Visas are a hassle! Not only do they add extra, unwanted costs to your holiday but they can add a whole heap of stress too as you prepare all those required documents and wait to hear if your visa has been approved. And it’s not just those with a South African passport that have to worry about visas anymore, many destinations around the world are constantly changing their policies when it comes to visas, making travel more difficult and infinitely more expensive.

That’s why here at The Holiday Factory we work solely with visa-free destinations, so you are not only guaranteed a holiday where you can put your feet up poolside, but one that is relaxing every step of the way from when you make the booking to arriving back in South Africa.

Here are our pick of the best visa-free travel locations for South African passport holders:

Thailand

South Africans do not require visas for Thailand for single stays of up to 90 days but ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. With some of the world’s most-enviable beaches and a myriad of off shore islands, the options are endless when it comes to Thailand and here at the Holiday Factory we only use the best of the best luxury hotels ensuring a filled with watersports, hammocks, great food, delicious cocktails and sunset strolls along the water’s edge. Whether you’re looking for a vibey getaway or a more serene experience, we have a hotel for you.

Mauritius

A South African favourite, Mauritius can easily be reached via direct flight from Johannesburg and now (from November 2022) direct flights from Cape Town are back on the cards too. No visa is required for Mauritius With beautiful beaches, temples, lagoons, rainforests, reefs, waterfalls, shopping, and dining, Mauritius is endlessly beautiful and offers something for everyone. From scuba diving and snorkelling to sailing and deep sea fishing, or water-skiing and parasailing, kite surfing and yoga, quad biking and horse riding – you name it, Mauritius has got it all.

Maldives

No pre-arrival visa is required to visit the Maldives. All nationalities receive a 30 day visa on arrival. The country is made up of more than 1000 islands, each one more beautiful than the next, and holidays here are a awash with blue skies, clear lagoons, moonlit nights, powdery white beaches, and pretty much perfect weather. All of the resorts in our portfolio are located on their own private islands, making their beaches idyllically crowd-free. They provide a slice of heaven where you can relax with a cocktail, dive into the spectacular ocean, be pampered at the spa, or enjoy some water sports. Maldives is barefoot luxury at its best.

Seychelles

South Africans do not need a visa for stays in the Seychelles shorter than three months. Here one hundred and fifteen coral and granite islands rise up out of the azure Indian Ocean to create the ultimate tropical paradise. Visitors can expect a string of beautiful with sparkling white sandy beaches and coral reefs bustling with sea life. Each of the Seychelles islands has a completely unique flora and fauna, while the mountains are lush and green, offering picturesque landscapes everywhere you turn.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an island off the coast of Tanzania, a country which offers visa-free travel for South Africans for up to 90 days and is the ultimate beach holiday destination in East Africa. Zanzibar and its sister island, Pemba offer the ultimate beach holiday in East Africa. This is a great affordable escape – classic tropical beaches, lush plantations, an incredible history and a fascinating culture. Relax on the palm-fringed beaches, snorkel the pristine coral reefs, or explore historic Stone Town, with its labyrinth of narrow streets.

What are you waiting for? Give us a call on 011 233 2300 or email info@theholidayfactory.co.za to book your visa-free holiday today.