International Flights from South Africa

The most popular international flights from South Africa go to Dubai, Mauritius and Zanzibar. Mauritius is visa-free for SA passports, Zanzibar is visa-on-arrival, and Dubai needs an e-visa. Compare live fares below, then book through our trusted partner.

Dubai vs Mauritius vs Zanzibar — which suits South Africans?

These three are the headline long-haul leisure destinations for South African travellers. They sit at very different price points, visa rules and travel styles. Here is how they compare for a typical departure from Johannesburg.

*Indicative economy return fares per person, 2026 — actual prices vary by date, demand, airline and how far ahead you book. Always check live prices in the search above.

Flights to Dubai from South Africa 🇦🇪

Dubai is the top long-haul city break for South Africans, with direct services from Joburg and Cape Town in around eight hours on Emirates and flydubai. Note that SA passport holders must arrange a UAE tourist e-visa before travelling — many travel agents bundle it with the booking. Choose the cooler November–March window to avoid peak summer heat.

Flights to Mauritius from South Africa 🇲🇺

Mauritius is the easiest Indian Ocean escape for South Africans — visa-free for up to 90 days and just four hours from Joburg on Air Mauritius and Airlink. It's a favourite for honeymoons and family beach holidays. The dry, cooler season from May to December is the sweet spot for weather and value.

Flights to Zanzibar from South Africa 🇹🇿

Zanzibar is the value pick for spice-island beaches and diving, reachable in around three and a half hours from Joburg. South Africans get a visa on arrival (or e-visa) for roughly US$50. The June–October dry season is ideal, with a second clear window from December to February.

Regional & African routes (all visa-free for SA) 🌍

For short hops, South Africa's SADC neighbours are visa-free and quick. Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe are all easy weekend or bush-break options — no visa admin, just your passport and onward proof. Victoria Falls and Livingstone share the same waterfall from either side of the Zambezi.

When to book international flights from South Africa

International fares from SA swing hard with the local calendar. The December festive season and the school-holiday weeks are the most expensive — Joburg–Dubai and the Indian Ocean islands can nearly double. The cheapest windows are February to May and September to early November, when demand drops but the weather at most beach destinations still holds.

For long-haul routes, booking six to twelve weeks ahead usually beats both last-minute and very-early fares. Flying midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and avoiding the Friday-out, Sunday-back pattern shaves more off. Set a price alert and pounce when a fare dips — long-haul prices move daily.

Stretching the rand abroad

The exchange rate decides how far your holiday budget really goes. Zanzibar and Mauritius give South Africans strong on-the-ground value, while Dubai is pricier once you land. If you're weighing where the rand goes furthest, our rand value travel guide breaks down real spending power across popular destinations.

Visa admin before you fly

Sort visas before you book non-refundable flights. Mauritius and all the SADC regional routes above are visa-free for South African passports. Zanzibar issues a visa on arrival or e-visa. Dubai and Türkiye both need an e-visa arranged in advance — see our Turkey e-visa guide for South Africans and the full visa-free destinations list to plan around the paperwork.

Buy now, pay later for international flights

Long-haul tickets are a big once-off hit, so many South Africans split the cost over a few months. Several local agents and BNPL providers offer instalment options on international fares — just compare the all-in cost including any fees. Our buy now, pay later flights guide covers how it works and what to watch for.

International flights FAQ