United Arab Emirates passport → South Africa

South Africa visa for citizens of the United Arab Emirates

Visa-freeVisa-Free · Tourist (90 days)

Citizens of the United Arab Emirates can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.

Verified · Last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Visa-Free · Tourist (90 days)
How to apply	No visa needed — just go
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Government fee	No visa fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Not required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Recommended: bank statement showing at least 3,000 ZAR per day or credit card

How to apply

1
Prepare documents before departure
Check passport validity (6+ months from entry), book return/onward ticket, arrange first-night accommodation, and save confirmations as screenshots.
2
Arrive at a South African airport
Land at OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban) and follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' immigration queues.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over passport; officer may ask for return ticket or accommodation proof. Answer questions clearly about purpose and length of stay.
4
Get your entry stamp
Officer stamps passport with entry date and allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
5
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, collect bags from carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare).

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date and have at least two blank pages.
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from South Africa.
Proof of accommodation
Optional
Hotel booking or host invitation letter; recommended but not always required.

Financial

Proof of funds
Optional
Bank statement or credit card showing sufficient funds; recommended.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: 3,000 ZAR per day

Bank statement
Credit card

No fixed minimum amount, but having at least 3,000 ZAR per day or a credit card with sufficient limit is recommended.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient funds

Carry a bank statement or credit card showing adequate funds for your stay.

No return ticket

Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket printed or on your phone.

Unconvincing travel purpose

Be prepared to clearly explain the purpose of your visit and length of stay.

FAQ

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

Citizens of the United Arab Emirates can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Visa type: Visa-Free · Tourist (90 days).

How long can citizens of the United Arab Emirates stay in South Africa?

Up to 90 days without a visa.

What documents do citizens of the United Arab Emirates need for South Africa?

Valid passport; Return or onward ticket; Proof of accommodation; Proof of funds.

How long must my passport be valid for South Africa?

At least 6 months.

Sources

South Africa Visa for Emirati Citizens 2026 — Visa-Free Entry ... (entry.com, third-party site)
South Africa Entry Requirements for United Arab Emirates Holders 2026 ... (entrybrief.com, third-party site)
South Africa Visa for United Arab Emirates Citizens (eammu.com, third-party site)

Plan your trip to South Africa

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