How to Apply Vietnam E-visa for South Africans in 2025

If you are a South African citizen planning to visit Vietnam, make sure you read this comprehensive guide to obtain a Vietnam E-visa for South African Travelers.

Vietnam, a beautiful country with rich cultural heritage, history and natural beauty, is just a flight from South Africa. Every year, this charming country attracts millions of South African tourists to visit. We received a lot of questions about the procedure to apply for a Vietnam E-visa from South African passport holders. Hence, in this article, we will provide a detailed guide to make your visa process smooth and effortless.

Requirements & Conditions for a Vietnam Visa

When applying for a Vietnam visa, your passport must meet the following requirements:

• Valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
• At least two blank pages for visa stamps and entry/exit stamps.
• A passport-sized photo in color with a white background, size 4x6 cm, without glasses.
• The applicant must not be on the entry restriction list according to Vietnam’s immigration regulations.

For travelers applying for a Visa on Arrival (VOA), additional requirements include:

• Printed Visa approval letter (issued via the agency)
• Payment of the stamping fee in cash (USD or VND) upon arrival at the airport.

Do South African Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

All South African passport holders must obtain a visa before entering Vietnam. There are multiple ways to apply, but the most convenient and recommended option is through Seniworld’s Vietnam E-visa Package, ensuring:

• The entire process is conducted online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy.
• Standard processing time is between 3-5 days, with expedited options available for urgent cases.
• Seniworld is a trusted service provider, having successfully processed thousands of visa applications.
• Our dedicated customer support team is available 24/7 to assist with your visa application at every step.

While South African citizens can technically apply for a Vietnam e-visa directly through the government’s official website, the process can be time-consuming and may result in rejection if the application is not properly filled out. Seniworld helps eliminate these risks by handling the entire process professionally, saving you time and giving you peace of mind.

Apply Vietnam eVisa Online through Government Site 

After furnishing all required materials as mentioned in the previous section, South African travelers can follow these steps to obtain a Vietnam e-Visa yourself:

Step 1: 

Click this link or access https://immigration.gov.vn/ and go to 'E-visa Issuance' then click on the link for 'Outside Vietnam foreigners'.

Step 2: 

• Upload your .jpg images (passport data page and passport photo) and fill out the required fields on the form completely. Review and submit your form.
• After uploading your photos, fill in the form with your personal information.
• Continue to fill in the requested information, then, review your application form.
• After this step, the registration code will be sent to you.

Step 3: 

Pay the E-visa fee of 25 USD. Copy down the document code provided.

Step 4: 

Within three working days you should receive news of your E-visa application via email. If not, you can also run a search for your e-visa at this link.

Step 5: 

Use your document code to locate your E-visa online. Download and print the E-visa in two copies for extra safety.

Apply Vietnam eVisa through Our Agency

We provide assistance to South African citizens in completing Vietnam visa applications through an online process. You can request your application while chatting with our travel consultants, we are here to help Applications are handled with a high level of accuracy and efficiency, with customer support available throughout the procedure.

• Fast & secure visa processing
• 24/7 customer support
• No hidden fees – transparent pricing
• Express & emergency visa options available

Note:

• Visa on Arrival (VOA) is only available in urgent cases with stamping fees at the airport.
• Your visa fee includes Government fee (US $25 for a single entry visa or US $50 for a multiple entry visa) and service fee.

How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa via SeniWorld

Step 1: Submit Your Application Online

• Fill out the Vietnam eVisa application form on SeniWorld’s website.
• Upload your passport scan and passport photo.
• Provide your travel details (arrival date, departure date, entry point, etc.).
• Make the online payment for processing.

Step 2: Receive Your Vietnam eVisa

• Seniworld will process your application and submit it to the Vietnam Immigration Department.
• Your approved eVisa will be sent to your email within the selected processing time.

Step 3: Download and Print Your eVisa

• Print at least two copies of your eVisa.
• Carry them along with your passport when traveling to Vietnam.

Vietnamese Embassy & Consulate in South Africa

If you prefer to apply in person or require embassy assistance, you may contact:

Embassy of Vietnam in South African

• 87 Brooks Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
• Tel: + 27 (0)12 362 8119
• Website: vnembassy-pretoria.mofa.gov.vn

Ports of Entry for EVisa

Travel Tips for South African Citizens Visiting Vietnam

• Apply early, at least 7 days before your flight
• Passport must be valid for 6+ months on the day of entry
• Always print your eVisa and keep a backup copy
• Children need individual eVisas, even when traveling with parents
• Avoid overstaying, as penalties may apply
• Choose multiple entry if you plan to visit neighboring countries and return to Vietnam

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do South African citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?

Yes. Citizens of South Africa must obtain a visa prior to entering Vietnam, regardless of trip duration or purpose.

2. What is the most convenient way to get a Vietnam visa?

We recommend applying for a Vietnam eVisa through our website. It is fast, secure, and suitable for both tourism and business purposes.

3. How long does it take to process the visa?

Standard processing takes 5–7 working days. If you need your visa urgently, we offer 2-day, 1-day, and 4-hour express options.

4. Can I use one visa for multiple entries?

Yes if you select the multiple-entry eVisa option during the application process.

5. What happens if I overstay my visa in Vietnam?

Overstaying may lead to fines, delays at departure, and restrictions on future entry. It is best to leave the country before your visa expires or contact us in advance for advice.

6. Can my children travel under my visa?

No. Each traveler, including children, must hold a separate eVisa, even if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

7. Can I change my port of entry after receiving the eVisa?

Unfortunately, no. The eVisa is valid only for the selected entry point. If your plans change, please contact us for assistance before your travel date.

8. What if my visa application is denied?

In rare cases of rejection, we will inform you promptly and assist you with alternative options, if available. We review each application carefully to minimize risks of denial.