Take heart, South African adventurer! There are now 102 countries, territories and micro-states you can visit without applying for a visa before travelling (full list below).
We’re at number 50 in the ranks on the 2018 Passport Index, conducted by travel advisors at Henley & Partners.
While the number 50 spot is still down from a number 35 ranking in 2009, it’s a good sign we’re on the mend from circa 2014 rankings.
According to the Index, Japan has nabbed the top spot – its citizens can travel to a record-breaking 189 destinations. Singapore and Germany are tied for second place (at 188 destinations), while South Korea and five European countries (Spain, Finland, Italy, France and Sweden) share a third-place ranking.
The index surveys 199 different passports against 227 different travel destinations, including countries, territories and micro-states, BusinessTech reported.
South Africa’s upturn is partly thanks to a crackdown on replicated passports that had been issued by corrupt officials within the Department of Home Affairs, according to Ryan Cummings, the director the political and risk-management company, Signal Risk.
“The implementation of widespread reforms at the Department of Home Affairs since 2014 – focused on improving security features both in the application process and within the passport document itself – is expected to enhance confidence in the South African passport and may relax visa restrictions for its holders going forward,” he told TimesLIVE in an interview.
While it’s still early days, Cummins says he thinks the so-called ‘green mamba’ might also be strengthened in the short to medium run by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to ease visa regulations for African passport holders to encourage continental trade.
"These developments are expected to bring about an uptick in the signing of bilateral visa-waiver agreements between South Africa and its trade partners‚ as a means of facilitating ease of trade and commerce,” he explained.
Below, the list of countries, territories and micro-states South Africans may now travel to visa-free*. This list includes some partially- or unrecognised countries (dependent, disputed or restricted territories).
Please note this list is subject to change without notice. Also, even when visa-free access is permitted, this is not necessarily a right; admission is at the discretion of border officials. Visitors engaging in activities other than tourism – including unpaid work, may require a visa or work permit.
While Sure Travel agencies cannot process visas on behalf of clients, our expert travel agents can advise you which countries require visas and where/how to apply when you make your travel booking with them. Find your nearest Sure Travel agency here.
*Indicates visa on arrival
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