SA passport holders can now visit these 101 countries visa-free
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SA passport holders have gained access to another visa-free travel destination, bringing the total number of countries and territories they can visit without first applying for a visa to 101.
The increase comes despite the South African passport slipping in the latest Henley Passport Index, one of the world’s most widely cited passport rankings.
According to the updated index, South Africa now ranks 51st out of 199 passports globally, down from 47th place earlier in 2026.
While the drop in ranking may appear disappointing at first glance, there is some positive news for local travellers. South African passport holders have gained visa-free access to Togo, a West African nation, increasing the total number of destinations they can visit without a pre-approved visa from 100 to 101.
What the Henley Passport Index measures
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a visa before departure.
Countries score points for destinations that allow entry without a visa, through a visa-on-arrival process, or via an electronic travel authorisation (eTA), which is generally faster and easier to obtain than a traditional visa.
The latest rankings show that although South Africa has slipped a few places compared to earlier this year, its passport still provides access to more than 100 destinations across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Oceania and parts of the Americas.
The 101 visa-free destinations SA passport holders can visit
Here is the updated list of all the visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and eTA-required destinations South Africans with an SA passport can travel to, as per the Henley Passport Index:
