Rule changes
Recent changes to entry rules for South African passport holders, each with the official source.
Thailand cuts the visa-free stay for South Africans to 30 days
From 15 September 2026, South Africans can stay visa-free in Thailand for up to 30 days, for tourism only. It was 60 days. Land-border entries under the exemption are limited to two per calendar year. For a longer stay, apply for a visa at thaievisa.go.th. The Thai embassy in Pretoria's website still shows 60 days.
Source: www.tatnews.org, www.envoyglobal.com
Ghana now needs an ETA before you fly
Since 25 May 2026, South Africans must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation from evisa.immigration.gov.gh before travelling to Ghana. Visa-free entry without it has ended. Use only the official portal; sites that charge a service fee are not the government.
Source: gis.gov.gh, discover.passportindex.org, www.fragomen.com
Togo is now visa-free for South Africans
All African nationals can now enter Togo without a visa for up to 30 days. You must complete the free immigration form on voyage.gouv.tg at least 24 hours before you arrive. Visa on arrival is suspended.
Source: voyage.gouv.tg, en.wikipedia.org
Bolivia no longer needs a visa from South Africans
Since 1 December 2025, South Africans can visit Bolivia without a visa. Make sure your passport is stamped on arrival. Bolivia asks for a yellow fever certificate, and so does South Africa when you come home.
Source: www.cancilleria.gob.bo, en.wikipedia.org
Mainland Tanzania now has compulsory visitor insurance
From 1 October 2026, foreign visitors to mainland Tanzania must buy a US$44 policy from the National Insurance Corporation at inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz. The insurer says residents of SADC countries are exempt, which appears to cover South Africans who live in South Africa. Zanzibar runs a separate US$44 scheme with no SADC exemption.
Kenya's US$50,000 visitor insurance rule is on hold
A Kenyan High Court order has suspended the planned compulsory health insurance for visitors while the case is heard. Nothing changes for now: South Africans still need no visa and no eTA for stays of up to 90 days.
Georgia requires travel insurance from every tourist
Since 1 January 2026, all foreign tourists in Georgia must hold health and accident insurance for the whole stay, with at least GEL 30,000 of cover. Border officers can refuse entry without it. South Africans can still stay visa-free for up to a year.
Source: travel.state.gov, nomosgeorgia.com, georgiatoday.ge
UAE visa on arrival for South Africans with a US, UK or EU residence permit
South Africans who hold a valid residence permit from the US, an EU country, the UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada can now get a visa on arrival: 14 days for AED 100 or 60 days for AED 250. Everyone else still needs a visa arranged before travel.
Source: www.mofa.gov.ae
Cape Verde: some SADC travel companions now need an embassy visa
South Africans still get a visa on arrival after pre-registering on ease.gov.cv. But people travelling with you on Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi or Tanzania passports now need a visa from an embassy before travel.
Source: www.ease.gov.cv, www.ease.gov.cv, travel-buddy.ai