Home  ›  Eritrea  ›  South Africa
Visa requirements · updated Jul 2026

Do Eritrea citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Visa required

Eritrea citizens need a visa to enter South Africa. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.

VISAXSJul 2026
Visa required
Eritrea → South Africa
Embassyapply

Everything for your trip to South Africa

Partner links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Eritrea vs South Africa: passport comparison

Eritrea

12

visa-free countries

Global rank: #185 · mobility 68.9

South Africa

61

visa-free countries

Global rank: #97 · mobility 111.5
11

countries both Eritrea and South Africa can enter visa-free together

Eritrea + South Africa: passport compatibility

64%

of the world — where both passports have the same visa access

Where Eritrea and South Africa travel together — by entry type:

11 both visa-free
20 both visa on arrival
27 both e-visa / eTA
69 both need a visa
70 access differs

Where Eritrea and South Africa can travel visa-free together

Travelling as a pair with two different passports? Here is the full list of countries where BOTH of you can enter without a prior visa — plus where your access differs.

Both visa-free (11)

Sort by max stay or the destination's passport strength (tap a header), and filter by region.

Country Max stay Passport rank
Benin 90 days #146
Dominica 21 days #70
Gambia 90 days #132
Haiti 90 days #175
Micronesia 30 days #89
Philippines 30 days #128
Rwanda 30 days #143
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 90 days #56
Seychelles 90 days #58
Singapore 30 days #12
Togo 30 days #155

Only Eritrea is visa-free (1)

South Africa: good to know

Pretoria

Capital

South African Rand (ZAR)

Currency

South Africa Standard Time (UTC+2)

Time zone

+27

Calling code

C, D, M, N

Power plug

230V / 50Hz

Voltage

Left-hand

Driving side

Where else Eritrea goes visa-free

Check another route

Documents you'll usually need for South Africa

The usual basics for the trip. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy or consulate.

Valid passport

Valid at least 6 more months

Return / onward ticket

Proof you will leave the country

Proof of funds

Enough money for your stay

Accommodation

Hotel booking or an invitation

Travel insurance

Recommended, sometimes required

Visa

Obtained at the embassy in advance

Frequently asked

Do Eritrea citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Eritrea citizens need a visa to enter South Africa. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.
Which passport is stronger — Eritrea or South Africa?
The South Africa passport is stronger: 61 visa-free countries versus 12. Global rank: Eritrea #185, South Africa #97.
Where can Eritrea and South Africa citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 11 of the same countries.
What documents do I need for South Africa?
Usually: a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, proof of funds and accommodation. Plus a visa obtained from the embassy in advance. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy.
Can visa requirements change between Eritrea and South Africa?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Jul 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

Eritrea passport ranking

Where else the Eritrea passport can take you and how it ranks worldwide.

View the passport