Do Mexico passport holders need a visa to visit South Africa?

Mexican ordinary passport holders need pre-authorization for South Africa: Mexico is NOT on South Africa's visa-exempt list. As of late 2025/early 2026 Mexico is one of the first four countries that can apply online for South Africa's eVisa / Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for tourism, valid for stays up to 90 days. South Africa does not grant visa-free entry to Mexican ordinary passport holders — Mexico is a visa-required nationality. Travelers have two routes. The traditional route is a Visitor's Visa applied for at the South African Embassy in Mexico City, which is issued free of charge to Mexicans (reciprocal arrangement) for stays up to 90 days, with processing of about 10 working days. The modern route, rolled out in phases from October 2025 and opened to Mexican ordinary passports in early 2026, is the online eVisa / Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — Mexico is one of the first four eligible countries (with China, India and Indonesia). The ETA is electronically linked to the passport, allows multiple entries, permits stays of up to 90 days, and is usually granted instantly or within 72 hours. Initially the eVisa/ETA is accepted at OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town and Lanseria international airports, with expansion to all airports and major land borders planned later in 2026. For a short tourist trip the eVisa/ETA is the recommended, fastest pathway. Carry proof of funds, a return ticket and accommodation, and ensure the passport is valid 30+ days beyond departure with blank pages.