Embassy
Embassy of Ireland in South Africa
570 Fehrsen Street
South Africa visa requirements for Irish citizens
Irish citizens do not need a visa for South Africa. Show your passport at the border.
Passport
IRL
Ireland
Going to
ZAF
South Africa
No visa needed
People with eligible standard passports can visit without a visa for 90 days.
- Visa
- Not required
- Fee
- Free
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it.
Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
Note the maximum stay and count your days in South Africa.
Ways into South Africa
Your passport decides whether you need a visa before travel.
Visa not required For your passport90-day visa-free stayPeople with eligible standard passports can visit without a visa for 90 days.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Check that your passport and trip qualify.
- Show your passport and entry documents at the border.
Documents required
- Passport with 1 blank page
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of money for your stay
- Yellow fever proof if required
- These rules cover standard passports; other passport types have different rules.
- You cannot use an exemption that was withdrawn for you.
eTA requiredOnline travel approvalEligible visitors can apply online for electronic travel authorisation before flying.
- Fee
- Pay the amount shown online
- Processing
- 1 day
- Entries
- Multiple
How to apply
- Create an account at eta.dha.gov.za and check contact details.
- Scan your passport and answer the trip questions.
- Take a live photo of your face.
- Pay, submit and wait for approval.
- Travel with the passport linked to your approval.
Documents required
- Standard passport
- Passport image
- Live face photo
- Trip details
- Fingerprints
- Use O. R. Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka or Lanseria; work is not allowed.
- Check your approval for stay dates; the stated decision time is within 1 day.
eVisaOnline eVisaApply online if the ePermits system accepts your passport and visa type.
- Fee
- Amount shown during application
How to apply
- Check that ehome.dha.gov.za/epermit accepts your application.
- Fill in the form and provide requested documents.
- Pay and submit.
- Track the decision in your account.
- Print your approval and carry it with your passport.
Documents required
- Passport with 1 blank page
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of money for your stay
- Requested supporting documents
- Printed approval
- Yellow fever proof if required
- Check your visa for allowed stay, travel dates and number of entries.
- Application fees cannot be refunded after you submit.
Visa requiredTourist visaApply before travel if your tourist visit needs a visa.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Processing
- 10 days
How to apply
- Find the visa office that serves where you live.
- Check its document list and appointment rules.
- Submit your form, documents and any fee.
- Wait for your visa before buying flight tickets.
Documents required
- 2 blank pages
- Return ticket
- Hotel booking
- Yellow fever certificate if travelling through yellow fever areas. vaccine
- Your approved stay may be shorter than 90 days.
- Check the dates printed on your visa.
Sources (30)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Department of Home Affairs: exemption schedule dated 9 December 2025
- Department of Home Affairs: visas and temporary residence
- Border Management Authority: travel advisory; official search extract read, full page unavailable
- South African Government: apply for a visa
- South African High Commission, London: visa waivers; older list
- South African High Commission, New Delhi: immigration and visas
- South African Consulate-General, New York: visa checklists
- New York: tourist visa checklist, June 2026
- South African High Commission, Canberra: transit visas
- South African Embassy, Seoul: visa types and transit conditions
- Official Electronic Travel Authorisation portal
- Official ePermits portal
- Home Affairs: eVisa frequently asked questions
- Home Affairs: electronic travel authorisation launch, 12 August 2026
- Home Affairs: work visa points system, Notice 5448
- Home Affairs: medical-report waiver, July 2026
- South African Embassy, Washington: visa types
- Washington: business visa checklist
- Washington: study visa checklist
- Washington: general work checklist; read with later notices
- Washington: critical skills checklist; read with later notices
- Washington: intra-company transfer checklist
- Washington: short or urgent work authorisation
- New York: remote work visa, June 2026
- Washington: relative's visa checklist
- Washington: spousal visitor's visa
- New York: medical treatment visa
- Washington: retired person's visa
- Washington: exchange visa
- Washington: treaty visa
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Trips to South Africa
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Cape Town at Your PaceCape TownCape PeninsulaStellenboschFrom, per person~US$1,540
Cape Town and Safari DaysCape TownCape PeninsulaFranschhoekHoedspruitFrom, per person~US$3,030
Cape Vineyards and Coastal RomanceCape TownFranschhoekHermanusCape Town AirportFrom, per person~US$2,390
Coming from Ireland
- Plugs C M NAdapter needed
- MoneyZAR R
- Time+2h
- DrivingOn the leftSame as home
- LanguageAfrikaansSpoken at home too
- Emergency10 111 police10 177 ambulance
Planning your South Africa trip
- Addo Elephant National ParkSee wildlife, including red hartebeest.
- Ukhahlamba Drakensberg ParkVisit for mountain scenery and San rock paintings.
- National parks and nature reservesExplore wildlife and natural landscapes through public parks and reserves.
- TownshipsGuided visits offer a cultural experience; go with an experienced guide because safety varies.
Scams to watch for in South Africa
- Airport baggage theftThieves take valuables from checked luggage. They may have only a few seconds to open a bag and remove something.
- PickpocketingSomeone takes money, a phone or other small valuables from your pockets or bag without you noticing.
- Street robbery and robbery on walking trailsAn attacker threatens you and takes your belongings. Weapons may be involved. Robberies also occur on Table Mountain footpaths in Cape Town.
About South Africa
South Africa is a republic at the southern tip of Africa, with three separate national capitals.
- Capital
- Pretoria
- Money
- South African rand (R)
- Languages
- Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele
- Time zone
- UTC+02:00
- Cars drive on the
- left side
- Calling code
- +27
Other Europe passports
Going to South Africa
Easier trips nearby
Places close to South Africa with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do irish citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Irish citizens do not need a visa for South Africa. Show your passport at the border.
Do south african citizens need a visa for Ireland?
South African citizens need a visa for Ireland, from its embassy or consulate.
Do other Europe passports get easier entry to South Africa?
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria Croatia, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near South Africa are easier for irish citizens?
Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia Zimbabwe, and 3 more let irish citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to South Africa?
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it. Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
What money is used in South Africa?
South African rand (R). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in South Africa?
Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele Northern Sotho, and 7 more.
How strong is the Ireland passport?
It ranks #6 and reaches 156 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck