Lithuanians get visa-free entry to South Africa for 90 days

Lithuanian citizens can enter South Africa visa free for short stays of up to 90 days, effective 7 October 2025. The change was announced by Lithuania’s Embassy in South Africa and is reflected on South Africa’s official visa exemption list, which was updated and issued on 16 October 2025. The waiver applies to ordinary passport holders visiting for purposes that fall under a South African visitor’s permit, such as tourism and business meetings. Travelers must still meet entry rules like passport validity, proof of funds, and onward travel.
Before this change, Lithuanian travelers had to obtain a South African visa, often applying via the South African Embassy in Stockholm or through South Africa’s eVisa system. Lithuania’s embassy notes that South Africa first added Lithuania to the eVisa system in 2023 and that the new visa free entry removes the need for those applications for short trips. Independent outlets in Lithuania and the Baltic region reported the development following the embassy confirmation.

Current situation

• Effective date: Lithuanian citizens have been visa exempt for short stays in South Africa since 7 October 2025, per the Lithuanian Embassy.
• Official confirmation in South Africa: The Department of Home Affairs’ Visa Exemption List, issued on 16 October 2025, now lists Lithuania with 90 days for ordinary passports.
• Scope of travel: The exemption covers visitor’s permit purposes such as tourism, business visits, conferences, research, and other short-term activities. It does not cover employment or long-term study, which still require the appropriate South African visa.
• Context: The same official list shows recent additions among EU states such as Latvia, Estonia, and Slovenia receiving 90-day exemptions, indicating a wider policy update in 2025.

Key facts for travelers

• Eligible travelers: Citizens of Lithuania holding valid ordinary passports. Diplomatic and service passport arrangements exist separately and remain in place.
• Permitted stay: Up to 90 days per visit under the visitor’s permit category. Border officers determine final admission and length.
• Allowed purposes: Tourism, business meetings, conferences, short research or cultural exchange, and similar short stays. Work or long-term study are not included.
• Passport validity and pages: Your passport should be valid at least 30 days beyond the end of your intended stay and contain at least one blank page for endorsements.
• Proof of entry requirements: Be ready to show sufficient funds, a return or onward ticket, and a yellow fever certificate if your journey transits affected areas.
• No visa on arrival: South Africa does not issue visas at ports of entry. Travelers who do require a visa for other purposes must obtain it in advance.
• eVisa or longer stays: If your purpose falls outside visitor rules or you plan to stay longer than 90 days, apply for the correct South African visa. Apply now: dha.gov.za

How to check or apply

• Check your status: See South Africa’s official Exempt Countries page for current listings and any updates.
• Lithuanian government information: Monitor announcements from the Embassy of Lithuania in South Africa for consular updates.
• Applying for other visa types: Review the Department of Home Affairs guidance on visitor and temporary residence visas before applying.

Sources

• Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of South Africa – announcement confirming visa free entry for Lithuanians from 7 October 2025. (za.mfa.lt)
• South Africa Department of Home Affairs – Exempt Countries list issued 16 October 2025 showing Lithuania with 90 days for ordinary passports. (dha.gov.za)
• LRT (Lithuanian National Broadcaster) – independent report of visa free travel for Lithuanians to South Africa. (lrt.lt)