United Arab Emirates
South Africa
South Africa visa for Emirati citizens
Entry requirement
Emirati citizens can visit South Africa without a visa for 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 dirco.gov.za
For longer stays: study, work and residence
South African citizens travelling to the United Arab Emirates
South AfricaUnited Arab Emirates e-Visa United Arab Emirates 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.
Emirati citizens planning a trip to South Africa can compare how foreign ministries rate it: 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).
Good to know
How long Emirati citizens can stay in South Africa
Emirati 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 Emirati citizens
Eswatini, Mozambique and Botswana admit Emirati citizens visa-free. Lesotho requires Emirati citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
South African citizens travelling to the United Arab Emirates
South African citizens need a visa for the United Arab Emirates, which they can apply for online as an e-Visa.
Frequently asked questions
Do Emirati citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Emirati citizens can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.
How long can Emirati citizens stay in South Africa?
Emirati citizens can stay in South Africa for up to 90 days.
Do South African citizens need a visa for the United Arab Emirates?
South African citizens need a visa for the United Arab Emirates, which they can apply for online as an e-Visa.
Can Emirati citizens enter South Africa visa-free?
Yes, Emirati 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.