South Africa Opens Visa-Free Access to Lithuanian Citizens

According to a decision made by the South African Department of Home Affairs, citizens of Lithuania can now visit South Africa without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. The new policy took effect on October 7, 2025, and applies to all holders of Lithuanian passports traveling for short-term visits.

This change means Lithuanian travelers will no longer need to apply through the RSA e-visa system or send documents to the South African Embassy in Stockholm. The decision marks a major shift in travel procedures and removes a key administrative barrier for Lithuanian citizens visiting South Africa.

On October 15, Lithuania’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Audra Plepytė, met with South African Ambassador Zenani Nosizwe Dlamini, who represents South Africa in Lithuania while residing in Sweden. During the meeting, the Vice-Minister emphasized the importance of South Africa’s decision to include Lithuania in its visa-free list and highlighted its value in deepening bilateral ties.

Lithuania’s Ambassador to South Africa, Rasa Jankauskaitė, described the visa waiver as a major diplomatic accomplishment. She emphasized that it reflects years of joint efforts to create more open and accessible channels between the two countries. 

According to Jankauskaitė, the visa-free arrangement will help Lithuanian citizens explore South Africa’s diverse environment, rich culture, and business landscape. She also expressed optimism that this policy will lead to stronger tourism flows and deeper economic engagement.

The new travel arrangement complements previous agreements already in place. Since December 14, 2022, a visa exemption has existed for diplomatic and service passport holders. Additionally, Lithuania was added to South Africa’s e-visa program on May 1, 2023.

Diplomatic relations between Lithuania and South Africa were established on November 20, 1991. The launch of visa-free access for Lithuanian citizens is seen by both governments as a meaningful development in that ongoing relationship.