4 Visa-free countries to visit now

You’ll be glad to know that as a South African, you can visit a whopping 106 countries without having to secure a visa in advance!

And as a Jet Club subscriber, you receive incredible discount and voucher benefits.

Your passport can be a gateway to unbelievable experiences. For some travellers, particularly those in the EU, moving around internationally is a breeze. But for us South Africans, a holiday visa is a necessary evil and the process of gathering all the documents required to apply for one is stressful and time-consuming. 

Every year, consultancy Henley & Partners ranks passports in the Henley Passport Index. This index is the original ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, and is backed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – the largest, most accurate travel information database.   

Before visiting any country, always make sure your passport is valid for six months from the date of entry. Visa requirements were correct at time of writing. 

1

Thailand

No visa required for stays of a maximum of 30 days

Let them know what to expect when they meet your family. Share the family dynamics, the quirks, and personalities. What are your parents like? Is your mom going to ask lots of questions? Is your father going to do the whole scary-dad thing? Do they go by their first names, Mr and Mrs So-and-so or Mama and Tata? Give your partner all the details to help them feel more comfortable and confident. It’s also vital to flag any off-limit topics such as politics, religion, gender equality etc.

Whether you want to hit Bangkok’s buzzing city streets, explore the nightlife and shop up a storm, do some soul searching at some of Chiang Mai’s Buddhist temples or soak up the sun on Phuket’s many stunning tropical beaches, Thailand offers myriad activities for every type of traveler.  

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2

Tanzania

No visa required for stays of a maximum of 90 days

If you love wildlife and are looking to explore another African country without having to apply for a visa, look no further than Tanzania. The East African country is most known for its world-renowned national parks and game reserves, which include the Serengeti National Park where an enormous annual migration of wildebeest and zebra takes place. The majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is also a major landmark, as is The Ngorongoro Crater, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonder.  

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3

Argentina

No visa required for stays of a maximum of 90 days

This South American country boasts a vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. Its capital, Buenos Aires, perfectly marries European elegance with Latin American charm, featuring stunning architecture, bustling markets, art galleries and a thriving nightlife. Argentina is also known for its breathtaking landscapes, in particular the Patagonia region, which is peppered with glaciers, mountains, and pristine lakes.

Foodies will delight in the country’s gastronomic culture – asado (a meat grilling technique like braaiing), empanadas (small savoury pastries) and alfajores (dulce de leche biscuits) are major highlights of Argentinian cuisine.   

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4

The Republic of Ireland

No visa required for stays of a maximum of 90 days

While most European countries require South Africans to apply for a visa prior to arrival, the Republic of Ireland is unique in that it welcomes South Africans to visit without a visa for stays under 90 days. The Emerald Isle is renowned for its breathtaking landscape marked by lush rolling hills, majestic cliffs, ancient castles, medieval ruins and prehistoric sites.  

This has made it a popular film location for many films and series, including Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, which featured the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. The Irish cities of Dublin, Galway and Cork offer a blend of historic landmarks, museums, and vibrant cultural scenes.