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Vietnam visa for South Africa citizens

Contents [show]
  1. Visa requirements
  2. How to apply
  3. Embassy and Consulate of Vietnam in South Africa
  4. Vietnam Visa fees for ZA residents
  5. Today's holidays in South Africa
  6. Information for ZA passports traveling to Vietnam
    1. Do South African citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
    2. How to apply for a Vietnamese visa on a South African passport
      1. Visa at the Vietnam Embassy in South Africa
      2. Apply for a visa on arrival
    3. How much is the visa fee for South African passports?
    4. Travel tips for South African nationals visiting Vietnam
      1. How to get there
      2. Weather information

As of 2024, South African citizens require a valid visa to enter Vietnam and are eligible for the 90 day E-visa (single/multiple entry). The following documents are required:

  • South African passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date.
  • Passport has at least 2 blank visa pages.

Visa requirements

Type of visa Requirements Maximum stay
Tourist visa Visa required N/A
E-visa Eligible 90 days

How to apply

If you're traveling to Vietnam from South Africa, you can choose one of the following methods to secure a visa.

  • e-Visa
  • Visa on arrival
  • Visa at embassy

Embassy and Consulate of Vietnam in South Africa

City Address
Pretoria 87 Brooks Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, Republic Of South Africa.
Close now

Vietnam visa fees for ZA residents

Visa types Standard processing (5-7 working days) Urgent processing (2 working days)
1 Month Multiple Entry (Tourism) 1,463 ZAR 2,104 ZAR
3 Month Multiple Entry (Tourism) 1,463 ZAR 2,104 ZAR
3 Month Single Entry (Tourism) 1,006 ZAR 1,646 ZAR
1 Month Single Entry (Tourism) 1,006 ZAR 1,646 ZAR

Standard Processing time: e-Visa will be processed by 13:30 December 23, 2024 (Local Nelspruit time).

Today's holidays in South Africa

  • There are no national holidays being observed in the South Africa today (Thursday, December 12, 2024).
  • The upcoming public holiday is Day of Reconciliation, which will occur in 3 days, 7 hours from now.

Holidays are calculated using the local time in Pretoria.

Information for ZA passports traveling to Vietnam

Do South African citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

Hoi An is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam ( Photo: Shutterstock)

As a South African citizen, you NEED a valid visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, and other purposes. There are two ways to obtain a visa for Vietnam including getting in person at Vietnam Embassy in South Africa and applying for a visa on arrival.

South African passport holders are currently eligible for the Vietnam e-visa scheme.

How to apply for a Vietnamese visa on a South African passport

Visa at the Vietnam Embassy in South Africa

To obtain a Vietnam visa in person, you can contact Vietnam Embassy in South Africa directly and complete necessary requirements. If you are residing outside South Africa, you can contact the local embassy or consulate where you are living.

Apply for a visa on arrival

South Africans are eligible for a visa on arrival at any of Vietnam's international airports. It is required to obtain a visa approval letter prior to your arrival in Vietnam and present it to immigration officials to get your visa stamped.

How much is the visa fee for South African passports?

Visa on arrival
  • Approval letter fee: depending on types of visa and stay durations
  • Stamping fee:
    • Single entry: 25 USD ~ 453 ZAR
    • Multiple entry: 50 USD ~ 907 ZAR

Travel tips for South African nationals visiting Vietnam

How to get there

Connecting flights between South Africa and Vietnam are available with at least one or more transit. Popular international airlines providing flights between the two countries are Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, and Airlink.

Cape Town - Ho Chi Minh City

Route

Airlines

Estimated prices (per person/ one way)

Cape Town - Ho Chi Minh City

Qatar Airways

12040 ZAR

Cape Town - Ho Chi Minh City

Emirates Airlines

13353 ZAR

Johannesburg - Ho Chi Minh City

Route

Airlines

Estimated prices (per person/ one way)

Johannesburg - Ho Chi Minh City

Qatar Airways

10188 ZAR

Johannesburg - Ho Chi Minh City

Emirates Airlines

11809 ZAR

Bloemfontein - Ho Chi Minh City 

Route

Airlines

Estimated prices (per person/ one way)

Bloemfontein - Ho Chi Minh City 

Airlink + Emirates Airlines

12889 ZAR

Bloemfontein - Ho Chi Minh City 

Airlink + Qatar Airways

12658 ZAR

Weather information

  • Climate: While Vietnam typically features tropical monsoon climate, South Africa experiences varied climate because of its diverse geography. The eastern and southern parts of the country have a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers, and mild winters, while the western parts have a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.
  • Temperature: The average temperature in Vietnam varies from 22°C (71.6°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), this figure for South Africa ranges from 15°C (59°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
  • Weather: During the rainy season, heavy rain and occasional storms often occur in Vietnam while in South Africa, there are thunderstorms and occasional heatwaves in summer and coldness in winter.
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Questions and Answers (18)

Ask your question
Contact Information
Q
AILSA LEITCH
South Africa

Hi, I am struggling to pay for my e-visa application, the website says i have the incorrect payment details and need to recreate a profile but i cant seem to do that either? I have tried emailing and phoning the embassy but unsuccessfully. Any suggestions? Are there banking details that I can just do an EFT to?

Reply
Your Reply
No more than 2,000 characters, please.
A Answered by Lan

@AILSA LEITCH, unfortunately, we are unable to assist with the payment inquiry on the official website. Since bank transfer is not available, we suggest asking a friend or family member to pay for your visa application on your behalf. Additionally, please check with your bank to see to make sure that your card is not blocking payments from Vietnam.

2 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
shannon
Australia

Hi I'm travelling to Ho Chi Minh City next year on my SA passport from Melbourne, Australia. How do i apply for a visa for a 2 week trip?

Reply
Your Reply
No more than 2,000 characters, please.
A Answered by Lan

@Shannon, you can apply for an e-visa with your SA passport. Below is the official website for the e-visa application:

https://evisa.gov.vn/

5 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Lyle
Thailand

Hi, I'm South African citizen currently living in Bangkok. I'd like to know how do I apply for a travel tourist visa to enter Vietnam. Please kindly advise . Thank you

Reply
Your Reply
No more than 2,000 characters, please.
A Answered by Lan

@Lyle, South African passports are eligible for the online e-visa application. You can apply directly on the official website below:

https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt

 

13 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Keabetswe Maseko
South Africa

Hello. I am a South African living in South Korea and will be connecting on a flight to Bali in Ho Chi Mihn City. I will not be leaving the airport so I’m wondering if I’ll still need a visa to connect on another flight in Vietnam even if I’m not planning on leaving the airport?

Reply
Your Reply
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A Answered by Lan

Hello, as long as you stay within the transit area, you do not need a visa for this transit flight.

9 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Matthew Dewey
South Africa

Hi, I'm a South African considering a trip to Vietnam for a couple of weeks. Are there any entry requirements for a visa?

Reply
Your Reply
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A Answered by Lan

Hello, yes, you need a valid visa to visit Vietnam, and you can apply for an e-visa online for entry.

17 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Liezel Coetzer
South Africa

Hello :) I am a South African Citizen residing in South Africa. I have a trip planned to Vietnam in March 2024 - how long does it take to apply/get your visa to Vietnam? Thanks so much!

Reply
Your Reply
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A Answered by Lan

@Liezel Coetzer, The e-visa application may take 3-5 working days; however, we advise that you apply before February to make sure you receive your visa before you travel.

3 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Sudarthi Naidoo
South Africa

Hi. I am a South African currently in Thailand. I want to travel to Vietnam in 7 days time. Can I apply for a 3 month multiple entry evisa and how long will it take to process?

Reply
Your Reply
No more than 2,000 characters, please.
A Answered by Lan

Yes, you can apply for a 3-month e-visa (multi-entry), and the process may take about 3-5 working days. If possible, we advise that you not book your travel until you receive your e-visa.

5 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
LindaAnn
South Africa

Hello. I have a South African passport, but live and work in Cambodia (valid year visa and work permit). Can I still apply for a tourist visa, as I know at one stage it was very difficult, South Africans entering Vietnam from Cambodia, were denied entry. Thank you.

Reply
Your Reply
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A Answered by Lina

@LindaAnn, As a South African passport holder, you are eligible for the evisa application. Therefore, you can apply for an evisa to visit Vietnam from Cambodia without any issues.

4 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Karabo Mokoena
South Africa

Hi I tried to apply for an evisa and South Africa is not on the list of countries. Has it not been updated yet?

Reply
Your Reply
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A Answered by Lina Tran

@Karabo Mokoena, Could you please check back in a few hours? We are currently in the process of upgrading our form. Once it's completed, you'll be able to select your country from the options available. Thank you!

7 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Maggy Pieterse
South African

Is visa on arrival available for South African citizens? I am getting conflicting information on the internet. Embassy not answering when I call!

Reply
Your Reply
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A Answered by Lan

South Africans are now eligible for the e-visa application, you can find more information in our update here. Therefore, you can apply for an e-visa online to visit Vietnam instead of using visa on arrival.

8 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Lynn Radford
South Africa

I am trying to get hold of the Vietnam embassy in Pretoria to get assistance with a tourism. I believe the process is quite complicated. Can anyone assist me.?? Phone was not awerered!

Reply
Your Reply
No more than 2,000 characters, please.
A Answered by Lina Tran

@Lynn Radford, In order to get a visa for Vietnam at the embassy, you are required a pre-approved visa letter from a travel agency in Vietnam. As we know, e-visa will be made available to more countries including South African passports in coming months.

16 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Stuart Rose
United Kingdom

Hi I am a South African currently living in the UK .I have cancelled a cruise with Celebrity due to Visa issues. Neither Celebrity Cruise, Vietnemese embassy in London or visa companies in Vietnam or UK could resolve the visa issue . We can not apply for evisa arriving by sea seems to confuse the Vietnamese they talk about a letter from tour company which has to be Vietnamese. After 6 weeks getting nowhere I cancelled. So be very careful if you are attempting to cruise to Vietnam!

Reply
Your Reply
No more than 2,000 characters, please.
A Answered by Lina Tran

@Stuart Rose, We are sorry to hear that you had a bad experience in getting a visa for your cruise trip. As far as we know, the e-visa system will soon be available to all nationalities, including South African passport holders (Expected to be effective this July). We hope to welcome you in Vietnam one day soon!

13 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Retief Jordaan
South Africa

I will hopefully be coming to Halong Bay, Vietnam sometime early next year on the Clipper Round The World Yacht race. Is the only option available to visit the Embassy in Pretoria, or is there other options available (i.e. online applications)

Reply
Your Reply
No more than 2,000 characters, please.
A Answered by Lina Tran

@Retief Jordaan, E-visas are expected to be available to all nationalities starting in July/August. Therefore, if you plan to travel to Vietnam next year, you may be able to apply for an e-visa at that time.

4 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Lynne Du Toit
South Africa

Do you think the eVisa for South Africans will be available in June, and if so what is the processing time, and, will the Tour Operator letter still be required for eVisas?

Reply
Your Reply
No more than 2,000 characters, please.
A Answered by Lina Tran

@Lynne Du Toit, As far as we know, the e-visa system is expected to be available for all nationalities, possibly by late June. Therefore, if your trip is in early June, you can contact one of the travel agencies below for assistance in obtaining the visa approval letter for your travel.

  • Aurora travel (vietnamstay.com)
  • Exo Travel (https://www.exotravel.com)
Helpful
Q
Jevauhn
South Africa

Hi Lina my wife and I are planning to go Hanoi Vietnam next month. If we apply for e-visa 01 June 2023 does one still need an organized tour and an operator to apply on your behalf or can you do the e-visa without assistance from an organised tour agency.

Reply
Your Reply
No more than 2,000 characters, please.
A Answered by Lina Tran

@Jevauhn, Unfortunately, the e-visa system is not yet available for South African passports. However, if you are traveling on a tour program, you can ask the tour operator to obtain an approval letter for your entry.

1 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Rieshqa Noordien
South Africa

I have already booked my flights and tour to visit Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in June. Now I see that South Africans are not allowed to get an E-visa. What should I do now? please advise.

Reply
Your Reply
No more than 2,000 characters, please.
A Answered by Lina Tran

@Rieshqa Noordien, The e-visa system will soon be made available for all nationalities, including South African passport holders. If you are not traveling until June, please wait for the visa policy updates by early June.

5 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Najmah Omarjee
South Africa

Do south african passport holders need a visa for vietnam while on a cruise

Reply
Your Reply
No more than 2,000 characters, please.
A Answered by Lan

@Najmah Omarjee, If you plan on staying on board the cruise ship, you may not require a visa for Vietnam. Nevertheless, we recommend that you reach out to your cruise operator for confirmation.

1 people found this helpful
Helpful
Q
Aimee-Louise Frangos
South Africa

I am a South African citizen and require a visa for as short as 3 days from 9 or 10 May 2023. I will be arriving at Noi Bai International Airport from Suvarnabhumi Airport. I intend on departing again from Noi Bai International Airport on 12 May. I am of the understanding that South Africans are not eligible for e-visas, and further that the the visa on arrival procedure has changed - you now require pre-approval. I also believe that the visa regulations may be changed between 29 April and 3 May. Kindly advise whether you are able to obtain a short stay tourist visa on my behalf as well as the total cost, excluding the 25 USD airport immigration stamp.

Reply
Your Reply
No more than 2,000 characters, please.
A Answered by Lina Tran

@Aimee, Visa on arrival is only available if you travel on an organized tour with a local tour operator. As such, we recommend that you contact the Vietnam Embassy in Bangkok to obtain a visa before your trip.

2 people found this helpful
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Frequently asked questions

1. Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam if I am a UK citizen residing in South Africa?

Whether you need a visa to enter Vietnam or not depends on your nationality, not your residing country. So if you are a UK citizen living in South Africa, you are EXEMPTED from a Vietnam visa for stays of up to 15 days. You must obtain an e-visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa at the Vietnam Embassy in South Africa for extended stays.

2. Are South African nationals eligible for a Vietnam e-visa?

Citizens from South Africa are not granted a Vietnam e-visa and you must obtain the visa at Vietnam Embassy or on arrival at a Vietnam international airport.

3. Are South African people eligible for a Vietnam visa exemption?

South Africa is NOT on the Vietnam exemption list (which includes 25 countries), so you must apply for a visa to visit Vietnam.

4. Is there a Consulate General of Vietnam in South Africa?

There is no Consulate General of Vietnam in South Africa but the Vietnam Embassy is located at 87 Brooks St., Brooklyn, Pretoria, South Africa.

5. Is the e-visa option available for South African residents who plan to visit Vietnam?

Unfortunately, South African citizens are not eligible for the e-visa program. Alternative options are:

Contact sales if you have additional questions.

Contact support if you already submitted your visa application on our website.

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