South African passport ranked 86th globally

The South African passport currently holds the 86th position globally, according to data from Passport Reports. This ranking is determined by a Mobility Score of 108, reflecting the number of destinations where South African passport holders can travel without obtaining a traditional visa. Visa-free entry is granted to 59 destinations, equating to 29.8% of the assessed locations.

These include countries such as Angola, Brazil, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Singapore, Tanzania, Thailand, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The specific length of stay permitted varies among these destinations, with some allowing visits of up to 180 days and others permitting stays of up to 360 days.

Beyond these visa-free destinations, South African passport holders can also access 42 simplified-entry destinations and seven eTA destinations, bringing the total Mobility Score to 108. This score is a composite of visa-free access, simplified entry arrangements, and eTA eligibility. South Africans can additionally benefit from eVisa systems or combined electronic and arrival-based procedures in 42 of these destinations.

The passport's global access rate stands at 54.5%, with access to 90 destinations requiring a visa or prior approval. Only 15 out of the 53 African countries assessed require a visa for South African passport holders, indicating relatively favorable access on the continent. Conversely, the South American, Caribbean, and European regions offer the most favorable pass entry conditions for South Africans, with most destinations being visa-free or requiring only simplified entry.

Notably, the only African visa-required destination covered in the report is Russia, while the European region presents the most restrictive access, with only Russia allowing visa-free entry.

In terms of regional performance, South Africa ranks fourth among BRICS nations and 15th among G20 countries. It is also ranked 26th among G20 countries, 38th among G77 nations, and 82nd among World Trade Organization members. However, the passport does not perform as well in terms of welcoming rankings, which measure the ease with which foreign nationals can enter South Africa.

The passport's welcoming ranking places South Africa at 94th out of 199 countries. The discrepancy between these rankings underscores the complex interplay between visa requirements and the ease of travel for foreign nationals.