New Travel Reforms Amplify Tourism In South Africa

South Africa is opening its borders to welcome more travellers for tourism and business.

A country of outstanding diversity— from mystical safaris to vibrant cities— South Africa welcomes over 10 million international visitors across its borders every year, and they’ve just made it easier with new changes implemented within their travel regulations.

In total, 18 countries are part of the Visa Waiver Agreements that come in force today, including Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Sao Tome & Principe, Tunisia, Ghana, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, State of Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait, Belarus and Georgia, and Cuba.

These countries will not only benefit from seamless travel to the nation but will also receive a +1 in the Passport Index Global Mobility Score, increasing their Passport Power Rank.

Subsequently with the Welcoming Countries Score (WCS) that establishes the overall openness of the country, South Africa will gain +18 in its welcoming rank.

“The more visa waivers a country signs, the more open—or rather, welcoming— the country is,” said Armand Arton, Founder and President of Arton Capital.

Currently the top Welcoming Countries are 21 African nations, including the Ivory Coast, Bolivia, Ethiopia, and Cambodia. South Africa however ranks in 61st place with only 76 visa waivers— though the new changes will boost up South Africa’s ranking to 50th place.

According of the Passport Index, the South African passport power is ranked in 43rd place, with a Mobility Score of 100; essentially passport holders can visit 63 countries visa-free and 37 countries with a visa on arrival.

As one of the most sublime travel destinations in the region, passport holders travel across continents just for a taste of South African adventure, cuisine, nightlife, culture, and adventure. With the new changes implemented within the nation’s travel regulations, tourism is expected to continue its soar.

Does your passport allow you to visit South Africa visa-free? Let us know below!

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