Five popular visa-free destinations for South Africans

According to the second-quarter Passport Index released by immigration consultants Henley & Partners, SA ranks 50th in the world in terms of most access granted to other countries without need of a visa.

At the time, Japan ranked number one, offering citizens visa-free access to a total of 189 destinations. South Africa, on the other hand, offers visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to 102 countries, which still isn’t too bad at all.

But first, what’s the difference between visa-free and visa-on-arrival?

Visa-free, or no visa required, means that you can get on a plane, arrive at your destination, get off the plane and proceed directly to immigration. You won’t need to pay anything, and it generally means that you’re free to enter the country from any legal border crossing, by any reasonable means.

Visa-on-arrival, or visa-upon-entry, means that once you land in your destination, you'll commonly have to report to the visa counter, apply and pay for the visa (which is pasted into your passport right away) and then make your way to immigration.

Visa-on-arrival also limits travellers to dedicated entry points, such as international airports or major border crossings. Travellers will have to do thorough research into the country they intend to visit. Know the border crossing requirements and know what you need to ensure that you'll get that visa.

So, whether you're looking to explore idyllic beaches, breathtaking mountain ranges, or lush tropical forests, your SA passport can help you out. Here are some of the most popular destinations:

Thailand

Current Exchange Rate: R1 / 2.17 Thai Baht

Known as the Jewel of Southeast Asia, Thailand is one of the most popular and most affordable destinations for South Africans. Famous for its vibrant culture, delicious street food, over 400 beautiful Buddhist temples, exotic jungles and pristine beaches, Thailand offers a little bit of everything for the tourist on a moderate budget. And for the more adventurous, there’s always Bangkok.

Some of the most popular attractions include the Oriental Express, Phang Nga Bay in Phuket, Railay Beach in Krabi, Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Khao Yai National Park and the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

The Land of Smiles also borders Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia – the latter of which also grants visa-free entry to South Africans.

A bit of island hopping is definitely in order.

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