A measure of the travel-freedom governments have achieved for their citizens is the number of countries which they can travel to on a visa-free holiday. Henley & Partners compiles an index based on the number of countries citizens can travel visa-free, with South Africa scoring 88, which is better than Russia’s 83 but significantly worse than Brazil’s 130.  Top of the list is Britain scoring 166 in the Henley index (the Empire strikes back – Go Britain!), followed by a number of western nations (long live the decadent west!), with the USA scoring 159 (the sad thing is that most Americans will never take advantage of their visa-free gift).

The rankings reflect various disparities, for example it’s pretty easy for an American to visit China but it’s a nightmare for the Chinese to visit America.  Whilst Israel is on the list, it should be remembered that there are almost 30 countries Israelis can’t enter at all; they can’t even apply for a visa.  Near the bottom of the pile, Pakistanis are just glad that countries like Iraq, North Korea and Afghanistan exist (so that they’re not bottom).

Visa restrictions are enforced by countries to control the crossing of their borders. Almost all countries require visas from certain non-citizens who wish to enter their territory. Obtaining a visa is often expensive and time-consuming (most consulates require you to apply in person, with extensive paperwork and frequent delays in the issuing of visas).

Visas were in the news a couple of years ago, when the UK started requiring visas for South Africans following the fraudulent issuing of genuine South African travel documents to foreign nationals.  However, there are still some spots that South Africans can travel to visa-free  (check with the relevant embassy before travelling, as it’s possible for this article to become dated):

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• The bright lights of Hong Kong beckon visitors to this stunning destination, an exotic feast of sounds, sights, flavours and scents, that can be accessed with a valid passport, but does not require a Visa for visitors who want to stay for less than a month.
• Malaysia is an equally exotic destination that has much to offer the curious traveller.  South Africans can travel to this “corner” of the globe with a valid passport in hand and they do not need to apply for a visa if they intend staying less than three months.  This gives any traveller plenty of time to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Semporna and everywhere in between.
• You can tour Thailand for thirty days without requiring a Visa, unless you have entered via an overland port, in which case you will only be able to travel visa free for fifteen days.  A valid South African passport is a requirement.
• Dreaming of shopping in sultry Singapore?  Here you can visit for a full thirty days on a Social Visit Pass, which you can obtain during your arrival in the country.  Thereafter, if you wish to extend your stay, you can pay a S$40.00 fee for an extension.
• Fly to Mauritius and enjoy the azure waters off the African coast – South Africans with a valid passport can soak up the sun and sea for a full sixty days without requiring a Visa. Those who are visiting for business purposes can enjoy a stay of ninety days without having to apply for a Visa.
• Alternatively you can jet off to the cooler climes of the green lands of New Zealand for a memorable holiday alternative.
• One of the most remote places on the planet, Antarctica is a unique and beautiful destination that will touch your imagination.  This landmass is not owned by any country and so any visitor may go there without needing a valid passport or Visa, but you should keep in mind that this may not be the case for any ports of call en-route to your destination.
• If you have ever wanted to experience the wild beauty of Zambia then you will be delighted to hear that here is yet another destination that does not require a Visa from South African citizens for a full ninety days every twelve months.  You would need a valid Passport, but otherwise you are free to visit at any time.  Swaziland allows for South African visitors to enter the country for a period of two months without requiring a Visa.
• Kenya is well known for its game reserves and breath-taking vistas and the South African who wants to enjoy a truly magical experience can visit this amazing country with a valid South African passport for a full ninety days without requiring any sort of Visa.  Brazil beckons from further a-field with golden beaches and fantastic weather.  Here the South African traveller can explore the quaint towns and points of interest for a full three months without having to concern themselves with Visa requirements.
• The football loving country of Argentina will give entry to South Africans with valid passports.  Visitors can then stay for a period of ninety days, simply enjoying the unique atmosphere of this country without need of a Visa.  This is the same for people enjoying a leisure trip or for those who are actually visiting the country for business reasons.
• The Bahamas is yet another unforgettable destination that will charm the average visitor with the hospitality of the locals and the sheer beauty of its surroundings.  South Africans who carry a valid South African passport that is valid for a period of no less than six months are welcome to visit the area and can stay here, Visa free, for up to three months.
• The Philippines is a culturally rich corner of the world that is well worth a visit.  Here South African citizens do not require a Visa for a period of twenty one days, in which they are free to visit any destination in the country.  The only requirement is a valid passport, as is the case with so many other countries across the globe.
• Peru is a distant land that has a hot, tropical climate and a very interesting mountainous terrain with many ancient rainforests.  You can visit Peru with a valid South African passport in hand and will be able to stay in the country for up to ninety days after your arrival.  Extensions of up to thirty days are possible without any Visa requirements.

Jamaica is another tropical destination that is popular with travellers.  The South African traveller can travel to Jamaica with only a valid passport and will be relieved to hear that the authorities do not require a Visa.  Please bear in mind that policies are subject to change at any given moment and that it is in your best interest to contact the embassy before you travel to be sure of any possible changes.