🇿🇦 South Africa visa requirements for Ghanaian, Kenyan and Nigerian travellers

Short tourist or visit trip on an ordinary passport. Reviewed 11 October 2026.

Nigerian passport holders need a visa or eVisa before travelling; Ghanaian, Kenyan passport holders can enter without a visa or get one on arrival.

Do I need a visa for South Africa?

Passport	Entry for a short visit
Ghanaian passport	No visa needed Visa exempt, up to 90 days per year
Kenyan passport	No visa needed Visa exempt, up to 90 days per year
Nigerian passport	Visa required Ordinary passport requires a visa

South Africa visa fees

Ghana and Kenya exempt within 90 days per year

No visa enrolment for an exempt short visit

Nigerian ordinary passports: visa and provider charges need a current quote

Where to apply

For exempt visits no overseas visa submission address is needed. Use the entry rules above for passport exceptions, arrival permits and pre-travel declarations. Where a visa is required, use the authority listed with the fee.

Who needs a visa — South Africa (DIRCO)

Living in Nigeria: Book an appointment — VFS Global Nigeria (South Africa visas)

Entry count is grant-specific: use the visa or approval actually issued. No blanket single or multiple entitlement is stated.

Emergency numbers in South Africa

Police 10111 · Fire 10177 · Ambulance 10177 · 112 also connects to emergency services from mobiles.

Before you go

The "Rainbow Nation" with 12 official languages. Friendly, informal and diverse; a "braai" (barbecue) is a social institution. Big cities need care with personal security.

Do

Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, especially at night
Keep valuables out of sight
Tip around 10–15% in restaurants

Don't

Don't walk alone at night in city centres
Don't leave bags visible in a parked car
Don't feed wild animals, including baboons

Open South Africa in Visa Intelligence