South African Embassies & High Commissions in Africa 2026
South Africa maintains one of the largest diplomatic networks on the African continent, with embassies and high commissions in over 40 countries. These missions provide consular services to South African citizens, facilitate trade and investment, and promote the country’s foreign policy objectives across the continent.
About SA Diplomatic Missions in Africa
Consular Services
SA missions across Africa process passport renewals, emergency travel certificates, birth registrations, notarial services, and citizenship applications. Most missions also handle Smart ID card applications via Live Capture where available.
Trade & Investment
South Africa is the largest economy in Africa and maintains active trade relationships across the continent. Missions assist SA businesses expanding into African markets and facilitate trade enquiries through DIRCO’s economic diplomacy programme.
SADC & AU Relations
As a key SADC and African Union member, South Africa’s missions in Africa play a central role in regional integration, peacekeeping, and continental governance. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has increased diplomatic activity.
Visa-Free Travel in Africa for SA Passport Holders
South African passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many African countries, particularly within the SADC region:
Visa-Free (SADC)
- Botswana (90 days)
- Lesotho (no limit)
- Eswatini (30 days)
- Mozambique (30 days)
- Namibia (90 days)
- Zambia (90 days)
- Zimbabwe (90 days)
- Malawi (30 days)
- Tanzania (90 days)
Visa-Free (Other)
- Kenya (90 days)
- Mauritius (90 days)
- Tunisia (90 days)
- Morocco (90 days)
- Rwanda (30 days)
- Senegal (90 days)
- Uganda (90 days)
Visa on Arrival
- Madagascar
- Comoros
- Cape Verde
- Guinea-Bissau
- Seychelles
- Somalia (selected ports)
Always confirm current visa requirements with the destination country’s embassy before travel. Requirements change regularly.
Browse by Region
Nigeria
No. D41004 European Union Crescent, Diplomatic Zone, Central Business District, Abuja
Nigeria
5 Oju Olobun Close, off Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Kenya
182 Runda Drive, Runda, Nairobi
Zimbabwe
7 Elcombe Road, Belgravia, Harare
Mozambique
Avenida Eduardo Mondlane 41, Caixa Postal 1120, Maputo
Namibia
RSA House, Cnr Nelson Mandela Avenue and Jan Jonker Street, Windhoek
Ethiopia
Nafisilk Lafto, Subcity, Kebele 03, South Africa Avenue, Addis Ababa
Ghana
No. 5 Tafawa Balewa Close, North Ridge, Accra
Tanzania
Plot 218/50, Cnr Garden Avenue & Shabani Robert Road, Ilala District, Dar es Salaam
Uganda
15A Nakasero Road, Kampala
Zambia
26D Cheetah Road, Kabulonga, Lusaka
Botswana
29 Queens Road, The Mall, Gaborone
Democratic Republic of Congo
17 Avenue Pumbu, Commune de la Gombe, Kinshasa
Angola
Rua Manuel Fernandes Caldeira No 6, Luanda
Senegal
Rue Aime Cesaire x Leon Gontran Damas, Fann Residence, Dakar
Eswatini
The New Mall, 2nd Floor, Mbabane
Lesotho
Private Bag A266, 10th Floor, Lesotho Bank Centre, Kingsway, Maseru
Emergency Assistance in Africa
DIRCO 24-Hour Emergency Line
For urgent consular assistance outside office hours anywhere in Africa:
Phone: +27 12 351 1000 | Email: consular.emergencies@dirco.gov.za
Common Emergencies in Africa
- Lost passport: Contact the nearest SA mission for an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC)
- Medical emergency: Contact your travel insurer and the nearest SA mission for hospital referrals
- Arrest or detention: You have the right to consular access -- contact DIRCO immediately
- Civil unrest or natural disaster: Register with the nearest SA mission; DIRCO coordinates evacuations
- Death of SA citizen: The mission assists with death registration and repatriation of remains
Travel Tips for SA Citizens in Africa
- Carry a certified copy of your passport separately from the original
- Register your travel with DIRCO’s Registration of South Africans Abroad (ROSA) system
- Check yellow fever vaccination requirements -- many African countries require proof of vaccination
- Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation -- healthcare facilities vary widely across the continent
- Confirm visa requirements before travel, even for SADC countries, as rules can change
- Keep digital copies of all important documents in cloud storage
- Save the DIRCO emergency number (+27 12 351 1000) in your phone before travelling