Complete guide to visa-on-arrival countries for South African passport holders. Learn which destinations allow you to obtain a visa upon arrival, requirements, fees, and duration of stay.
Visa-on-arrival (VOA) is a convenient option for South African travelers, allowing you to obtain a visa when you arrive at your destination airport or border crossing. This eliminates the need to apply for a visa in advance at an embassy or consulate. This comprehensive guide covers all visa-on-arrival countries for South African passport holders, including requirements, fees, duration of stay, and important considerations for 2026.
Visa on arrival means you can obtain a visa at the port of entry (airport, seaport, or land border) upon arrival. However, this doesn't mean there are no requirements. You'll typically need:
Ethiopia: 30-90 days visa on arrival
Djibouti: 30 days visa on arrival
Comoros: 45 days visa on arrival
Somalia: 30 days visa on arrival
Sudan: 30 days visa on arrival
Egypt: 30 days visa on arrival
Morocco: 90 days visa on arrival (for some entry points)
Ghana: 30 days visa on arrival (for certain nationalities)
Senegal: 90 days visa on arrival
Cape Verde: 30 days visa on arrival
Guinea-Bissau: 90 days visa on arrival
Mauritania: 30 days visa on arrival
Niger: 30 days visa on arrival
Benin: 30 days visa on arrival
Burkina Faso: 30 days visa on arrival
Togo: 7 days visa on arrival
Ivory Coast: 90 days visa on arrival
Guinea: 90 days visa on arrival
Sierra Leone: 30 days visa on arrival
Liberia: 30 days visa on arrival
Gambia: 90 days visa on arrival
Cambodia: 30 days visa on arrival
Laos: 30 days visa on arrival
Myanmar: 28 days visa on arrival (for certain entry points)
Timor-Leste: 30 days visa on arrival
Nepal: 15-90 days visa on arrival
Sri Lanka: 30 days visa on arrival (Electronic Travel Authorization recommended)
Bangladesh: 30 days visa on arrival
Maldives: 30 days visa on arrival
Bahrain: 14 days visa on arrival
Kuwait: 3 months visa on arrival (for certain conditions)
Saudi Arabia: 90 days visa on arrival (for tourism)
Jordan: 30 days visa on arrival
Lebanon: 30 days visa on arrival
Iran: 30 days visa on arrival
Most countries require your South African passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date. Always check specific requirements for your destination.
Visa-on-arrival fees vary significantly by country and are typically payable in USD, EUR, or local currency. Some countries accept credit cards, while others require cash. Always carry sufficient funds in the required currency.
Many countries require passport-sized photographs for visa-on-arrival applications. Requirements vary:
Carry extra passport photos when traveling to visa-on-arrival countries.
Visa-on-arrival processing can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the country and number of travelers. Arrive with sufficient time, especially during peak travel seasons.
Not all entry points (airports, seaports, land borders) may offer visa-on-arrival services. Always verify which entry points support visa-on-arrival before traveling.
Some countries allow visa extensions, while others require you to leave and re-enter. Check extension policies if you plan to stay longer than the initial visa period.
While not always mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended for visa-on-arrival travel. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Many countries require proof of accommodation (hotel reservations, Airbnb confirmations, or invitation letters) for visa-on-arrival applications.
Most countries require proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. This can include bank statements, credit card statements, or cash. Requirements vary by country.
Research Requirements: Always verify current visa-on-arrival requirements before booking flights, as policies can change.
Carry Cash: Many visa-on-arrival fees must be paid in cash (USD, EUR, or local currency). Carry sufficient funds in the required currency.
Passport Photos: Carry extra passport-sized photos, as requirements vary and photos may be needed at multiple checkpoints.
Arrival Forms: Some countries provide arrival forms on the plane or at the airport. Fill them out before reaching immigration to save time.
Entry Points: Verify which entry points support visa-on-arrival. Not all airports, seaports, or land borders may offer this service.
Processing Time: Allow extra time for visa-on-arrival processing, especially during peak travel seasons or at busy airports.
Travel Documents: Keep copies of your passport, travel insurance, accommodation confirmations, and return tickets.
Health Requirements: Check if vaccinations or health certificates are required for visa-on-arrival countries.
Travel Advisories: Check South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) travel advisories before traveling.
Embassy Contacts: Note the contact details of the nearest South African embassy or consulate in your destination country.
Visa policies can change frequently. Some countries that previously offered visa-on-arrival may now require advance visas, and vice versa. Always verify current requirements:
How much does a visa on arrival cost?
Visa-on-arrival fees vary by country, typically ranging from free to USD 150. Fees are usually payable in USD, EUR, or local currency.
Can I pay visa-on-arrival fees with a credit card?
Some countries accept credit cards, while others require cash. Always carry sufficient cash in the required currency (USD or EUR) as a backup.
How long does visa-on-arrival processing take?
Processing time varies from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the country and number of travelers. Arrive with sufficient time.
Do I need passport photos for visa on arrival?
Many countries require 1-2 passport-sized photos. Always carry extra photos when traveling to visa-on-arrival countries.
Can I extend a visa on arrival?
Extension policies vary by country. Some allow extensions, while others require you to leave and re-enter. Check with local immigration authorities.
What happens if my visa-on-arrival application is denied?
If denied, you'll typically be required to return on the next available flight. Contact the nearest South African embassy or consulate for assistance.
Do children need visas on arrival?
Children traveling on their own passport typically follow the same visa requirements as adults. Children included in a parent's passport may have different requirements.
Can I work with a visa on arrival?
Visa-on-arrival is typically for tourism and short business visits only. Working usually requires a work visa or permit, even in visa-on-arrival countries.
What if I overstay my visa-on-arrival period?
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or being banned from re-entering the country. Always respect the allowed duration of stay.
Do I need travel insurance for visa-on-arrival travel?
While not always mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Visa-on-arrival is a convenient option for South African travelers, eliminating the need to apply for visas in advance at embassies or consulates. However, it's essential to understand requirements, fees, and processing times. Always verify current visa-on-arrival policies before traveling, as they can change frequently. Carry sufficient cash, passport photos, and required documentation to ensure a smooth arrival process.
For the most up-to-date visa-on-arrival information, consult the official embassy or consulate of your destination country, or visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website for travel advisories and passport services.
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