South Africa Visa & Entry Requirement News

All the latest policy changes, visa announcements, and essential travel updates specifically for entry into South Africa. Stay informed to plan your trip confidently.

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Acacia trees and grazing animals on a grassy plain in South Africa.

South Africa ETA for China, India, Indonesia, Mexico

August 13, 2026
South Africa ETA is open for Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Mexican passport holders, with digital submissions, biometrics and passport-linked approval.
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Grassy plains with distant mountains and scattered grazing animals in South Africa.

South Africa traveller declaration now mandatory

July 5, 2026
South Africa now requires most travellers to submit an online customs declaration before travel, with limited transit and emergency exceptions.
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SADC UniVisa Common Tourist Visa Plan Advances

May 22, 2026
SADC says its Tourism UniVisa has advanced through ministerial review, but the regional tourist visa is still in the pilot stage.
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Expansive South African landscape featuring a prominent flat-topped hill in the foreground, vast plains, and a distant mountain range under a clear blue sky.

South Africa ends visa-free entry for Palestinians

December 8, 2025
South Africa has withdrawn its 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian passport holders after finding it was abused to relocate Gazans via charter flights.
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A scenic view of an Indonesian landscape features lush green terraced fields, a palm tree, a distant mountain, and a blue ocean beneath a clear, cloud-dotted sky.

Indonesia and South Africa announce mutual visa-free travel

November 23, 2025
Indonesia and South Africa have announced plans for reciprocal visa-free entry. See what is known, current rules, and what travelers should expect next.
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Scenic view of a South African waterfront with modern buildings and yachts, set against a backdrop of majestic mountains under a clear blue sky with fluffy clouds.

South Africa grants 90 days visa free entry to Bulgarians

October 17, 2025
Bulgarians can visit South Africa visa free for up to 90 days from Oct 7, 2025. See rules, exclusions, entry conditions and how to apply for visas if needed.
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