Germany
South Africa
South Africa visa for German citizens
Entry requirement
South Africa admits German citizens without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Where to apply
- Nothing to apply for in advance
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at suedafrika.org
For longer stays: study, work and residence
South African citizens travelling to Germany
South AfricaGermany Visa required Germany visa for citizens of South Africa
Travel advice for South Africa
- US State Department Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from Germany to South Africa, it helps to know the official travel advice: the US State Department rates South Africa at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 26 May 2025), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to South Africa (updated 5 November 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for South Africa (updated 28 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Good to know
How long German citizens can stay in South Africa
German citizens may stay in South Africa for up to 90 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to South Africa.
South Africa’s neighbours for German citizens
Eswatini, Mozambique, Botswana and Lesotho admit German citizens visa-free.
South African citizens travelling to Germany
South African citizens need a visa for Germany, obtained before travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do German citizens need a visa for South Africa?
South Africa admits German citizens without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
How long can German citizens stay in South Africa?
German citizens can stay in South Africa for up to 90 days.
Do South African citizens need a visa for Germany?
South African citizens need a visa for Germany, obtained before travel.
Can German citizens enter South Africa visa-free?
Yes, German citizens can enter South Africa without a visa and stay for up to 90 days.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.