How to get a visa for Vietnam as a South African

Vietnam offers an electronic visa option for South African citizens planning to visit for tourism or business purposes.

Requirements for Vietnam eVisa application

To apply for a Vietnam eVisa, South African citizens need to prepare:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from planned arrival date
• A recent digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background)
• Completed online application form
• Valid credit or debit card for payment
• Active email address for visa delivery

iVisa Pro Tip: "Many applicants find that having their passport and photo ready in digital format before starting the application saves considerable time during the process."

Entry and validity information

The Vietnam eVisa for South African citizens is valid for a single entry and allows a maximum stay of 30 days. Here are important details to note:

• Entry must be through designated ports (international airports, seaports, or land borders)
• The visa becomes valid from your chosen date of entry
• You cannot extend this visa while in Vietnam
• Minors need their own separate eVisa applications

iVisa Pro Tip: "We recommend applying at least two weeks before your planned travel date to allow for any unexpected delays or additional document requests."

Some tourist attractions in Vietnam include the shopping centers in Hanoi, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, and Halong Bay. The War Remnants Museum is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives during wars, especially the American War.

Common challenges and solutions

While applying for a Vietnam eVisa has become more streamlined, South African travelers may encounter certain challenges. Here's how we address these common concerns:

• Application submission errors

  • Double-check all entered information matches your passport exactly
  • Upload high-quality, correctly sized passport photos
  • Ensure all required fields are completed before submission

• Payment processing issues

  • Use international-enabled credit cards
  • Contact your bank before making international payments
  • Consider alternative payment methods if needed

iVisa Pro Tip: "Based on customer feedback, we recommend taking a screenshot of your payment confirmation page and keeping the transaction reference number handy"

Frequently asked questions

Can I extend my Vietnam eVisa while in the country? No, the Vietnam eVisa cannot be extended. You must exit Vietnam before your visa expires and apply for a new visa if you wish to re-enter.

What happens if my flight dates change after getting the eVisa? The eVisa is valid for 30 days from your chosen entry date. Small changes to your flight schedule within this period won't affect your visa validity.

Do I need travel insurance for my Vietnam eVisa application? While travel insurance isn't mandatory for the eVisa application, we strongly recommend obtaining coverage for your trip to Vietnam.

Can I apply for a Vietnam eVisa if my passport expires in 8 months? No, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Vietnam. We recommend renewing your passport first if it expires within this timeframe.

Where can I apply for my Vietnam visa? We recommend applying directly with the Vietnamese Government.

Vietnam embassy contact information

Embassy of Vietnam in South Africa Address: 87 Brooks Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria 0181 Phone: (+27) 12 362 8119 / (+27) 12 362 8118 Email: [email protected] Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM