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Rule changes

Newest first. We add every change here as soon as we’ve checked it.

  • Mainland Tanzania now requires visitors to buy government travel insurance (US$44). South Africans and other SADC residents are exempt; Zanzibar’s own insurance still applies. Read more

  • Thailand cut visa-free stays to 30 days for South Africans (from 60) and to 15 days for Mauritians and Seychellois. Read more

  • The US made visa bonds of up to US$20,000 permanent for 50 countries, 30 of them African. South Africa isn’t on the list. Read more

  • The US moved visa interviews from 25 African embassies to regional hubs. Durban stopped routine visa interviews: South Africans use Johannesburg or Cape Town. Read more

  • Japan raised its single-entry visa fee from about ¥3,000 to about ¥15,000. South Africans can apply online with the JAPAN eVISA. Read more

  • The UAE began visa on arrival for South Africans who hold a valid residence permit from certain countries, such as the US, UK or EU. Read more

  • Sri Lanka made its tourist ETA free for 40 countries. South Africa isn’t one of them, so it still costs US$50. Read more

  • The UK visitor visa went up to £135 and the UK ETA to £20. Read more

  • Madagascar tripled its 15-day e-Visa fee to €30. Read more

  • Reports confirmed that South Africans can visit Kenya visa-free, with no eTA, for up to 90 days. The exemption comes from Kenya’s Legal Notice 93, issued on 30 May 2025. Read more

  • An expanded US travel ban took effect, blocking or limiting visas for 26 African countries. Read more

Sources

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