India vs South Africa passport: which is stronger?
The South Africa passport is stronger by 45 destinations. Here is the full side-by-side: visa-free, visa on arrival, eTA, e-visa and visa-required counts, mobility scores and what the gap means on a real trip.
KROSZ PASSPORT INDEX · UPDATED 17 OCT 2026Side by side
| Measure | India | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Rank (of 108) | #86 | #56 |
| No advance visa | 56 | 101 |
| Visa-free | 29 | 72 |
| Visa on arrival | 23 | 25 |
| eTA | 4 | 4 |
| e-Visa | 50 | 33 |
| Visa required | 143 | 115 |
| No admission | 1 | 1 |
| Mobility score /1000 | 440 | 600 |
| Continents reached (diversity) | 5 | 6 |
Access by entry type
Where the difference comes from
The biggest gap is in visa-free destinations: South Africa has 43 more than India.
Worked example: pick 20 destinations at random. An Indian passport holder would need an advance visa (e-visa or embassy) for about 15 of them; a South Africa passport holder for about 12.
Mobility score breakdown
Green: India (440/1000). Gold: South Africa (600/1000).
How many destinations the passport opens and how easily (visa-free counts most, then visa on arrival, eTA and e-visa).
How widely that access is spread across continents.
How many of the reachable destinations are large travel and business economies.
Whether access has been improving or narrowing recently.
How open the passport country is to visitors in return.
Indian passport
South Africa passport
Where Indians can go without a visa
Visa-free destinations for ordinary Indian passport holders.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Indian passport stronger than the South Africa passport?
No. The South Africa passport (#56) reaches 101 destinations without an advance visa, 45 more than the Indian passport (#86, 56).
Which passport has more visa-free destinations?
India: 29 fully visa-free. South Africa: 72. Counting visa on arrival and eTA as well: India 56, South Africa 101.
Which has the higher mobility score?
India scores 440/1000 and South Africa scores 600/1000. The score combines access, diversity, economic reach, trend and reciprocity.
How many destinations need an advance visa?
India: 143 need a visa from an embassy or visa centre and 50 take an online e-visa. South Africa: 115 and 33.
How is this comparison calculated?
Both passports are measured on the same Krosz dataset of 199 passports, updated 17 Oct 2026. Ranks are by destinations reachable without an advance visa; ties share a rank.
More passport comparisons
2026 comparison · data updated 17 Oct 2026