Russia
South Africa
South Africa visa for Russian citizens
Entry requirement
Russian citizens do not need a visa for South Africa: stays of up to 90 days are visa-free.
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Where to apply
- Nothing to apply for in advance
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at saembassy.ru
For longer stays: study, work and residence
South African citizens travelling to Russia
South AfricaRussia Visa-free, 90 days Russia 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 Russia 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 Russian citizens can stay in South Africa
Russian 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 Russian citizens
Eswatini, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia admit Russian citizens visa-free. Lesotho requires Russian citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
South African citizens travelling to Russia
South African citizens can visit Russia without a visa for up to 90 days. The rule is the same in both directions between Russia and South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
Do Russian citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Russian citizens do not need a visa for South Africa: stays of up to 90 days are visa-free.
How long can Russian citizens stay in South Africa?
Russian citizens can stay in South Africa for up to 90 days.
Do South African citizens need a visa for Russia?
South African citizens can visit Russia without a visa for up to 90 days.
Can Russian citizens enter South Africa visa-free?
Yes, Russian 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.