South Africa visa for Irish citizens

As an Ireland passport holder, you'll be pleased to know that travel to South Africa is visa-free for short tourist stays, allowing you to enjoy up to 90 days exploring the diverse landscapes. While no visa is required for this duration, it's worth noting that you'll find readily available flights from major Irish airports to hubs like Johannesburg and Cape Town, though consider the significant time difference of GMT+2. Familiarize yourself with the South African Rand (ZAR) before your trip, and be aware that the peak travel seasons from December to February can mean higher flight prices, so planning ahead is advisable.

Visa-free· verified 2026-05-27

Entry requirements

Passport validity
1+ months
Blank pages
1+
Health insurance
Not required
Yellow fever cert.
Required
Biometrics
Required

Visa options

TouristVisitor's Visa (Less than 90 days)
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
OtherVisitor's Visa (more than 90 days)
Apply
WorkVisitor's Visa (Section 11(2) – Short Term Work)
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
Digital NomadVisitor's Visa (Remote Work)
365dvalid 1y
Apply
FamilyVisitor's Visa (Spousal) – Section 11(6)
Apply
TransitTransit Visa
Apply
StudentStudy Visa
multiple-entry
Apply
OtherTreaty Visa
Apply
FamilyRelative’s Visa
multiple-entry
Apply
MedicalMedical Visa
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
RetirementRetired Person’s Visa
multiple-entry
Apply
InvestorBusiness Visa
multiple-entry
Apply
WorkGeneral Work Visa
multiple-entry
Apply
WorkIntra-Company Transfer Work Visa
multiple-entry
Apply
WorkCritical Skills Work Visa
multiple-entry
Apply
WorkCorporate Visa
multiple-entry
Apply
Working HolidayExchange Visa
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
OtherPermanent Residence Permit
0dmultiple-entryvalid 0d
Apply
TouristPort of Entry Visa (Visa-required nationals)
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
TouristVisa Exemption (Port of Entry admission, 90 days)
90d$0valid 0d
TouristVisa Exemption (Port of Entry admission, 30 days)
30d$0valid 0d
TouristSouth Africa eVisa
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
TouristVisitor's Visa (Tourism or Business)
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
MedicalVisa for people requiring medical attention
Apply
OtherVisas for working in the entertainment industry
Apply
BusinessVisas for attending a conference
Apply
OtherVisas for compliance with Treaty conditions
Apply
WorkVisas for crew (maritime)
Apply
Working HolidayVisas for cultural/economic/social exchange programmes
Apply
TransitTransit visas (foreigners en route to the neighbouring countries)
Apply
BusinessBusiness Visa
Apply
WorkGeneral Work Visa
Apply
WorkCritical Skills Work Visa
Apply
WorkIntra-company Transfer Work Visa
Apply
WorkCorporate Visas
Apply
StudentStudy Visas
Apply
Working HolidayExchange Visas
Apply
TouristSouth African visitors' visas
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
MedicalVisas for medical treatment
Apply
RetirementRetired person's visas
Apply
FamilyRelative's visa
Apply

Sources