A South African passport, sometimes called the “green mamba” is unfortunately one of the passports that limits South Africans when it comes to the destinations they can travel to without a visa. Arton Capital has released the latest passport index at the beginning of 2020 and there are currently 103 countries that South Africans can travel to visa-free. However, this so-called unusable passport doesn’t need to be an obstacle to your journeys around the globe. As Leo Mirani wrote: “Having my destinations chosen by the bureaucrats of this world, has resulted in unforgettable, enriching vacations around the world.”
Your next journey starts here:
Africa
Imagine waking up with the sounds of elephants and their calves breaking branches on their way to a watering hole, or birdsong accompanied with the sound of a waterfall. Imagine smelling the sweet aromas of Tsalala, of incense with its characteristic spicy undertone. Maybe you prefer the more laid-back character of a destination holiday, wanting to wake up every morning on a beach so blue, you think you might be dreaming. The sounds, colours and smells of Africa are rich, wild, unpredictable and exciting. Before packing your bags for a journey across the water, discover the wonder of your own continent. Africa is open to everyone who wants to experience it. You will learn more about other cultures, but also experience the most beautiful continent on earth first-hand – yet another thing to brag about to your uncle in cold London.
You can visit these African countries without having to apply for a visa beforehand:
Angola
Madagascar *
Somalia *
Benin
Malawi
St. Helena *
Botswana
Mauritania *
Swaziland
Cape Verde Islands *
Mauritius
Tanzania
Comoros Islands *
Mozambique
Togo *
Ethiopia *
Namibia
Tunisia
Gabon
Uganda *
Ghana *
Rwanda *
Zambia
Guinea-Bissau *
Senegal
Zimbabwe
Kenya
Seychelles *
Lesotho
Sierra Leone *
Middle East
While travelling through America, you might as well pop in for a visit at our friends in the north. The Middle East offers a special opportunity for a more exotic holiday. Travel to Qatar and see the world’s biggest and largest skyscrapers or get to know more about Armenia’s rich history. Experience the centuries old cultural treasures of the Middle East by visiting these countries with your green mamba:
Armenia *
Israel
Qatar
Georgia
Jordan *
Iran *
Palestine region
Asia
Asia offers much more than sushi, noodles and other interesting dishes. The continent is as diverse as a Chinese toy shop. Are you brave enough to face Mount Everest? Or is it an interest in Buddhism that drives you to visit Nepal? Are the bustling Thai streets with interesting food enough to make your mouth water? Or is the world’s most popular surfing destinations in Indonesia making your passport burn through your pocket? Don’t worry – all of this and more are at your fingertips, and the only thing you need is your passport and a zest for life. These countries in Asia will welcome you with open arms:
Cambodia *
Malaysia
Sri Lanka *
Hong Kong (SAR China)
Maldives *
Tajikistan *
Indonesia
Nepal *
Thailand
Kirgizstan *
Philippines
East Timor *
Laos *
Singapore
Macao (SAR China)
South Korea
The Americas
They say everything is bigger and better in America – but unfortunately our passport is still too small. Luckily South America is close enough as the next option. The impressive mountain ranges in Machu Picchu, the wild beaches with crystal clear water in Panama or the colourful natural beauty of Equador will make anyone yearn for a taste of anything Latin. Uno, dos, tres – here are the passport stamps to South America you can get in your South African passport without a visa:
Argentina
Ecuador
Nicaragua
Belize
El Salvador
Panama
Bolivia *
Falkland Islands
Paraguay
Brazil
Guatemala
Peru
Chili
Guyana
Uruguay
Costa Rica
Honduras
Venezuela
Europe
Europe is usually the first destination on anyone’s tick list. Apart from the predictable Paris, Italy and Spain, Europe has a lot more to offer. Ireland’s hospitality is coupled with the same love for rugby as South Africa. Russia’s complicated, yet interesting history offers wonders in museums and memorials, while Kosovo’s coffee culture will give you a proper lift. Ignore the obvious favourites and enrich your knowledge by visiting these places in Europe visa-free:
Ireland
Kosovo
Russian Federation
Caribbean Islands
A house at the beach is something everybody dreams of. Just imagine – a house at the beach so close to the water that you can see marine life all around you. The Caribbean Islands is an idyllic break-away destination from the city’s rat race. Put your stress and ills behind you while you drink rum in Barbados, or see exotic birds in Trinidad and Tobago. The world is your oyster in the Caribbean Islands, where the days are long and life is splendid. Remember your sunscreen and flipflops when you travel to one of these destinations without a visa:
Antigua and Barbuda
Dominican Republic
St. Lucia
Bahamas
Grenada
Sint Vincent and the Grenadines
Barbados
Haiti
Trinidad and Tobago
British Virgin Islands
Jamaica
Turks and Caicos Islands
Cayman Islands
Montserrat
Dominica
St. Kitts and Nevis
Other countries
If these options still aren’t enough to convince you of a journey without worries or a visa, you can visit these lesser known jewels:
Cook Islands
Micronesia
Samoa *
Fiji
Niue
Tuvalu *
Marshall Islands *
Palau Islands *
Vanuatu
There is so much to see in unexpected places. A visa doesn’t have to be an obstacle. Remember this golden rule when you are planning your next holiday: don’t choose your destination, let your destination choose you.
*You will be issued a visa upon arrival in this country, therefore there is no need to visit an embassy before you travel everything will be handled at the airport at the country of destination.
