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SA passport drops in global ranking: South Africans were previously allowed visa-free access to 106 countries.
South African passport holders have fewer choices for visa-free travel than they did at the start of the year. Picture: iStock
The latest figures from the Henley Passport Index show that South African passport holders now have fewer visa-free travel options than they did earlier this year.
The authoritative index, which ranks global passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa, places South Africa 50th worldwide in its most recent update.
At the beginning of 2025, the passport — or “green mamba” as it is often referred to — was ranked the 48th strongest passport globally and allowed visa-free access to 106 countries.
Another blow to South African passport holders
Over the years, South Africa’s passport strength ranking position has dropped from a high of 35 in 2009 to a low of 97 recorded in 2016.
At the start of 2024, South Africans were able to travel to 108 countries visa-free.
According to the most recent information from the Henley Passport Index’s comparison of the visa-free access of 199 different passports to 227 travel destinations, South Africa has lost visa-free access to two countries, Pakistan and Mauritania.
What is the Henley Passport Index?
The index is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – the largest, most accurate travel information database – and Henley & Partners’ research team.
The total score for each passport is equal to the number of destinations for which no visa is required.
Visa-free travel to top tourist destinations
However, some of the world’s top tourist destinations, such as Thailand, Singapore, Argentina, Brazil, and Mauritius, still feature among the 104 countries South Africans can travel to visa-free.
Business hubs, such as Singapore, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, also do not require South African travellers’ visas.
‘Emigration hotspots’ and SA passport?
South African passport holders will need a visa for the most popular emigration “hotspots”, with the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, the United States (US) and Canada all requiring the country’s citizens to have a passport.
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Change in Ireland’s visa-free stance towards SA
The Citizen previously reported on Ireland’s removal in July 2025 of South Africa and Botswana from the list of countries that enjoy visa-free entry status into the country.
A visa is also required for those travelling via Ireland when en route to another destination.
According to Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee, the sudden decision came about due to an increase in asylum-seekers from the two countries.
“In recent years, a significant number of International Protection [asylum] applications have been received from nationals of Botswana and South Africa.”
The minister added that Ireland’s latest visa rule aligned the country with the Schengen Area’s stance on the two countries, as well as that of the UK towards South Africa.
Ireland was one of only four countries in Europe that offered visa-free travel to South Africans
Georgia, Kosovo and the Russian Federation are the three remaining European countries that South Africa can still access without a visa.
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