You can hop on a plane to Namibia with just your passport, but try doing the same on a trip to Ireland, and you’ll be refused entry. Ireland is one of many countries that South African passport holders can’t visit without a visa – so you need to sort out your visa forms, supporting documents, and application fees in good time before you travel.

Why the difference? Why do some countries accept South African passports at international arrivals without any further checks, and others make you apply for a visa in advance with a bunch of supporting documents?

What’s the point of a visa?

Put simply, a visa is just a country’s way of indicating that the authorities are satisfied that you are who you say you are, and you may be admitted to the country for the purpose(s) mentioned in the visa. Visa requirements allow governments to control who enters their country, whether to reduce the risk of illegal immigration, manage job markets, protect national security, or even limit the spread of diseases.

Sometimes, visa rules have more to do with politics than policy. Countries that have strong diplomatic ties often waive visas for each other’s citizens. Others use visas to make a statement – tightening restrictions on certain countries when relationships sour, or loosening visa conditions to attract tourism and investment.

Why are some passports ‘stronger’ than others?

Not all passports open the same doors – some are more trusted than others. A few, like Japan’s and Spain’s, allow their holders to travel to more than 190 countries without an additional visa requirement. Others, like ours, come with a few more strings attached.

The South African passport currently allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 110 countries. That’s not bad – but it’s far from the top-tier passports from countries like Japan, Singapore, or most western European states.

The strength of a passport often boils down to how trustworthy a country appears to be. Governments look at factors like:

• The risk of citizens from that country overstaying their visas or working illegally.
• How often passport holders from that country apply for asylum elsewhere.
• The security of the passport itself. Is it easy to fake or tamper with?

Unfortunately, South Africa has had some issues with corruption and fraud involving passports and identity documents. That affects how other countries see us – and how freely they allow us to visit.

Why did Ireland change visa rules for South Africans?

Visa rules aren’t set in stone. Countries adjust them based on current events and immigration concerns. South Africans used to enjoy visa-free entry to the Republic of Ireland, but that changed in 2024. The Irish government cited a sharp rise in fraudulent South African passports, and passport holders overstaying or making unfounded asylum claims, as reasons for reintroducing visa requirements for all South African visitors.

The United Kingdom has also cracked down on visa rules in recent years, especially for tourists and students. Schengen countries like France, Germany and Spain now require even stricter documentation and longer waiting periods than before.

On the flip side, some destinations are making things easier – Kenya, for instance, now offers an eVisa that South Africans can apply for online, which speeds up the process.

Business trips and other exceptions

Not all travel is treated equally. If you’re going abroad for work, study or medical treatment, there are often different visa options available – and sometimes even fast-tracked processes. Some countries also waive visa requirements for diplomatic or official passport holders. And if you’re travelling as part of a government delegation or business group, you might qualify for special entry permissions.

SA is part of the Southern African Development Community, which allows for easier movement between member countries. We are also exploring more flexible travel agreements with nations in the BRICS bloc (formerly Brazil, Russia, India, China, and SA, but now also including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates).

So, what does this mean for your next trip?

Never assume the visa rules are the same as the last time you travelled. Some countries that once welcomed South Africans visa-free now require applications well in advance, along with proof of income, return tickets and detailed travel plans. Others may request biometric data or in-person interviews. Always check the latest requirements before you book your flights.

Make your life easier by planning ahead with Nedbank

Knowing the visa rules can save you time, stress, and surprise expenses. You can’t control when foreign governments will change their rules, but you can choose stress-free ways to organise the things that you can control:

• Use Avo SuperShop to find travel deals and book early to avoid disappointments. You can also find all those must-have travel accessories on Avo – from devices and plug adaptors to backpacks and travel pillows.
• Get travel insurance to cover unplanned hiccups – it’s often also required for visa applications.
• Sort out your forex and make sure your cards are accepted internationally, or apply for a Nedbank Travel Card.
• A Nedbank credit card can help you manage expenses on the go, and as a Greenbacks member, you can even earn rewards while you travel – it’s win-win.
• You can apply for your passport online, make an appointment to capture your biometrics at a Nedbank branch with an in-house Home Affairs office, then fetch your passport at the same branch when it’s ready.