South Africa has reaffirmed its visa-free travel policy for citizens of 22 African countries in 2026, underscoring its commitment to promoting tourism, business and regional integration even as concerns over xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment continue to cast a shadow over the country’s image on the continent.
According to Legit.ng, the latest visa exemption list released by the Department of Home Affairs allows eligible travellers from across Africa to enter South Africa without obtaining a visa in advance. The move is aimed at facilitating easier movement of people and strengthening economic and diplomatic ties within the continent.
The official document, published by the Republic of South Africa and VFS Global, covers several passport categories, including diplomatic, official, service, ordinary and special passports.
Under the policy, permitted stays range from 30 to 90 days, depending on the traveller’s nationality and the type of passport used for entry.
The visa exemption arrangement is expected to benefit tourists, business travellers and government officials by reducing travel barriers and encouraging greater intra-African mobility at a time when the continent is pushing for deeper economic integration under initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
However, the announcement comes amid heightened concerns about xenophobia in South Africa following recent anti-immigration protests and reports of intimidation and violence targeting foreign nationals in some communities.
The country has witnessed several outbreaks of xenophobic attacks over the years, with migrants from other African countries often accused of contributing to unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. These incidents have occasionally strained South Africa’s relations with neighbouring countries and raised concerns among Africans living, working or travelling in the country.
Despite these concerns, South African authorities have repeatedly stated their commitment to protecting all lawful visitors and residents, while continuing efforts to manage migration in an orderly manner.
African Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry into South Africa in 2026
The following African countries are included on South Africa’s visa exemption list published by the Department of Home Affairs and VFS Global:
Algeria (30 days).
Benin (30 days or less).
Botswana (90 days or less).
Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) (30 days or less).
Comoros (90 days).
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) (30 days).
Gabon (30 days or less).
Guinea (90 days).
Kenya (30 days).
Lesotho (30 days or less).
Madagascar (30 days).
Malawi (30 days or less).
Mauritius (30 days or less).
Mozambique (90 days).
Namibia (30 days or less).
Rwanda (30 days).
Seychelles (30 days or less).
Swaziland (Eswatini) (30 days or less).
Tanzania (90 days for ordinary passports; 30 days in the diplomatic/service passport section). Tunisia (90 days).
Zambia (30 days or less).
Zimbabwe (90 days or less).
The continuation of the visa-free policy is being viewed as a positive step for regional connectivity and tourism, although observers say addressing xenophobia and ensuring the safety of foreign nationals will remain critical to maintaining South Africa’s attractiveness as a destination for African travellers.
