PassportSouth Africa

Vietnam: do South Africans need a visa?

South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to Vietnam. You can stay up to 90 days per visit, and you can apply to extend.

E-visa required. South Africa is not on Vietnam's unilateral or bilateral visa-exemption lists; since 15 August 2023 the e-visa is open to citizens of all countries. Exception: Phu Quoc island grants up to 30 days visa-free to all foreigners arriving directly by air or sea from abroad and staying on the island.13

Before you travel

Purpose of visit

E-visa covers tourism and other short visits (business visit purposes also selectable on the portal). Work, investment and long stays need a visa sponsored in Vietnam.12

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Passport validity

At least 6 months beyond arrival, at least 2 blank pages, undamaged; use the same passport to enter and exit (FCDO).2

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

How to apply

Official National Portal on Immigration: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (Vietnam Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security). Upload passport data page and photo; pay online. Fee: USD 25 single entry, USD 50 multiple entry. Processing: 3 working days. Print the e-visa for entry and exit.1

Confirmed on an official government source

Where South Africans apply

Online e-visa. Paper visas: Embassy of Vietnam, 87 Brooks Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria (+27 12 362 8119, embassy@vietnam.co.za).14

Confirmed on an official government source

Travel insurance

Not published by official sources

Return or onward ticket

Not published by official sources

Proof of funds

Not published on pages checked. Cash over VND 15 million or USD 5,000 must be declared on entry/exit.2

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Accommodation or invitation

Not published by official sources

Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

Not published by official sources

Arrival forms

No mandatory arrival card. From 15 April 2026 a digital arrival card is encouraged (not mandatory) for arrivals at Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City).2

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Extending your stay and overstaying

Stays over 90 days: contact the Vietnam Immigration Department. Exit bans can be imposed for investigations, business disputes or unpaid debts (FCDO). Overstay fines not published on pages checked.2

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Transit

Not published by official sources

Travelling with children

Not published by official sources

What changed

15 April 2026Optional digital arrival card introduced for arrivals at Tan Son Nhat airport (FCDO).

Sources

Official

The destination's own government

  1. 1Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
  2. 4Embassy of Vietnam in South Africa vnembassy-pretoria.mofa.gov.vn

Other government

Official advice from other governments

  1. 2UK FCDO gov.uk

Reference

Used to find official sources, never the final word

  1. 3Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org

Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book.