Picture it: you’ve booked your perfect overseas holiday. The best part? You didn’t have to wait ages to obtain a visa from an embassy. Instead, you can get one once you arrive at your chosen destination.
That’s right, folks: in certain countries around the world, South African travellers can apply for a visa on arrival once they’ve touched down on international soil.
Let’s unpack this further:
VISA ON ARRIVAL: ONE LESS TRAVEL ADMIN HEADACHE
As explained by CS Global Partners:
Visa on arrival… is issued upon arrival in specific countries. With a visa on arrival, the traveller is not required to apply for the visa beforehand, as it will be given at the airport. Government authorities generally examine the visitor’s passport and may collect any applicable fees before issuing the documentation.
A visa on arrival is ideal if you’re a traveller who books emergency or last-minute trips or can’t deal with the stress-inducing paperwork that goes into applying for a visa (which itself can take a long while for embassies to process and issue).
For the country you’re visiting, a visa on arrival offers greater convenience, especially if their embassies are not easily reached.
WHICH COUNTRIES CAN SOUTH AFRICANS VISIT WITH A VISA ON ARRIVAL?
As of writing, there are nine countries that issue a visa on arrival to South Africans. Each one allows you to stay for a certain number of days.
They are:
1. CAMBODIA (30 DAYS)
Cambodia is renowned for its rich historical tapestry, delicious foods that incorporate various Asian cuisines and Khmer architecture, from the pagodas to its monuments.
2. EGYPT (30 DAYS)
This North African country abounds in historical attractions, from the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Luxor Temple. You can also cruise along the Nile River, plus its desert terrain allows you to take part in activities like sandboarding and dune bashing.
3. INDONESIA (30 DAYS)
Indonesia is a geographical paradise. Here, you can hike up active volcanoes, go snorkelling at the picturesque beaches, and explore gorgeous waterfalls and caves. Bali is one of its provinces, and it’s a paradisiacal one at that – a perfect holiday destination for South Africans on a budget!
4. JORDAN (30 DAYS)
The Arab nation is full of unforgettable cultural experiences. Whether it’s hot air balloon rides over Wadi Rum, admiring the traditional architecture of Petra or scuba-diving in the Red Sea, Jordan awaits you with open arms.
5. MALDIVES (30 DAYS)
Nothing defines “ultimate beach getaway” more than the Maldives! You can snorkel with manta rays, go on a dolphin cruise in Dhiffushi, pamper yourself at a seaside spa or simply soak up the rays on one of the many beaches with a tall glass of fruit juice in hand.
6. NEPAL (90 DAYS)
For diverse wildlife, scenic hiking trails and sacred temples, Nepal is a humbling holiday spot. There’s plenty to see, to learn and to explore in this South Asian country, which acts as a gateway to Mount Everest.
7. SAMOA (90 DAYS)
Samoa is the jewel of Oceania. The island nation is home to pearl-white beaches, awe-inspiring lava fields and many produce and fish markets. Speaking of fish, seafood is the main staple of the Samoan people, who have a culturally unique way of preparing it.
8. SRI LANKA (30 DAYS)
Sri Lanka is constantly slept on by holidaymakers. Their loss, as there are lots of things you can do here: surfing, going on safaris, touring tea estates, viewing ancient ruins, taking a train ride from Ella to Kandy, and much, much more!
9. TANZANIA (90 DAYS)
Closer to home than the other countries on this list, Tanzania is renowned for its wildlife safaris and national parks. You can go on hot-air balloon rides over the plains of the Serengeti and swim with whale sharks on Mafia Island. For the intrepid explorer, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list feat.
VISA ON ARRIVAL: MAKING HOLIDAYS POSSIBLE AND ENJOYABLE
Undoubtedly, a visa on arrival is a game-changer when it comes to South Africans travelling abroad. It also opens doors to countries that you probably thought were impossible to visit.
Of course, visa requirements are subject to change at short notice and at any given time. So, before you jet off on your dream holiday, be sure to check with embassies or consulates before travelling.
