused with the short-term work visa, also known as a Section 11(2) visa. This visa is specifically intended for foreign nationals conducting short-term work-related activities and hosted by a South African company.

A brief overview of some key distinctions between the remote work visa and Section 11(2) visa can be seen below:
1. Remote work visa:

The remote work visa allows foreign nationals to reside in South Africa while being employed by a foreign entity abroad and work remotely. This visa is designed for individuals who wish to enjoy South Africa`s amenities while maintaining employment with a foreign entity and continuing their normal duties remotely.

Targeting high-earning individuals, this visa aims to boost the South African economy. To qualify, applicants must earn the equivalent of at least R1 million annually. The remote work visa may be granted for up to six months initially, extendable up to 36 months within South Africa. Foreign nationals issued a remote work visa for more than six months within a 36-month period must register with the South African Revenue Service.

2. Short-term work visa or Section 11(2) visa:
The visitor`s visa under Section 11(2) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) allows foreign nationals to enter South Africa temporarily for work purposes. This visa is intended for individuals who need to visit South Africa to undertake specific work-related duties on behalf of a foreign employer at a host company in South Africa.

To obtain this visa, the foreign national must demonstrate the purpose of their visit by providing documentation from both the foreign employer and the South African host company. This documentation should confirm the nature of the project and justify the foreign national`s presence in South Africa, based on their specialised skills and expertise.

The visitor`s visa is issued for a maximum period of 90 days and can be renewed for an additional 90 days while in South Africa. However, it`s important to note that a foreign national who has already extended this visa for an additional 90 days in a calendar year will not be eligible to apply for this visa category again within the same calendar year.

Conclusion

The remote work visa and Section 11(2) visa serve two distinctly different purposes. The remote work visa is designed for individuals who wish to live in South Africa while working remotely for foreign employers. This visa promotes a flexible lifestyle and supports the local economy by attracting high-earning individuals.

In contrast, the visitor’s visa under Section 11(2) is intended for short-term work assignments. It allows foreign nationals to engage in specific work-related activities in South Africa for a limited period. This visa is suitable for individuals who need to visit the country temporarily to fulfil specific duties on behalf of a foreign employer at a local host company.

Understanding these differences is crucial for foreign nationals in determining the most suitable visa option based on their individual circumstances and requirements.
Aadil Wadee is senior immigration consultant at Xpatweb.

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