South Africa Visa Requirements 2026
Visa requirements for South Africa: visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Updated 30 May 2026. Plus passport rules, customs, and prohibited items.
South Africa visa at a glance
- Policy
- Visa-free entry
- Length of stay
- 90 days
- Cost
- Free
- Passport
- Valid 30+ days beyond departure with 2 blank pages.
Visa-free 90 days for US/UK/EU/Canada/Australia/NZ. Strict child-documentation rules for under-18s travelling with one parent.
90 days visa-free for UK/US.
Customs allowances
200 cigarettes, 1L spirits, 2L wine.
Prohibited items
Rhino horn and ivory export strictly prohibited. Drug laws strict.
Frequently asked questions about South Africa visas
Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?
Visa-free entry applies for South Africa: Visa-free 90 days for US/UK/EU/Canada/Australia/NZ. Strict child-documentation rules for under-18s travelling with one parent.
How much does a South Africa visa cost?
Entry to South Africa is free under the current visa-free entry policy for eligible passports. There is no visa fee. Always check whether your nationality is eligible before booking flights.
How long can I stay in South Africa?
The standard visa-free entry allows 90 days per entry. Most policies are extendable in-country at an immigration office for an additional fee — check the official source for current extension rules. Visa runs (leaving and re-entering to reset the clock) are increasingly scrutinised; do not rely on them.
What passport validity does South Africa require?
Valid 30+ days beyond departure with 2 blank pages.