South African travelers, who don’t have enough money but still want to explore the world without the hassle of a visa can consider the countries that will allow them to enter without a visa. Such tourist hotspots are not only the ones that give you the chance to get to know the unique culture of the place and gaze at the natural beauty, but they also provide budget-conscious travelers with the opportunity to do so.
In this article, we look at the Cheap Visa-free Countries for South Africa that give holders of South African passports a mixture of affordable and adventurous experiences.
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Table of Contents
1. Mauritius
- Flights: Start around $180 (round trip in 4 hours)
- Accommodation: $45 – $135 per night (depending on hotel)
- Food: Budget restaurants: ~$4 per meal Mid-range restaurants: ~$20 for a 3-course meal for two
Famous for its miles of immaculate beaches, the turquoise ocean, and the country’s unique culture, Mauritius is a magnificent island situated in the Indian Ocean. As a South African traveler, this equatorial oasis of exotic animals and lush vegetation offers a visa-free entry for 90 days.
Mauritius Island does have a variety of budget accommodations ranging from guesthouses to self-catering apartments. Here you can explore the stunning shoreline, experience the yummy street food, and get involved with the amazing local culture. You should not miss an opportunity to see Port Louis, the lively capital of Mauritius, go to the Le Morne Brabant, or explore the underwater world of the coral reefs surrounding the island.
2. Thailand
- Flights: Start around $1,000 (round trip) in 15-18 hours
- Accommodation: $60 – $200 per night (depending on hotel)
- Food: Budget restaurants: ~$5 per meal Mid-range restaurants: ~$30 for a 3-course meal for two
Thailand, as the “Land of Smiles”, is a favorite destination for South African tourists seeking fun and variety, but at the same time at a low cost. A visa-free stay of up to 30 days allows you to experience the traffic in the bustling city of Bangkok, wander the ancient temples, and taste the delicious street food.
Thailand, being the ultimate destination for budget travelers, offers a million and one choices for those on a budget, from guesthouses to hostels. Taking a walk in the bustling markets, basking in the mesmerizing sunshine on the beaches of Phuket or Krabi, and getting to know the cultural atmosphere of Chiang Mai will give you a taste of real Thailand.
Skip to the beautiful islands of Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta for an amazing beach holiday that will leave you wishing you could have a permanent vacation.
3. Malaysia
- Flights: Start around $930 (round trip) in 16-21 hours
- Accommodation: $20 – $200 per night (depending on hotel)
- Food: Budget restaurants: ~$5 per meal Mid-range restaurants: ~$30 for a 3-course meal for two
Malaysia, a wonderful island in Southeast Asia, gives you a chance to see modern cities, ethnic diversity, and natural beauty. The visa-free regime that grants South African tourists a 90-day stay in this captivating country offers an excellent option to explore the country at one’s pace. A well-known emblem of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, is the Petronas Twin Towers along with the energetic and colorful street markets.
Of course, Penang, the food capital of Malaysia, is the place for a sumptuous array of delicacies at a great price. Nature lovers should make sure to include Borneo’s untouched rainforests and Langkawi’s sparkling beaches in their list. Malaysia is very much affordable for accommodations, convenient for public transportation and the people there are very hospitable which makes it an ideal place for budget travelers.
4. Colombia
- Flights: Start around $900 (round trip) in 25-31 hours
- Accommodation: $20 – $100 per night (depending on hotel)
- Food: Budget restaurants: ~$5 per meal Mid-range restaurants: ~$30 for a 3-course meal for two
Colombia, to be found in South America, is one of the places you can travel to if you are interested in culture, nature, and history. The South African nationals will be granted visa-free access for 90 days, which is more than enough time to go around this country that is full of different cultures. The buzzing capital of Bogota is a blend of the past and the present and, meanwhile, Cartagena, a pretty town that is full of colonial architecture and lovely coastal beaches, stands out with its stunning buildings and magnificent beaches.
The coffee region, the beautiful landscapes of the Tayrona National Park, and the archeological monuments of San Agustin are only some of the many great places to visit in Colombia. Cheap hostels and restaurants, coupled with friendly locals are what makes Colombia a budget-friendly South African travelers’ destination and at the same time a special and exciting one.
The Departure– Cheap Visa-free Countries for South Africa
Bearing in mind that visa requirements can create a lot of inconveniences and more financial strains, South African travelers can look at Mauritius, Thailand, Malaysia, or Colombia as attractive and budget-friendly destinations. From undisturbed beaches to the bright lights of a metropolis, these countries offer a wide array of experiences that at the same time provide affordability.
Discover one of the most stunning places on Earth, have an insight into local cultures, and create memories that will last a lifetime at an affordable cost. Be it a vacation you seek to unwind, a thrilling experience you want, or just want to immerse yourself in a culture, these visa-free destinations will quench your thirst for travel and even keep your expenditure down. Get your bags packed and get involved in the budget-guided travel to the listed thrilling places!
FAQs
What else should South African travelers consider regarding the travel documents they need to visit visa-free countries?
For most visa-free countries, a South African passport which is valid for 6 months is all you need. Nevertheless, the conditions for entering different countries can be different, so it is worth checking the entry requirements on the official sites of each country before the trip, including the documents proving the continuation of the trip and the availability of sufficient funds.
So, is it affordable to visit those visa-free destinations?
As such, these visa-free states have budget-friendly options for accommodation, food, and transport, which is highly beneficial. You can always get reasonably priced lodgings like guesthouses and hostels, you can also enjoy eating local street food as well as riding public transportation systems which are cheaper than taxis.
What problems may I run into when travelling to these visa-free countries and what can I do to make the most of my budget?
To stretch your budget as much as possible, prepare in advance, eat like a local, use public transport, make use of free or discounted activities, and keep insurance and other expenses like souvenirs in mind. Establishing a budget each day and recording your expenditures is a great way to keep you financially in check while also having a wonderful trip.