Kenya reinstates visa-free access for South Africans as Bolivia joins the list
After a period of shifting requirements, Kenya has officially reinstated visa-free access for South Africans for up to 90 days.
Image: Instagram.
The start of 2026 has delivered a significant win for South African travellers.
As of the latest 2026 Passport Index rankings released on Thursday, January 5, the South African passport now grants access to 101 destinations globally without the need for a traditional, pre-travel visa, which includes visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa/ETA options, making spontaneous itineraries and bucket-list adventures easier than ever.
Specifically, 59 of these countries are now strictly visa-free, meaning travellers can simply show up with their passport and a return ticket.
The two big wins
Kenya: After years of shifting requirements, Kenya has officially reinstated visa-free access for South Africans for up to 90 days.
This is a game-changer for the "safari corridor", allowing travellers to effortlessly combine a local South African holiday with the plains of the Masai Mara or the turquoise waters of Mombasa.
Bolivia: South America has opened up even further as Bolivia officially joins the visa-free list for up to 90 days.
Travellers can now visit the Salar de Uyuni salt flats or the heights of the Andes without the cost of embassy paperwork.
However, you must ensure you have the following documents on hand: A valid passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate, proof of onward travel and first night's accommodation.
While the additions of Bolivia and Kenya great, the Henley Passport Index notes that South Africa lost "seamless" access to five destinations over the last year due to changing diplomatic ties.
Mauritania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Kosovo and Palestine now require more formal pre-travel authorisation or have moved to more restrictive tiers.
Meanwhile, for those eyeing Southeast Asia, there is better news.
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille inked a landmark deal with her Indonesian counterpart, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, in Jakarta on Thursday, February 5.
Her visit to Jakarta was the final leg of her Southeast Asia tour, which included Singapore and Malaysia, aimed at sustaining the momentum of South Africa's record-breaking 10.5 million tourist arrivals in 2025.
While South Africans already enjoy visa-free entry to Indonesia, this new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) promises:
Fewer "barrier" checks at immigration.
A renewed focus on Halal Tourism to welcome more South African visitors.
The fast-tracking of direct flight routes between Cape Town and Jakarta, potentially slashing travel times significantly.
The MoU also commits both nations to collaborate on:
Sharing knowledge on eco-friendly park management.
Exchange programs for hospitality students.
Encouraging Indonesian hotel groups to invest in South African infrastructure and vice versa.
Jointly promoting "hidden gems" in both countries rather than just Bali and Cape Town.