South Africa Passport Index 2026: Passport Ranking and Visa-Free Travel

The South Africa page on Passport Reports summarizes passport ranking, 97th, 109, visa-free access, visa on arrival, eTA and visa required results in one editorial view.

The mobility score is based on destinations counted under 59, 43 and 7. Destinations in 89 are shown separately because they usually need a visa before travel.

Visa-free access means a destination may allow entry without a pre-arranged visa for eligible South Africa passport holders. Entry rules, stay limits and document checks can still vary by destination.

The visa-on-arrival count shows destinations where eligible travelers may be able to request a visa after arrival. Fees, forms, passport validity and border conditions should be reviewed before a trip.

eTA refers to electronic travel authorization, a digital pre-travel permission used by some destinations. In the ranking, 7 is included in 109 but remains separate from visa-free and visa-on-arrival access.

The visa required count helps readers understand where advance permission is more likely to be needed. It does not replace checking embassy, airline or border guidance for a specific journey.

Passport rankings can move when destinations update visa policies, eTA systems or entry rules. Passport Reports presents the data as a practical comparison point rather than a travel guarantee.

Compare South Africa by looking at 109, visa-free access, visa on arrival, eTA and visa required categories together. A passport with a similar rank may still have a different destination mix.

Travelers should review passport validity, blank pages, return or onward ticket rules, insurance requirements and any destination-specific documents. These checks are separate from the headline passport ranking.

No. The South Africa page on Passport Reports is an editorial passport ranking and mobility reference. Travelers should confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before booking or departure.