South Africa has scrapped short-stay visas for holders of ordinary passports from Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, Latvia, Estonia and Croatia. Travellers from these countries can now visit visa-free for up to 90 days per visit for tourism, business meetings, or transit. The change was confirmed in a Department of Home Affairs circular dated 3 September 2025.

Who’s included?

• Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, Latvia, Estonia, Croatia — ordinary passport holders, visa-free up to 90 days per visit.
• National authorities and missions have begun sharing confirmations (e.g., Croatia’s MFA and the South African Embassy in Vienna for Slovenia).

This exemption is for short stays only. It does not cover employment, long-term study, or residency.

When does it apply?

Immediately upon issuance of the circular on 3 September 2025, missions were requested to notify counterparts via Notes Verbales for implementation. Always check with your airline and the nearest South African mission before travel.

Entry checklist (applies to all nationalities)

South African border officers and airlines typically expect:

• Passport validity: at least 30 days beyond your planned departure from South Africa.
• Blank pages: minimum two blank pages for entry/exit stamps.
• Onward/return ticket and proof of accommodation may be requested.
• Yellow fever certificate if arriving from (or transiting through) a yellow-fever-risk country. (Check your home country’s travel advice.)

South Africa’s new ETA (e-visa) system—will you need it?

South Africa is rolling out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to digitise the issuance of short-stay visas.

• Launch: phased rollout from September 2025.
• Who is it for? Initially, for nationalities that still need a visa (so not required for the six newly visa-exempt EU countries). Authorities have hinted at future phases; check official guidance before you fly.

How long can you stay?

• Up to 90 days per visit (the exact period is endorsed on arrival). Overstays can trigger bans, so track your dates carefully.

Practical tips for a smooth arrival

• Match your purpose: “Business” in South Africa means meetings/short consultations—no paid work. Get the correct visa if you plan to work or study.
• Kids & documents: South Africa eased past rules on extra birth-certificate paperwork, but airlines can still query custody/consent on occasion—carry supporting documents when traveling solo with minors. (Check your airline’s guidance.)
• Domestic connections: Leave enough layover time in Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) for immigration plus re-check if on separate tickets.
• Health & safety: Standard precautions apply; consult your home country’s travel advisory for vaccinations and area-specific guidance.

Bottom line

If you hold an ordinary passport from Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, Latvia, Estonia or Croatia, you can now enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days. Double-check entry documents (validity + blank pages), keep proof of onward travel, and watch for any ETA updates before departure.

Sources: DIRCO / SeeNews / http://www.gov.za