Access
Visa free
FStay 90 days
Policy · RussiaPassport Atlas
South Africa passport to Russia
Yes — South Africa passport holders can visit Russia without a visa for up to 90 days.
Snapshot 2026-10 · This week · Passport-index source
The other way
Visa free
FStay 90 days
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Key facts
- Russia lets 66 of 198 passports in without a prior visa — South Africa is one of them.
- South Africa passports get “Visa free” at 60 of 198 destinations.
- Travel is open both ways: Russia passports also enter South Africa without a prior visa.
Nearby passports travelling to Russia
Before you fly
- Remaining validityOften 6 months’ validity remaining
- Blank visa pagesAbout 2 blank visa pages
- Photo spec35 × 45 mm
Flight corridor
Connection likely
South AfricaRussia- Typical duration
- 13.7 hours
- From
- JNB · CPT · DUR
- To
- DME · SVO · LED
Usual hubs
United Arab Emirates · 14.9 hours
Qatar · 14.5 hours
Türkiye · 13.8 hours
Duration is a great-circle estimate between main airports. Direct corridors come from the OpenFlights public snapshot — check the carrier or Google Flights for times and prices.
South Africa
Country profile
Capital
Pretoria
Population
63.1 million
Area
1,219,912 km²
Currency
South African rand ZAR
Languages
English, Zulu, Afrikaans
Time zone
UTC+02:00
Foreign-born
2.6 million · 2024
Migrant share
4.1%
Ethnic groups · 2021
- Black African80.9%
- Colored8.8%
- White7.8%
- Indian/Asian2.6%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Russia
Country profile
Capital
Moscow
Population
146 million
Area
17,100,000 km²
Currency
Russian ruble RUB
Languages
Russian
Time zone
UTC+02:00–UTC+12:00
Foreign-born
7.6 million · 2024
Migrant share
5.3%
Ethnic groups · 2010
- Russian77.7%
- other10.2%
- unspecified3.9%
- Tatar3.7%
- Ukrainian1.4%
- Bashkir1.1%
- Other2%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Travel notes
Plug
Type C / Type F
Mains
230 V · 50 Hz
Driving
Right
Emergency
Police 102 · Ambulance 103
Dialing code
+7
Airports
DME · SVO · LED · VKO
Highlights
- Kremlin
- St. Basil's Cathedral
- Luzhniki Stadium
- Lenin's Mausoleum
- Veliky Ustyug
- Ostankino Tower
South Africa · Visa free
FAQ
Does a South Africa passport need a visa for Russia?
On the 2026-10 matrix the result is “Visa free”. typical stay 90 days. Rules change — check the carrier and mission before you fly.
How long can you stay?
The matrix records a typical stay of 90 days. The entry stamp, eTA or visa page is authoritative.
Passport validity and blank pages?
Russia typically wants about 6 months’ remaining validity and 2 blank visa pages. Photo spec is often 35 × 45 mm. Confirm with a Russia mission.
What about a Russia passport entering South Africa?
The reverse result is “Visa free”.
How do you apply for Russia as a visitor?
Unified eVisa：Often 16 days, single entry。Apply on the MFA eVisa site; enter via listed ports.