Visa delays for SA

UK and US visa processing delays are the next obstacle facing South African travellers. Image: Adobe Stock

Have ‘green mamba’, will travel: Visa-free holidays for South Africans

Planning your next travel adventure? Here’s our 2020 ‘hot list’ for visa-free dreamy destinations.

Visa delays for SA

UK and US visa processing delays are the next obstacle facing South African travellers. Image: Adobe Stock

Look, having an ever-stretching bucket list of places you’re wanting to see firsthand is most certainly a good problem to have. Us “Saffers” can currently access just more than a hundred countries worldwide without a visa (64 visa-free and 39 visa-on-arrival to be precise).

Before we start hi-fiving each other though, realise that the usual factors creep into consideration and from seasonality to the usual leave constraints and school terms, as well as the obvious one of budget-planning, all play their role in your next bout of travel planning.

Dreamworthy destinations for visa-free travel

To help and not hinder, we’ve decided to fuel some travel-inspired desk daydreaming with our top dreamworthy destinations for visa-free travel this 2020.

Mozambique

Good ol’ Mozambique is the ultimate easy long weekend destination for us all.

With more flights being scheduled across the country and steadily improving roadways, it makes for the perfect long weekend hotspot with no visa needed. From ever-stretching beaches to friendly locals, the freshest seafood and azure waters- if you’re not sold yet, we’re more than a little concerned.

A long dirt road in Mozambique. Photo: Adobe Stock

Republic of Ireland

We don’t know about you, but the Emerald Isle and its famed scenery are the stuff of our dreams. Quick question: Have you ever met an Irishman you don’t like? These friendly locals are the most welcoming of all, ready to regale you with tales, folk singing and local legend in any given pub…That’s if you can follow the local dialect after your daily dose of Guinness.

It gets better yet as visas for South African citizens aren’t required here, but passengers are advised to carry the same documentation that would usually be expected with usual visa applications (hotel bookings, bank slips, and employment contracts) just in case.

The Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland. Photo: Adobe Stock

Botswana

Botswana is undoubtedly one of the wildest places left on Earth. What a privilege to encounter Africa’s wild with the backdrop of the renowned waterways of the Delta as you toast to a setting sun.

Escape the city noise, embrace a slower pace of life and an unparalleled appreciation for mother nature, in a place that can only leave you in awe of it all. South Africans also don’t require a visa and can stay for up to 90 days.

Mokoro Safari in Botswana. Photo: Adobe Stock

Bali

Known for its beauty and its buzz, head in any direction and find the loveliest locals more than happy to point you to the best beaches, temples or jungle-like scenes.

Bali’s creative heritage is everywhere you look and constantly developing. Be prepared to be spoilt with the best in healthy yet delicious food, cooking waves and an essential daily dose of sunshine.  Better yet, there’s no visa required for South Africans with a valid passport for stays of up to 30 days at select ports of entry.

Beautiful sunrise over famous balinese landmark Tegalalang rice terraces. Photo: Adobe Stock

Seychelles

If you’re needing the perfect screensaver to help you to get booking your flights, you can’t beat the beauty of Seychelles. This archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa, is home to unrivaled beaches, coral reefs, and nature reserves.

Covering all the bases — from honeymoons, babymoons to romantic getaways, and luxe escapes — the Seychelles is blissfully visa-free for us Saffers for up to 30 days.

The tropical islands of the Seychelles. Photo: Adobe Stock

Peru

Peru is often the first port of call for visitors heading to South America for the first time. While many travellers arrive to explore Machu Picchu, don’t forget the ancient citadels, incredible beaches and tropical jungles. Soak it all up as a South African, with no tourist visa needed for stays of up to 183 days.

Quechua girls admire Andean mountain views on the Ausungate trail. Cusco, Peru. Photo: Adobe Stock

Zanzibar

Need some good news in your life? How about that one of the best-value places for us South Africans to holiday at, is only a three-hour flight away? Zanzibar caters to all budgets and from barefoot luxury on white sands beaches, to secret escapes and the contrasting hustle bustle of Stone Town’s famous night market, there’s something on offer for everyone. South Africans do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Zanzibar beach. Photo: Adobe Stock

eSwatini 

Earning a spot on our “must-explore-more” list is the kingdom of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland). Ideal for those long-weekend road trips, with its wilderness reserves, festivals showcasing traditional Swazi culture and breathtaking mountain surrounds. It’s also just a hop, skip and jump away from our border and offers us visa-free travel for up to 30 days.

Swaziland. Photo: Adobe Stock

Turkey

Turkey is just about as historically rich as it gets. Some of the best cuisine you’ll ever taste and scenery that will leave you speechless awaits in this country which is a melting-pot of culture. It’s also long since welcomed us South African travellers who are eager to discover its diverse, multicultural and natural wonders.

South African passport holders do need to apply for an e-visa before visiting, but the good news is that it’s free, available online and super easy to get your hands on. 

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey. Photo: Adobe Stock