Do Emirati citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Passport

United Arab Emirates

Destination

South Africa

United Arab Emirates passport holders can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.

Answer Visa-free 90 days

No visa needed

Entry requirement: Visa-free
Maximum stay: 90 days
Apply before travel: No
Last updated: February 2026

What United Arab Emirates passport holders need to do

Check your passport validity. Many countries ask for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
Be ready to show a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and proof of funds at the border.
Leave before the permitted stay ends. Working or studying usually needs a different visa.

United Arab Emirates is one of 86 passports in the “visa-free” group for South Africa. See the full South Africa visa requirements for every passport.

Other easy destinations in Africa for United Arab Emirates passport holders

South Africa is one of 127 destinations in the “visa-free” group for the United Arab Emirates passport, which ranks #1 worldwide with a mobility score of 168. Of 54 destinations in Africa, 38 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.

Destination	Requirement	Max stay
Angola	Visa-free	30 days
Botswana	Visa-free	90 days
Burkina Faso	Visa-free	–
Chad	Visa-free	–
Egypt	Visa-free	180 days
Equatorial Guinea	Visa-free	90 days
Gambia	Visa-free	90 days
Mali	Visa-free	90 days
Mauritius	Visa-free	90 days
Morocco	Visa-free	90 days
Mozambique	Visa-free	30 days
Sao Tome and Principe	Visa-free	15 days

All visa-free countries for the United Arab Emirates passport

Frequently asked questions

Do Emirati citizens need a visa for South Africa?

United Arab Emirates passport holders can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.

How long can United Arab Emirates passport holders stay in South Africa?

Up to 90 days without a visa.

Do South Africa citizens need a visa for the United Arab Emirates?

South Africa passport holders need a visa for the United Arab Emirates, and it can be applied for online as an e-Visa.

South Africa visa requirements for other passports

Data last updated February 2026. This page covers short visits such as tourism. Rules can change at short notice and differ for work, study or long stays. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of South Africa before you book.