Good news for South African travellers: your passport is stronger than ever. It remains the strongest passport in mainland Africa, with access to 101 destinations, according to the latest Henley Passport Index 2026. The country’s extensive diplomatic network, membership of major international organisations, and diversified economy have all helped maintain this position.
But, as always, the rules are constantly shifting. While some destinations have become more difficult or expensive to enter, others have opened their doors wider. From Thailand’s newly shortened visa exemption period to the UAE making entry easier for eligible South Africans, 2026 has brought a wave of changes. YourLuxury Africa rounds up what has changed, what has stayed the same, and what South African travellers need to know before they go.
Thailand Shortens Visa-Free Stays
Thailand has reduced its visa-free entry period for South Africans from 60 days to 30 days. The update rolls back the generous 60-day exemption scheme introduced in July 2024 to stimulate post-pandemic tourism. All travellers must now complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival, replacing the old paper TM6 form.
The Thai government cited several reasons for the reduction, including addressing a sharp rise in tourist-related crime, simplifying a confusing multi-tiered visa system, and cracking down on foreign nationals who use the extended 60-day window to engage in illegal work or unauthorised business activities. While select nations, including China, Russia, and South Korea, have maintained their longer stays due to reciprocal travel agreements, South Africa, alongside Canada, the UK, and the US, has returned to the 30-day limit.
Vietnam Expands Visa Stays
While Thailand has reduced its stay limit, Vietnam is increasing its visa allowance, making it an increasingly attractive option for South African travellers in Southeast Asia. The country has expanded its electronic visa programme, simplifying entry for South African citizens.
South Africans do not have visa-free access, but the new 90-day tourist e-Visa provides a straightforward route into the country. It has replaced the previous paper-based approval process and embassy applications. Previously, South African passport holders were restricted to a maximum stay of 30 days on a standard tourist e-Visa.
The new 90-day e-Visa costs US$25 (R400) for single entry and US$50 (R800) for multiple entry, with fees paid online.
UAE Makes Entry Easier
The UAE is making entry significantly easier for eligible South Africans by introducing a visa-on-arrival scheme and offering streamlined digital pre-travel application processes. However, South African passport holders qualify only if they hold a valid residence permit issued by one of nine approved countries or regions: the United States, United Kingdom, a European Union member state, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, or South Korea.
Eligible travellers can choose a 14-day visa for AED100 (R430) or a 60-day visa for AED250 (R1 090).
For South Africans who do not hold a residence permit from one of these countries or regions, the UAE has simplified the traditional visa process through closer airline integration. By booking flights via UAE national carriers such as Emirates or Etihad Airways, travellers can apply for a pre-approved tourist visa entirely online through their airlines’ booking portals.
Bolivia Adds South Africa to Visa-Free List
Bolivia has officially added South Africa to its selective Group 1 visa-free entry list, eliminating upfront visa requirements for South African passport holders. The policy change was introduced to boost international tourism, attract foreign investment, and reverse years of restrictive travel policies. South Africans are now granted a visa-free stay of up to 90 days for tourism or business.
While South Africans no longer need to pay for or apply for a visa, the entry process still involves mandatory digital and health requirements. All travellers must complete a pre-registration form on the South American country’s SIGEMIG platform. The digital process is free, opens 30 days before travel, and generates a mandatory entry QR code.
Travellers must also carry proof of accommodation alongside an onward or return ticket.
US Closes Durban Visa-Processing Hub
Visiting the US is becoming more difficult for some travellers following the US State Department’s decision to reduce the number of visa-processing embassies and consulates in Africa from nearly 50 to 20. This means consulates in non-hub locations will have limited services and will not be authorised to grant US visas. Travellers may therefore need to visit one of the 20 remaining sites, potentially incurring additional travel costs and other logistical challenges.
As a result, visa processing is being discontinued at the US Consulate General in Durban, while the US Consulate General in Cape Town and Johannesburg remain open and serve as designated regional visa-processing hubs for applicants.
Japan Hikes Visa Fees
South Africa is the only African country whose citizens can apply for a Japanese tourist visa through Japan’s e-Visa system, giving South Africans a simpler route to visit the country. South Africa joins Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States on the platform, which issues single-entry tourist visas valid for stays of up to 90 days.
However, that convenience now comes at a steeper price: Japan implemented a 400 per cent increase in its visa fees on 1 July 2026, directly affecting South African passport holders. A single-entry visa has jumped from ¥3 000 to ¥15 000 (R300 to R1 500), while a multiple-entry visa has risen from ¥6 000 to ¥30 000 (R600 to R3 000).
More Flights Expand Connectivity
South African passport holders are seeing a notable expansion in international air connectivity in 2026, as several airlines launch new routes or ramp up existing services. Leading the charge is Air Europa’s new thrice-weekly Johannesburg–Madrid route, launched on 25 June 2026 as the airline’s first route into sub-Saharan Africa.
Long-haul options to Europe are also growing, with the Lufthansa Group running its largest-ever South African winter schedule for the 2026/27 season: 38 weekly long-haul flights from the end of October 2026, including increased Johannesburg–Munich frequencies, up from three to five per week.
Further afield, LATAM Airlines launched the first-ever direct, thrice-weekly Cape Town–São Paulo service in July, bringing the launch forward by two months from its original September date and opening a new link to South America.
Meanwhile, low-cost carrier FlySafair is reportedly eyeing new routes to Windhoek, Lusaka, and Nairobi, as well as expanding its existing Harare service.
