Southern Africa · IE passport
Do Irish citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Entry rules change often. We checked these on 27 October 2026 against the sources below. Confirm with the embassy before you book.
No. Irish citizens can visit South Africa without a visa for tourism, for up to 90 days.
Your passport needs at least two blank pages, or you may be refused entry.
At a glance
- Visa required
- No
- Type
- Visa-free
- Fee
- None
- Stay
- Up to 90 days
- Yellow fever
- If arriving from a risk country
- Arrive at
- JNB · CPT · DUR
Entering South Africa without a visa
- Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after arrival and has a blank page for the entry stamp.
- Carry proof of onward travel and your accommodation address, as border officers may ask for them.
- Get your entry stamp at passport control (up to 90 days).
Most African countries treat all EU passports the same way, but some do not (Mozambique and Rwanda, for example). This page uses the rule for Ireland.
Health requirements
Yellow fever. A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from, or have transited through, a country with yellow fever risk.
Malaria. Malaria is present in some regions. Check your route with a travel clinic.
Book a travel clinic visit 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines, including yellow fever, must be given at least 10 days before you arrive.
Travel advice for Irish travellers
Your own government publishes safety advice and emergency contacts for South Africa. Check it before you book and register your trip if your country offers that service: Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland (travel advice).
More entry rules for your passport: all 54 countries, visa-free countries, eVisa countries and visa on arrival countries.
On arrival in South Africa
- Capital
- Pretoria
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR)
- Languages
- English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
- Plugs
- Type M, N, C
- Best time
- May to September for safari, November to March for the Cape
- Airports
- Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), Durban (DUR)
Frequently asked questions
Do Irish citizens need a visa for South Africa?
No. Irish citizens can visit South Africa without a visa for tourism, for up to 90 days.
How long can Irish citizens stay in South Africa?
Up to 90 days for tourism. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for South Africa?
A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from, or have transited through, a country with yellow fever risk.
How much does the South Africa visa cost for Irish passport holders?
There is no visa fee for tourist stays.
Which airports do flights to South Africa arrive at?
Most international flights land at Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), Durban (DUR).
Sources
- Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland (travel advice)
- WHO: Yellow fever vaccination requirements, country list
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for German citizens (EU reference)
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for British citizens
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for United States citizens
Spotted a rule that has changed? Email hello@bemba.com with a link to the source.