Zambia Airways tightens Johannesburg travel rules: Return or onward ticket now mandatory!

Travellers planning to fly from Zambia to South Africa should take note of new entry requirements recently introduced by Zambia Airways. The national carrier has implemented a mandatory return or onward ticket policy for all passengers travelling between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. The rule, effective 14 October 2025, aims to ensure smoother immigration clearance and compliance with South African entry regulations.

Zambia Airways confirmed that the directive applies to all foreign nationals, while South African citizens are exempt. Passengers without a valid return or onward ticket will not be accepted for travel, as the new rule will be strictly enforced at check-in.

According to the airline, the decision follows a spike in incidents where passengers were denied entry by South African immigration authorities upon arrival in Johannesburg for failing to show proof of onward travel or sufficient funds for their stay. When such passengers are declared inadmissible, airlines are financially liable for repatriation and related costs. This policy aims to reduce these occurrences and safeguard the airline from operational and financial risk.

Key details of the new enforcement policy

• Who is affected: All non–South African nationals travelling to Johannesburg on Zambia Airways flights.
• Proof required: A valid return or onward ticket must be presented at the point of check-in.
• For one-way ticket holders:
• Travellers intending to return by road must demonstrate the ability to purchase a return ticket if entry is denied.
• Passengers must accept full financial responsibility for any costs associated with being declared inadmissible (INAD), including repatriation and holding facility charges.
• An indemnity form must be signed before departure, acknowledging these terms.

Zambia Airways has emphasised that failure to comply will result in denied boarding.

This measure reinforces the airline’s efforts to align with South African immigration protocols and ensure a hassle-free travel experience between Lusaka and Johannesburg. Passengers are advised to check all entry and documentation requirements before their trip to avoid disruption.

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Lithuania joins South Africa’s visa-free list: Lithuanian travellers can now visit visa-free for up to 90 days!

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania has announced that, effective 07 October 2025, Lithuanian citizens can now travel to South Africa without a visa. Under the new policy introduced by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, Lithuanian passport holders may enter the country for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, making it easier than ever to explore one of Africa’s most diverse travel destinations.

According to Audra Plepyt, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, “this long-awaited decision opens up new opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties, promote tourism, cultural exchanges, academic cooperation, and business contacts between Lithuania and the Republic of South Africa.”

The new visa exemption for Lithuanian travellers to South Africa is expected to boost visitor arrivals, encourage investment, and foster closer cooperation between the two nations. South Africa now joins the growing list of non-EU countries granting visa-free access to Lithuanian citizens.

However, the agreement is not reciprocal. South African passport holders are still required to apply for a Schengen visa when travelling to Lithuania or other countries in the Schengen Area.

While South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has not yet updated its official “Visa Exempt Countries” list to reflect the newest changes, a formal government circular dated 03 September 2025 confirms that Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, Latvia, Estonia, and Croatia have also been added to South Africa's visa-free list for holders of ordinary passports. The update has been communicated through South African diplomatic missions in Europe, and several embassies have already published the exemption details on their official websites. Although the change may not yet appear on the Department’s public listings, it is considered official and effective, marking another step in South Africa's ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with EU member states and boost tourism for European travellers.

 South Africa opens visa-free entry for Estonian travellers! [update] >>

 

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South Africa opens visa-free entry for Estonian travellers! [update]

update (02 October 2025): Many news outlets report that South Africa and Estonia  have “signed a visa-waiver agreement” enabling 90-day visa-free entry in both directions. However, according to BusinessTech, the Estonian foreign ministry clarified that South African citizens still require a Schengen visa to visit Estonia, and hence the arrangement is not reciprocal. 

Great news for Estonian travellers! The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially confirmed that, effective 01 September 2025, Estonian passport holders may now visit South Africa visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. This development opens the door for Estonians to easily explore South Africa's world-famous attractions — from Kruger National Park and the Cape Winelands to vibrant cities like Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg — without the hassle of applying for a visa in advance.
The visa-free arrangement highlights the strengthening ties between Estonia and South Africa, supporting tourism, cultural exchange, and business opportunities. However, it is important to note that there is currently no official confirmation from the South African government that this is a reciprocal agreement.

South Africa remains one of Africa’s premier tourism destinations, offering an incredible mix of safari adventures, beach escapes, wine country experiences, and cosmopolitan city life. With the new visa exemption, Estonian travellers can plan longer stays, self-drive itineraries, and multi-city tours with greater flexibility.

Visitors should still ensure their passports are valid for at least 30 days beyond their intended departure date and have at least two blank pages available for entry stamps. For the latest entry requirements, Estonians can consult South Africa's Department of Home Affairs.

 

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