ENRU
Home  ›  United Kingdom  ›  South Africa
Visa requirements · updated Jul 2026

Do United Kingdom citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Visa-free · 90 days

Citizens of United Kingdom can visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days. Just a valid passport at the border.

Check a visa → South Africa → United Kingdom
VISAXSJul 2026
→
Visa-free
United Kingdom → South Africa
90days

Everything for your trip to South Africa

Flights

Compare airfares and find the cheapest.

Explore

Hotels

Stays for any budget.

Explore

Travel insurance

Coverage for your whole trip.

Explore

Visa assistance

Help with the application, online.

Explore

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

United Kingdom vs South Africa: passport comparison

United Kingdom

118

visa-free countries

Global rank: #31 · mobility 167.6

South Africa

61

visa-free countries

Global rank: #97 · mobility 111.5
52

countries both United Kingdom and South Africa can enter visa-free together

South Africa: good to know

Pretoria

Capital

South African Rand (ZAR)

Currency

South Africa Standard Time (UTC+2)

Time zone

+27

Calling code

Where else United Kingdom goes visa-free

→ AlbaniaVisa-free · 90 days → → AndorraVisa-free · 90 days → → AngolaVisa-free · 30 days → → Antigua and BarbudaVisa-free · 180 days → → ArgentinaVisa-free · 90 days → → ArmeniaVisa-free · 180 days → → AustriaVisa-free · 90 days → → BahamasVisa-free · 240 days → → BarbadosVisa-free · 180 days →
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

Up to 90 days

No visa needed for the stay

Frequently asked

Do United Kingdom citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Citizens of United Kingdom can visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days. Just a valid passport at the border.
How long can United Kingdom citizens stay in South Africa without a visa?
United Kingdom passport holders are allowed to stay up to 90 days per visit.
Which passport is stronger — United Kingdom or South Africa?
The United Kingdom passport is stronger: 118 visa-free countries versus 61. Global rank: United Kingdom #31, South Africa #97.
Where can United Kingdom and South Africa citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 52 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. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy.
Can visa requirements change between United Kingdom and South Africa?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Jul 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

United Kingdom passport ranking

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

View the passport →