Latest travel index shows SA passport stronger than many think

South Africans may be more travel-ready than they realise.

The latest Henley Passport Index shows that holders of a South African passport can travel visa-free or with simple e-visas to large parts of Africa, South America, Asia and the Middle East, opening the door to far more spontaneous travel than many assume.

"There are many options," explains travel journalist Andrew Thompson.

Europe remains the biggest hurdle, with most destinations still demanding lengthy applications, a reality that often shapes how South Africans judge the strength of their passport.

But Thompson believes this focus on Europe hides exciting alternatives.

From Georgia’s wine regions to Iran’s history and Venezuela’s wildlife, he says many rewarding destinations are being overlooked simply because they fall outside the usual travel brochures.

"We'd be surprised how many of the destinations that are hiding really beautiful attractions or things that we may not know are actually visa-free or very easy to get into."

The index, Thompson argues, is an invitation to rethink where South Africans choose to explore.

Click here for the full list of 101 visa-free destinations.

To listen to Thompson in conversation with CapeTalk's John Maytham, use the audio player below: