How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa for South African Citizens in 2025 – Full Guide

Aug 23, 2025

Table Of Contents

    1. Do South African Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

    Yes. South African passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Vietnam, whether for tourism, business, or short visits. Vietnam currently does not offer visa exemption for South Africa, meaning you need to apply before traveling or at arrival with prior approval.

    The most convenient method is the Vietnam e-Visa (electronic visa), which is processed entirely online and avoids embassy visits. However, for urgent cases, you can choose express processing services that deliver visas within 1–3 hours.


    2. Types of Vietnam Visas Available for South Africans

    South African citizens can choose from:

    • Vietnam e-Visa (single-entry, 30 days): Standard approval in 3–5 working days.

    • Business Visa (single or multiple entry): Required for work or long-term stays.

    • Urgent / Emergency Visa: For travelers needing visa approval within hours.

    Express visa pricing (2025):

    • 1 hour: $195

    • 2 hours: $165

    • 5 hours: $135

    • 1 day: $100

    • 2 days: $85

    • 3 days: $80


    3. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online

    1. Visit the official application portal: applyevisavietnam.com

    2. Choose your visa type: Tourist or business e-Visa.

    3. Fill out the online form: Provide passport details, travel dates, and entry points.

    4. Upload documents: A passport scan and recent photo (white background).

    5. Pay the processing fee: Credit card, PayPal, or other accepted methods.

    6. Receive your visa by email: Print it out and show it upon arrival in Vietnam.


    4. Urgent Visa for South African Travelers

    Missed your application deadline? Forgot to apply in advance? Don’t worry. Vietnam offers emergency visa services designed for last-minute situations.

    When do you need an urgent visa?

    • You’re flying to Vietnam within 24 hours

    • You submitted a visa request but it’s still pending approval

    • You’re transiting in another country and need quick entry clearance

    • You’ve been denied boarding because you had no valid visa

    By choosing 1-hour or 2-hour processing, you can secure approval while waiting at the airport. Contact support immediately:


    5. Requirements for South African Citizens

    To apply successfully, prepare:

    • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date

    • One recent passport-sized photo (4x6 cm)

    • Confirmed travel itinerary (entry port and date)

    • Visa service fee payment (online or transfer)


    6. Arrival Process in Vietnam

    When you land at a Vietnamese airport (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc):

    1. Go to the immigration counter for e-Visa verification

    2. Present your printed visa approval letter and passport

    3. Get your entry stamp and proceed to baggage claim


    7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Q: How long can South Africans stay in Vietnam with an e-Visa?
    A: Typically up to 30 days, single entry.

    Q: Can I extend my visa in Vietnam?
    A: Yes. Extensions are possible, but you must apply before your visa expires.

    Q: What if my visa is denied?
    A: Contact the urgent visa team for reprocessing or emergency approval.

    Q: Is visa on arrival available for South Africans?
    A: Only with prior approval letter. It’s safer to apply online in advance.


    8. Why Use ApplyEVisaVietnam.com?

    • Fast approval — as quick as 1 hour

    • 24/7 support via WhatsApp & Email

    • Secure online payment

    • Professional processing with high success rate


    9. Contact Us Anytime

    Need your visa right now? Click below:

     

    Get Your Vietnam Visa in 1 Hour

    ???? Apply Now – Get Your Vietnam Visa in 1 Hour
    ???? Chat with Us on WhatsApp (24/7)
    ???? Email Our Visa Experts
    Apply Visa Now
    Need urgent Vietnam visa help? Chat with our 24/7 agent on WhatsApp.
    Chat on WhatsApp