Nigeria has been excluded from a group of African countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free entry into South Africa, according to the latest visa exemption framework released by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
The updated policy identifies 22 African countries whose nationals holding ordinary passports can travel to South Africa without first obtaining a visa, with the duration of stay ranging from 30 to 90 days depending on nationality and applicable conditions.
Countries listed under the visa-free arrangement include Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia and Niger, among others.
The development means Nigerian travellers will continue to require visas before entering South Africa, despite growing calls across the continent for easier movement of people under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s free movement agenda.
According to South African authorities, the exemptions apply mainly to holders of ordinary passports, although specific conditions vary by country and passport category. Some exemptions are also available only to holders of diplomatic or official passports.
The Department of Home Affairs advised intending travellers to verify the requirements applicable to their nationality and passport type before making travel plans, noting that the full visa exemption schedule is available through South African diplomatic missions and official government channels.
South Africa’s visa exemption policy also extends to holders of African Union, Southern African Development Community (SADC) and United Nations laissez-passer travel documents, reflecting regional and multilateral travel arrangements.
The latest announcement comes amid ongoing discussions on improving intra-African mobility, even as many countries continue to maintain visa requirements for travellers from across the continent.
