5 stunning Oceania countries to visit visa-free

The updated Henley & Partners Passport Index for 2024 lists 10 Oceania countries that South African passport holders can visit without needing a visa.

If you plan on visiting anytime soon, here are five Oceania islands you really need to check out…

Here are five countries for visa-free travel.

1. Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are situated in the central South Pacific, northeast of New Zealand, between French Polynesia and American Samoa. The islands are known for their incredible natural beauty, including lush tropical landscapes, coral reefs, and crystal-clear lagoons.

Rarotonga, the largest and most populous island in the Cook Islands, is a popular tourist destination. Aitutaki, another picturesque island, is known for its stunning lagoon. Visitors can enjoy water activities, traditional dance performances, and explore the vibrant marine life.

2. Fiji

Fiji is a tropical paradise located in the South Pacific Ocean, consisting of 333 islands, each with its own unique charm.

Fiji boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, with soft white sands and clear turquoise waters. Popular beach destinations include Natadola Beach, Yasawa Islands, and the Mamanuca Islands.

3. Samoa

Incredible Samoa is famed for its intense natural beauty, vibrant Polynesian culture, and warm hospitality.

Samoa boasts lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. The To Sua Ocean Trench a natural wonder in Samoa, is a massive swimming hole with a deep, clear pool set in a volcanic crater, connected to the ocean by an underwater cave. A must-visit.

4. Palau Islands

Palau is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, often considered among the best in the world. The marine biodiversity is exceptional, with a vast array of colourful fish, sharks, rays, and other underwater species.

One of Palau’s most iconic attractions is Jellyfish Lake, where visitors can swim among millions of harmless golden jellyfish. The lake is a must-visit for its unique ecosystem and the surreal experience of swimming with these jellyfish.

5. Vanuatu

Vanuatu is also known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and abundance of marine life.

The country is home to a rich cultural heritage with over 80 distinct indigenous languages and a variety of traditional customs. The locals offer warm hospitality, and visitors have the opportunity to engage in cultural events, traditional ceremonies, and experience local village life.