Back to Rankings
South Africa flag

South Africa

Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa · ZAF

#92in the world
98Mobility Score

60

Visa Free

33

VOA

5

ETA

29

e-Visa

71

Visa Req.

0

No Admit.

Destinations

Where can a South Africa passport holder travel?

Welcoming Score: 86

South Africa welcomes travelers from 86 different passports without requiring a traditional visa (visa-free, visa on arrival, or ETA). This measures how open South Africa is to international visitors.

South Africa Passport Visa-Free Countries 2026

The South Africa passport is ranked #92 in the world in 2026, with a mobility score of 98.South Africa passport holders can travel to 60 countries visa-free, 33 with visa on arrival, and 5 with electronic travel authorization (ETA).

Located in Sub-Saharan Africa (Africa), the South Africa passport requires a traditional visa or e-visa for 100 destinations.South Africa also welcomes travelers from 86 different passports without requiring a traditional visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How powerful is the South Africa passport in 2026?

The South Africa passport is ranked #92 in the world in 2026 with a mobility score of 98. South Africa passport holders can access 98 destinations without a pre-departure visa, including 60 visa-free countries, 33 visa-on-arrival destinations, and 5 ETA destinations.

How many countries can South Africa passport holders visit visa-free?

South Africa passport holders can visit 60 countries visa-free (no visa required at all). Additionally, they can access 33 countries with visa on arrival and 5 with electronic travel authorization, for a total mobility score of 98.

Do South Africa citizens need a visa for the United States?

Check the detailed visa requirements section above for the latest information on whether South Africa citizens need a visa to visit the United States. Requirements can change, so always verify with official sources before traveling.

Do South Africa citizens need a visa for Europe (Schengen Area)?

Check the detailed visa requirements section above for current Schengen Area visa requirements for South Africa passport holders. The EU's ETIAS system may also affect travel authorization requirements starting in 2026.

What is the South Africa passport ranking in 2026?

The South Africa passport is ranked #92 globally in 2026 based on the BorderIQ Passport Power Index. This ranking is determined by the total number of destinations accessible without a pre-departure visa (visa-free + visa on arrival + ETA = 98).

Compare this passport

See how the South Africa passport stacks up against others. Compare visa-free access, mobility scores, and discover unique advantages.

Compare South Africa