South Africa Passport Ranking: Visa-Free Countries and Visa Requirements

South AfricaThis country’s passport is ranked No. 86 globally.Last check:Last update:
Mobility Score108

How Do We Rank It?

passportreports.com's AI-supported ranking model ranks passports by mobility score, a metric that combines visa-free entry, visa on arrival, and electronic travel authorization access. When scores are tied, it first compares the number of visa-free destinations, then destinations accessible with electronic travel authorization, and finally visa-on-arrival destinations. Review the algorithm used in our methodology.

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Visa Requirement Map

Passport Mobility Over Time

Annual Mobility Score and global ranking history for this passport.

Mobility History Table
YearMobility ScoreGlobal Rank
20208156
20219084
202210885
202311284
202411081
202511079
202610886
Population
65,453,084(2026 est.)
Official language
Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu, South African Sign language
Government type
Parliamentary republic
Continent
Africa
Capital
Pretoria / Cape Town / Bloemfontein
Currency
South African rand
Area
1,221,037 km²
Phone code
+27

South Africa: Other Rankings

Welcoming rankWelcoming Countries
94th out of 199 countries
Within-Language RankingEnglish
29th out of 60 countries
Within-Language RankingNdebele
1st out of 2 countries
Within-Language RankingSwazi
1st out of 2 countries
Form-of-Government RankingParliamentary Republic
30th out of 40 countries
Currency RankingSouth African Rand
1st out of 4 countries
WTO Members RankingWTO Member Countries
82nd out of 159 countries
G20 RankingG20 Countries
15th out of 19 countries
African Union RankingAfrican Union Countries
3rd out of 54 countries
BRICS RankingBRICS Countries
4th out of 11 countries
Commonwealth RankingCommonwealth Countries
26th out of 56 countries
G77 RankingG77 Countries
38th out of 132 countries

Key Destination Access

USARequired

A valid visa is required before travel.

United KingdomRequired

A valid visa is required before travel.

CanadaRequired

A valid visa is required before travel.

Schengen AreaRequired

A valid visa is required before travel.

About South Africa

South Africa occupies the southernmost part of the African continent, bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini. Its coastline stretches along both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, offering a variety of coastal landscapes. The interior features vast plateaus, savannahs, and mountain ranges, creating diverse ecosystems. This geographic diversity contributes to the country's rich natural heritage and regional identity.

Major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban are centers of economic activity and cultural exchange. Urban life is fast-paced, with a blend of modern infrastructure and historical neighborhoods. In rural areas, community traditions and agriculture play a central role in daily routines. The country's cultural mosaic is evident in its eleven official languages and varied artistic expressions.

South Africa holds a prominent position in African politics and economics, often acting as a regional leader. It is a member of the African Union, the United Nations, and the G20, among other international bodies. The nation continues to address historical inequalities while fostering development and reconciliation. Its global engagements range from trade partnerships to peacekeeping missions.