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Pack your case again! 31 places South Africans can visit with a visa on arrival

Sorting out a visa is the worst, right? Never fear… here are a whole host of destinations where you can roll up, hand over a few Rand and have your passport stamped.

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1. Armenia

This emerging democracy (ring any bells?) is tucked away in the shadow of big beasts Russia and Turkey. Off the tourist trail and with its on unique alphabet, would you believe.

2. Bolivia

Where are the Andes? On the end of your armes! They also make up a third of this mountainous, land-locked nation. Also just a short hop from the Amazon.

3. Burundi

Not the best time to visit at the moment, politically speaking. It is home to the source of the mighty River Nile, though.

4. Cambodia

On the rise for tourists from all over, a great spot from which to explore far eastern culture with a deep, troubled history.

5. Cape Verde

Ecotourism is taking off on the Atlantic archipelago. Sandy beaches, volcanos and year-round sunshine. What’s not to like?

6. Comoros

Floating between Mozambique and Madagascar – it’s a place to turn your phone off, open a novel and drift off into another world.

7. Djibouti

A teeny tiny spot in the Horn of Africa and a wild, rugged kind of a place. Just keep an eye out for bandits and pirates.

8. Ethiopia

The Ruins at Gondar, Ethiopia - Fasilides' Castle A.Davey

Take your pick of culture, wildlife and scenery in this ancient, mythical land.

9. Guinea-Bissau

From the east to the west of Africa for this one. If you like the seaside, you can’t go far wrong.

10. Iran

Tourism has picked up again following the kerfuffle with neighbours Iraq. Beyond the archaeological sites you can… wait for it… go skiing!

11. Jordan

Don’t be put off by its proximity to the disputed Palestinian territory next-door. Jordan is a stunning country that caters for visitors very well indeed.

12. Kyrgyzstan

Now if you want some alone time… head up the mountains and slip off the face of the earth for as long as you fancy.

13. Laos

Old school Asia awaits you, nestled just next to tourist-haven Thailand. And there’s a bit of something for everyone.

14. Madagascar

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A mere hop from South Africa, this unique island boasts almost unbelievable diversity, great food and a warm welcome.

15. Maldives

Beaches, reefs, lagoons! Go to paradise and be very happy.

16. Marshall Islands

Another island stunner. Just mind out for any stray US military hardware whizzing about.

17. Mauritania

Forgotten Africa, right here. Looking for a big-skied, desert-based kind of adventure? You got it.

18. Mauritius

Think Madagascar but tiny. We feel like we’re beginning to spoil you, here.

19. Micronesia

Four islands, four distinct cultures. Turn left at Australia and you’re about there.

20. Nepal

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Get your boots on and get up those Himalayas!

21. Oman

The thinking tourist’s fulfilling alternative to gaudy, glitzy Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

22. Palau

Their flag is a big sunshine. What more do you need to know?

23. Rwanda

Ever seen those mountain gorillas on the TV? They’re here – and you’re invited to see them.

24. Samoa

Take a rugby ball, hit the beach and have a blast.

25. Seychelles

Another one within easy reach of the African mainland and a tourist hotspot for a very good reason: it’s beautiful.

26. Tajikistan

Another awe-inspiring, mountaineers’ dream. Think you’re at one with the great outdoors? Let’s find out.

27. Timor-Leste

Here’s a good one. Another pleasant island destination but ssshhh, whisper it quietly – the hoards haven’t discovered it yet.

28. Togo

Another candidate for the ‘proper Africa’ award, Togo gives you beaches, forests and Savannah all in a neat package.

29. Turkey

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Start in glorious Istanbul before floating across to the Asian side of the Bosphorus Straight to begin an adventure across a mythical land.

30. Tuvalu

Put simply, it’s little speck of loveliness.

31. Uganda

Now here’s a place to end our journey. A microcosm of the great African continent – and more tourist-friendly than you might expect. Go on, give it a go.

Also read:

Pack your suitcase! 58 places South Africans can visit without a visa