For globetrotters, collecting visa stamps is a badge of honor. Each stamp represents a new adventure and a new story. When traveling internationally, most countries require passport holders to have at least one blank visa page in your passport. However, some countries might require two blank pages or more.
It’s important to understand the blank visa page requirements to avoid uncertainty when traveling internationally. Visa pages in a passport are designated for stamps from entry and exit points as well as for visas issued by various countries. These pages fill up quickly, especially for frequent travelers.
How many blank visa pages do I need to travel? - Q&A
Different countries have different requirements for the number of blank pages you need. How many pages you need is dependent on the country and its important to always have enough room for all of the passport stamps you might need for upcoming travel. When no need extra pages, you must renew and get a new passport.
Where visa-free access is permitted, such access is not necessarily a right, and admission is at the discretion of border enforcement officers.
Note: Some countries may deny entry when your passport contains stamps from specific nations. For example, when you have a stamp or visa from Israel, you might not be allowed entry to Lebanon.
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Specific Entry Requirements for South African Citizens
South African citizens enjoy various entry conditions depending on the country they plan to visit. Here are some examples:
- New Zealand: Indefinite stay is permitted for Australian citizens and permanent residents. As of 1 October 2019, Australian Permanent Residents need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) if they wish to enter New Zealand.
- European Union: South African Citizens who are travelling with or joining their EU family members in the European Union in a Country other than where their family member is a citizen of does not require a Visa to enter and enjoy the same entry rights and stay.
- United Kingdom: European Union citizens and their South African family members will need to apply for settled or pre-settled status if they wish continue residing in the UK after 31 December 2020.
Many countries have entry restrictions on foreigners that go beyond the common requirement of having either a valid visa or a visa exemption. However many countries and groupings now require only an identity card - especially from their neighbours.
Several countries mandate that all travellers, or all foreign travellers, be fingerprinted on arrival and will refuse admission to or even arrest travellers who refuse to comply. Many countries also require a photo be taken of people entering the country.
To circumvent this Arab League boycott of Israel, the Israeli immigration services have now mostly ceased to stamp foreign nationals' passports on either entry to or exit from Israel (unless the entry is for some work-related purposes). Since 15 January 2013, Israel no longer stamps foreign passports at Ben Gurion Airport.
The government of a country can declare a diplomat persona non grata, banning them from entering the country or expelling them if they have already entered.
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Visa and Entry Requirements: Quick Reference Table
Below is a table summarizing visa and entry requirements for various countries. Please note that these requirements can change, so it's essential to verify with the embassy or consulate of the destination country before traveling.
| Country | Visa Requirement | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | NZeTA for Australian Permanent Residents | Apply online before travel. |
| European Union | Visa-free for family members of EU citizens | Traveling with or joining EU family members. |
| United Kingdom | Settled or Pre-Settled Status | For EU citizens and their family members residing in the UK after 31 December 2020. |
Additional Considerations
- Second Valid Passport: Did you know that under certain circumstances, U.S. citizens can apply for a second valid passport? The U.S. State Department may issue you a second passport.
- Tip: Always check the U.S. Department of State International Travel Information for the most up-to-date details.
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