By Princess Eugene Majuru
The South African government has reaffirmed its visa exemption policy for a number of African countries, allowing citizens from 22 nations to enter South Africa without obtaining a visa in advance, subject to varying lengths of stay and specific conditions.
The countries eligible for visa-free travel include Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Gabon, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Eswatini, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The permitted duration of stay ranges from 30 to 90 days depending on nationality. Zimbabwean and Mozambican passport holders, for example, may stay for up to 90 days, while citizens of several other countries are permitted stays of up to 30 days. The exemption policy also extends to holders of the African Union Laissez-Passer and the SADC Laissez-Passer.
South African authorities have advised travellers to check the latest entry requirements before travelling, as some exemptions are subject to specific conditions.
Mixed Reactions Across Africa
While the announcement is likely to be welcomed by businesses, tourists and families with cross-border ties, it has also sparked debate across the continent.
Many Africans see the expanded visa-free access as a positive step towards achieving the African Union’s vision of greater continental integration, increased trade, tourism and easier movement of people under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
However, others have questioned whether easier entry alone is enough, particularly following recent incidents of xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa.
Foreign nationals living and working in South Africa, including Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, Nigerians and other African communities, have periodically been targeted during outbreaks of violence and unrest over the past two decades. In recent months, renewed tensions and anti-immigrant demonstrations have once again raised concerns about the safety of migrants and visitors.
Will Africans Still Travel?
The visa exemption may encourage more business travel, tourism and family visits, particularly from neighbouring Southern African countries that already maintain close economic ties with South Africa.
Nevertheless, some potential travellers may remain cautious.
For many, the decision to visit South Africa will depend not only on immigration policy but also on whether they feel safe during their stay. Business owners, students and tourists may welcome easier border access while still weighing security concerns and public attitudes towards foreign nationals.
Others argue that millions of Africans continue to live, work and visit South Africa peacefully every year, and that the actions of violent groups should not define the country as a whole. They point to South Africa’s vibrant tourism industry, world-class infrastructure and strong commercial opportunities as reasons why the country remains an important destination.
A Test for Continental Integration
The latest visa exemptions highlight South Africa’s continued commitment to improving mobility within Africa. However, analysts say that true freedom of movement requires more than simplified visa rules.
Building confidence among African travellers will depend on continued efforts to combat xenophobia, strengthen law enforcement, protect foreign nationals and promote peaceful coexistence between local communities and migrants.
As Africa moves towards greater regional integration, governments will increasingly be judged not only by how easily travellers can cross their borders, but also by whether visitors feel welcomed, protected and respected once they arrive.
For many Africans, the announcement is therefore being received with mixed feelings—welcomed as a step towards a more connected continent, while also serving as a reminder that addressing xenophobia remains essential to making that vision a reality
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