South African passport holders can journey to 100 nations with no visa, in keeping with the most recent 2026 Henley & Companions Passport Index, which ranks international passports based mostly on their visa-free entry.
That is down from 101 in January 2026, with South Africans having misplaced visa-free entry to the Falkland Islands.
The index assesses 199 passports and 227 journey locations, scoring every passport on the variety of nations its holders can enter with out acquiring a visa prematurely.
South Africa’s World Rating
South Africa positioned tied 96th out of 199 nations, with a visa-free rating of 100. This places the South African passport behind Qatar, which scored 112, and stage with Belize.
The rating means South Africans can journey visa-free to 100 locations worldwide, whereas visas or prior approvals are required for the remaining nations.
Most Highly effective Passports
The index reveals that Asian and European passports proceed to dominate international journey entry.
Singapore ranked because the world’s strongest passport, with visa-free entry to 192 locations
Japan and South Korea adopted carefully, every with entry to 187 locations
Sweden and the UAE shared fourth place, every with a rating of 186
On the backside of the index, Afghanistan ranked final, with passport holders in a position to entry solely 24 locations visa-free.
Journey Energy Indicator
The Passport Index is broadly used as a measure of world mobility, reflecting diplomatic relations, safety concerns and worldwide agreements. Rankings can shift yearly based mostly on modifications in visa insurance policies and geopolitical developments.
For South Africans, the 2026 rating highlights reasonable international entry, with alternatives for visa-free journey, but in addition important limitations in comparison with the world’s strongest passports.
Three visa classes
These 100 locations fall into three fundamental classes, every providing completely different visa ranges of comfort:
Visa-Free Entry: The golden ticket for travellers. Merely present your South African passport at immigration and also you’re in. No functions, no ready durations, no additional charges.
Visa on Arrival: Practically as handy, these locations can help you get hold of your visa on the airport or port of entry. Whereas there could also be a price concerned, it eliminates the necessity for advance planning and embassy visits.
Digital Journey Authorisation (ETA) Required: A center floor that requires on-line registration earlier than journey, however with out the complexity of a full visa software. Consider it as a digital screening course of that usually takes minutes to finish.
Nations SA passport holders can go to visa-free per area:
Africa – 30
Americas – 17
Asia – 17
Caribbean – 17
Europe – 2
Center East – 7
Oceania – 10
The 100 nations SA passport holders can go to visa-free:
NOTE: Visa-free means both no visa is required, or * visa on arrival, or ** digital journey authority (ETA)
