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South African passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam. Learn how to easily apply for the 90-day eVisa online, including processing times and fees.
Do South African Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. South Africa is not on Vietnam's visa exemption list. All South African passport holders must obtain a visa before entering the country.
The most standard option for South Africans is the Vietnam eVisa, which allows stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple-entry options. The process is completed online through the National Web Portal on Immigration, eliminating the need to visit a physical embassy.
The eVisa is officially accepted at 83 designated international entry ports (including 17 airports, 27 land borders, and 39 seaports).
It is recommended to apply for the eVisa at least 1 to 2 weeks before the intended departure date to allow for standard processing times.
Visa Options for South African Travelers
Here is a comparison of visa options for South African citizens:
| Option | Validity | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry) | Up to 90 days | $25 USD (~460 ZAR) | Standard holidays |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry) | Up to 90 days | $50 USD (~920 ZAR) | Side trips to neighboring countries |
| Embassy Visa (Pretoria) | Up to 90 days | Varies (~1,000+ ZAR) | Complex/special travel purposes |
South African eVisa Requirements
To apply for an eVisa online, applicants must provide the following:
- A South African passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, with at least 2 blank pages
- A clear, color digital scan of the passport's biographical page (JPEG format)
- A recent passport-style portrait photo (white background, no glasses, JPEG format)
- An active email address to receive the visa outcome
- A credit or debit card for the non-refundable government fee
To prevent application delays, follow the how to apply step-by-step instructions, ensuring all uploaded documents meet government specifications.
Flights: South Africa → Vietnam
There are currently no direct flights between South Africa and Vietnam. South African travelers typically fly from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) through major hubs:
- Middle Eastern routes: Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH) or Emirates via Dubai (DXB) are very popular options
- Asian routes: Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN) offers great connectivity to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Total travel time: approximately 18 to 22+ hours depending on layovers
Top Destinations for South African Tourists
Common destinations for travelers to Vietnam include:
- Hanoi & Sapa — Known for mountain regions and historical landmarks
- Ha Long Bay — Recognized for limestone karst formations and marine activities
- Hoi An & Da Nang — Coastal regions with historical heritage sites
- Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta — Commercial center and river networks
Tips for South African Travelers
Practical travel information for South African passport holders visiting Vietnam:
- Currency: The South African Rand (ZAR) is not accepted in Vietnam. Travelers should carry USD or exchange funds to Vietnamese Dong (VND). 1 ZAR is approximately 1,350 VND.
- Time Zone: Vietnam operates on Indochina Time (ICT), GMT+7, which is 5 hours ahead of South African Standard Time (SAST).
- Electricity: Vietnam uses 220V electricity. A universal adapter is required as South African Type M plugs are incompatible with Vietnam's Type A, C, and F outlets.
- Consular Support: The Embassy of Vietnam in South Africa is located at 87 Brooks Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0011. Phone: +27 (0)12 362 8119.
Travelers are advised to apply online for their Vietnam eVisa through official channels prior to booking non-refundable travel arrangements.