If you are a citizen of South Africa, and you want to travel to countries that are not on the list of Visa-Free Countries for South Africans, then you will need to apply for a travel visa in advance. However, some countries offer Visa-Free Status for South Africans without requiring a visa application. Therefore, in this article, we will see visa-free countries for South African passports.
What is a South African Passport?
A South African passport is a travel document that allows its holder to travel to any country in the world without requiring a visa. All you need for a valid passport is an official photo, your South African citizenship certificate, and two copies of your ID.
South African passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issuance and can be used by both citizens and non-citizens. While not all countries require a visa for South Africans, those that do often have very strict requirements, including proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay and criminal background checks.
Requirements for a South African Passport
- A valid travel document that is at least six months beyond the date of your planned departure from South Africa.
- A photocopy of your valid travel document
- Proof of adequate funds for your stay in the country of intended stay (at least US$60 per month)
- A visa is required by the country you are visiting.
- Two passport photos, taken within 30 days before your application date
- Application fee (the processing fee for passports is currently R160)
- Original birth certificate or equivalent proof of identity
- Proof of South African citizenship (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate)
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Benefits of South African Passport
- You can travel to any country in the world without a visa.
- You can stay in any country for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.
- You can transit through any country en route to your final destination without being required to obtain a visa.
- Your passport is valid for 10 years from the date of
Types of Passports for South Africans to Travel Free
- A valid passport from a country that is either a member of the Schengen Area or has a bilateral agreement with South Africa.
- A valid passport from Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, the United States of America (USA), or Uruguay.
- An EU/EEA citizen’s passport if they are traveling on a valid national ID card and have an onward ticket.
- A British Citizen’s passport if they are traveling on a valid British travel document and have an onward ticket.
- A South African Citizen’s passport if they are traveling on a valid South African travel document and have an onward ticket.
Which Countries are Visa-Free for South Africans?
There are several countries that South Africans can travel to visa-free, making it easier for them to explore new places and spend time away from home. Some of the countries that are visa-free for South Africans include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, etc.
Read also: List of Visa-Free Countries: For Nigerian Citizens
Application Process for a South African Passport
If you are applying for a South African passport, there are a few steps that you need to take. The application process can be divided into two parts: the application form and the application fee.
The first step is to complete an application form which can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, gender, citizenship, passport number, and other required information. You will also need to pay the application fee which is R163 per person.
Once you have completed the application form, you will need to send it to the Department of Home Affairs along with your payment. You should receive a confirmation letter in return confirming that your application has been received and that your payment has been processed. You should expect to receive your passport within 10 months of submitting your application.
Time Duration for Processing South African Passport
The processing time for a South African passport varies depending on the country you are applying to. For instance, a valid US passport takes six to eight weeks to process, while a Thai passport can take up to fifteen weeks.
However, the processing time is also dependent on your nationality and other factors. Overall, it is advisable to check with your local embassy or consulate regarding the specific processing time for your particular passport.
Cost of South African Passport
The cost of a South African passport varies depending on the type of passport you are applying for. The processing time also depends on your nationality and the number of pages in your passport. A standard passport takes about four to six weeks to be processed. If you are applying for a child’s passport, it will take about one week. For an emergency passport, it can take up to two weeks. The cost for a standard passport is R1 500, while an emergency passport costs R2 000.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I stay in South Africa for an extended period without a visa?
A: Yes, you can stay in South Africa for an extended period without a visa as long as you meet the requirements for the South African passport.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible to travel to one of the visa-free countries?
A: If you are traveling to one of the visa-free countries with your South African passport then you are eligible to travel without a visa. If you are traveling to one of the visa-free countries on behalf of someone else then you should check with that person’s embassy or consulate about their eligibility requirements.