South Africa Grants Visa-Free Access to Bulgaria, Lithuania and other East European Countries

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that travellers holding ordinary passports from Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia are now eligible for visa-free entry to South Africa for a period of up to 90 days. These three countries now join Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, Latvia, Estonia and Croatia who were granted visa-free access for 90 days on 27 August 2025.

This follows the publication of Government Notices, which amend the existing visa exemption list to include these East European countries.

Details of the Exemption

• The visa exemption applies to ordinary passport holders visiting South Africa for tourism, business meetings or family visits.

• The exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days per calendar year.

• It does not apply to travellers entering South Africa for employment or long-term residence.

Background

The addition of Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia expands South Africa’s list of countries whose citizens may enter the country without a visa for short stays. The decision forms part of ongoing efforts by government to facilitate ease of travel and strengthen international cooperation.

Official Notices

Copies of the official circulars issued by the Department of Home Affairs are available here for download. These notices confirm the visa exemption for ordinary passport holders from each respective country. You can also download the circulars for Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, Latvia, Estonia and Croatia here.

You can access a list of all visa-exempt countries to South Africa here. 

Inbound operators, destination management companies and accommodation providers are encouraged to note this update when engaging with trade partners and clients in these markets.