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Visa requirements · updated Aug 2026

Do Sri Lanka citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Visa required

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

VISAXSAug 2026
Visa required
Sri Lanka → South Africa
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Everything for your trip to South Africa

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Sri Lanka vs South Africa: passport comparison

Sri Lanka

19

visa-free countries

Global rank: #180 · mobility 71.4

South Africa

61

visa-free countries

Global rank: #97 · mobility 111.5
18

countries both Sri Lanka and South Africa can enter visa-free together

Sri Lanka + South Africa: passport compatibility

69%

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

Where Sri Lanka and South Africa travel together — by entry type:

18 both visa-free
18 both visa on arrival
29 both e-visa / eTA
70 both need a visa
62 access differs

Where Sri Lanka 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.

Only Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Sri Lanka citizens need a visa to enter South Africa. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.
Which passport is stronger — Sri Lanka or South Africa?
The South Africa passport is stronger: 61 visa-free countries versus 19. Global rank: Sri Lanka #180, South Africa #97.
Where can Sri Lanka and South Africa citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 18 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 Sri Lanka and South Africa?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Aug 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

Sri Lanka passport ranking

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

View the passport