SA Passport Ranks 44th Globally, Giving Access to Over 100 Destinations Without a Visa

• TikToker @ladysiza1 broke down the real power of the South African green passport in a 2026 explainer video
• The SA passport ranks around 44th globally, giving holders access to roughly 101 to 108 destinations without a traditional visa
• The video sparked conversation about where South Africans can actually travel and what documents they need before booking a flight

A TikTok creator is helping South Africans understand what their green passport can actually do in 2026. @ladysiza1 posted the explainer video on 23 September 2026, and it quickly got people talking about travel, visas, and passport power.

In the video, she breaks down the 2026 Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports annually based on how many destinations holders can access without arranging a visa in advance. According to her breakdown, the South African passport currently sits at around 44th in the world, giving holders access to roughly 101 to 108 destinations through a combination of visa-free entry, visa on arrival, electronic travel authorisations (ETAs), and e-visas.

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She was also careful to explain that "visa-free" does not mean the same thing across every country. Some destinations allow completely free entry. Others require travellers to obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. A growing number of countries now use ETA systems, where travellers simply register online before they fly. And some offer e-visas that can be processed entirely online without ever visiting an embassy.

Where the SA passport stands in 2026

The South African passport holds one of the stronger positions on the African continent, sitting behind only Seychelles and Mauritius regionally. It offers visa-free access to around 18 African countries and visa-on-arrival access to roughly 25 more. Major international destinations such as Brazil, Russia, and Ireland also fall within reach.

However, the picture changes significantly when it comes to Western nations. Visas for the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Schengen Area in Europe remain costly, time-consuming, and require pre-arrangement. These restrictions have, in part, been linked to historical concerns around document fraud and corruption within the South African Home Affairs system, which led several governments to tighten their entry requirements for South African travellers.

See the full clip below:

Creator promises a full travel series

TikToker @ladysiza1 told her viewers that this video is just the beginning. She plans to release a full series walking South Africans through exactly where they can travel and what they need before booking a flight.

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The comment section lit up with South Africans sharing their thoughts on the passport's standing and where they hoped to travel next.

@🍋LEMONS🍋 commented:

"Means nothing until we can travel the EU and UK without its meh."

@Flowergirl asked:

"Question is: Why is it to the most dangerous countries, though?"

@Mimie 🇿🇦 joked:

"At this point I need it to get me out of Israel, ASAP."

@linton shared:

"This is the first time this kind of content pops up on my fyp; it's a sign. I RECEIVE."

More on South African passport and travel rules

• Briefly News recently reported on what Australian permanent residents need to know before leaving the country, warning South Africans risk being stranded abroad.
• Thailand tightened its rules for South African travellers after visa-free stays were cut from 60 days to 30 days under new immigration regulations.
• A South African TikToker shared her excitement after revealing 9 Caribbean countries the green passport unlocks visa-free, including Jamaica and the Bahamas.

Source: Briefly News