Visa resource
South Africa visa exemption and port of entry
This page is a high-level orientation to how visa exemption and port-of-entry facilitation work for South Africa. Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short visits, but this varies by nationality, and the Department of Home Affairs sets the rules — so always confirm your situation on the official website before you travel.
Visa exemption varies by nationality
Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short visits to South Africa. Whether this applies to you depends on your nationality, and the specific lists and conditions are set by the Department of Home Affairs — confirm on the official website.
Electronic Travel Authorisation
Where South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation system applies, travellers use the official ETA portal at eta.dha.gov.za. Confirm whether it applies to your nationality and trip.
Port of entry
The Department of Home Affairs also describes a Port of Entry Visa route for re-entry facilitation for certain non-visa-exempt travellers. The detail of this route is being reviewed — use the official links below for current guidance.
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Official sources