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🇿🇦South Africa
🇻🇳VietnamZA-VN

South Africa to Vietnam visa requirements

South African ordinary passport holders need a visa for Vietnam. The easiest route is the Vietnam e-visa, applied for online before travel. South Africa is not on Vietnam's visa-exemption list, so a South African ordinary passport holder cannot enter visa-free for tourism. Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam grants e-visas to citizens of all countries and territories, including South Africa. The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days, in single- or multiple-entry format, and is applied for entirely online at the official portal evisa.gov.vn before travel. The government fee is US$25 for single entry or US$50 for multiple entry, with official processing of about 3 working days (allow 3-5+ days to be safe). The e-visa is accepted at dozens of land, air, and sea ports of entry. A separate 30-day visa exemption applies only to foreigners arriving directly at Phu Quoc Island; for mainland tourism the e-visa is the standard pathway.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
E-visa (electronic visa, applied online)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days
per entry
Entries
Single or multiple entry
from issue date
Visa fee
US$25 (single) / US$50 (multiple)
consular fee only
Processing time
About 3 working days (allow 3-5+)
standard track
Validity
Up to 90 days from approved entry date
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm eligibility and passport
Ensure your South African passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date and has at least 2 blank pages. Vietnam issues e-visas to all nationalities, so South Africans qualify.
· 6 months validity· 2 blank pages
/02
Prepare digital documents
Scan your passport bio-data page (JPEG) and a recent passport-style portrait photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses). Have your travel dates and intended port of entry ready.
· Passport scan· Portrait photo
/03
Apply on the official portal
Go to the official Vietnam e-visa site evisa.gov.vn, complete the application form, upload your documents, and select single or multiple entry and your entry/exit ports.
· evisa.gov.vn· Online only
/04
Pay the government fee
Pay US$25 for single entry or US$50 for multiple entry by card. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is rejected.
· US$25 / US$50· Non-refundable
/05
Wait for processing
Standard processing is about 3 working days; allow 3-5+ days. You will receive a registration code to check status and download the approved e-visa.
· ~3 working days· Registration code
/06
Print and travel
Download and print the approved e-visa PDF. Present the printout with your passport at any approved port of entry; arrive within the validity window.
· Print e-visa· Approved ports
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
South Africa -> Vietnam · E-visa (electronic visa, applied online)
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredSouth African passport valid 6+ months beyond entry
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least 2 blank passport pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredScanned passport bio-data page (JPEG)
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredRecent portrait photo, 4x6 cm, white background
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredConfirmed travel dates and intended entry/exit ports
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredValid email address for the registration code
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredCard for US$25/US$50 government fee
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredPrinted copy of the approved e-visa
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedProof of onward/return travel and accommodation
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedTravel insurance covering Vietnam
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesVietnam National Electronic Visa System (official portal)Vietnam Briefing - Vietnam E-Visa Eligibility & Application CriteriaVietnam Embassy - Viet Nam issues e-visas to citizens of all countries
Application link included: Vietnam National Electronic Visa System (official portal)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
E-visa government fee (single entry)US$25Non-refundable; paid online to the official portal
E-visa government fee (multiple entry)US$50Non-refundable; for multiple entries up to 90 days
Optional agency/service feeUS$10-40Only if using a third-party assisted service instead of evisa.gov.vn
Total estimateUS$25 — US$50incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard e-visa
~3 working days (allow 3-5+)
Official processing via evisa.gov.vn after payment; recommended for most travelers who plan ahead.
Expedited (third-party service)
A few hours to 1-2 days
Faster turnaround offered by private agencies for an extra fee; not an official government tier.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
South Africa not on visa-exemption list
Vietnam waives visas only for a specific set of countries; South Africa is not among them, so a visa is required.
High
/02
E-visa now open to all nationalities
Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam issues e-visas to citizens of every country and territory, including South Africa.
High
/03
Tourism is a covered purpose
The e-visa explicitly covers tourist and short-visit travel, matching a typical South African traveler's needs.
High
/04
Direct Phu Quoc Island arrival
Foreigners flying or sailing directly to Phu Quoc may stay up to 30 days visa-free, an exception to the mainland rule.
Low
/05
Long or repeated visits
Travelers needing more than 90 days or frequent re-entry may choose the multiple-entry e-visa or a different visa category.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Print or save your eVisa approval and make sure you enter through a port listed on your eVisa.
/02
Customs
Declare restricted goods and large cash amounts when required. Keep your passport and eVisa together during the trip.
/03
Connectivity
Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs are easy to find at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and major tourist areas.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30
South Africa to Vietnam route verified
Confirmed via the official evisa.gov.vn portal and Vietnam Briefing that South African ordinary passport holders are not visa-exempt and must obtain a Vietnam e-visa (up to 90 days, single/multiple entry, US$25/US$50, ~3 working days). No change to verdict.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do South Africans need a visa for Vietnam?—
Yes. South Africa is not on Vietnam's visa-exemption list, so an ordinary passport holder needs a visa. The standard route for tourism is the online e-visa.
How long can I stay on a Vietnam e-visa?+
How much does the Vietnam e-visa cost?+
Where do I apply for the e-visa?+
How long does processing take?+
Can South Africans visit Phu Quoc Island without a visa?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the South Africa passport

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