Vietnam entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Vietnam in 2026. The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days and allows single or multiple entries. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for South Africans.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply at the official Vietnam eVisa portal at evisa.xuatnhcanh.gov.vn. The fee is $25 USD for single entry or $50 USD for multiple entry, valid for up to 90 days. Processing takes 3 working days — do not book flights until you receive the approval letter.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond departure | Your South African passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your departure date from Vietnam. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of Vietnam. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Vietnam ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay, or have at least $500 USD in cash. Immigration rarely checks this, but it helps if questioned about your ability to support yourself. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival for South Africans
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Vietnam. You must apply for the eVisa online before you travel. Do not show up without one — you'll be denied boarding or entry.
Print your eVisa — digital alone may not work
Some immigration officers insist on a paper copy of your eVisa. Print it out before you leave. Keep a digital backup on your phone just in case.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Vietnam eVisa portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport data page. Pay the fee (around $25 USD) online. Processing takes 3-5 working days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Print it out — you'll need to show the paper copy at immigration. Save a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at a Vietnamese airport
Present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket at the immigration counter. The officer will stamp you in. Major airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang).
4
Complete the arrival declaration
No separate arrival declaration form needed — the eVisa covers it. Just walk through after the stamp.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$25 USD
Standard eVisa option. Can be extended once for 30 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD
Allows multiple entries within validity. Useful for side trips.
Business visa (single entry, 3 months)
Max stay3 months, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$80–$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from a Vietnamese company. Extendable.
Business visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay3 months per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$200–$300 USD
For frequent business travellers. Requires company sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit / Temporary Residence Card
1–2 years, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (processing fees)
For those with a job offer from a Vietnamese company. Requires employer sponsorship, health check, and criminal record check. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT1–DT4)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (depending on investment amount)
For foreign investors with capital of at least $50,000 USD. Higher investment amounts yield longer validity. Includes family members.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Duration of study program, renewable annually
~$100–$200 USD (processing fees)
For those enrolled in a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable
~$200–$300 USD (processing fees)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no criminal record. Not officially a retirement visa but a long-stay tourist visa.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Standard fee for South African passport holders. Non-refundable. | $25 USD |
| Visa on arrival (pre-approval letter)Requires prior approval letter from a travel agency. Stamping fee paid at airport. | $15–$25 USD (plus stamping fee $25 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible through immigration offices or agents. Usually 1–3 months. | $10–$15 USD (via agent) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Fines apply for overstaying visa validity. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $10–$15 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Vietnam
No transit visa needed
South African passport holders transiting through Vietnam's international airports do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or transiting to a domestic flight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsNoi Bai International Airport (HAN) · Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) · Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Health & vaccines for Vietnam
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Zika VirusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in cities and coastal areas; moderate risk in rural highlands. Prophylaxis recommended for remote travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Hanoi
Immigration Department of Hanoi
44 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring TM.7 form, passport, photos, and fee.
Ho Chi Minh City
Immigration Department of Ho Chi Minh City
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1, HCMC
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Busy office; arrive early. Services include visa extension and re-entry permits.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,237.86 VND
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+12h (EST) / +11h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+15h (PST) / +14h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CType A, C, F — US plugs (Type A) fit some sockets. Bring an adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Vietnam
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Vietnam — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3-5 working days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is about $25 USD, paid online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter with a new eVisa, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Yes, immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. A screenshot on your phone is usually fine.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. Immigration will deny entry otherwise.
Yes, the eVisa is accepted at all international airports in Vietnam: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Phu Quoc, and others. Land borders also accept it.
No, there's no separate arrival declaration for eVisa holders. Just present your passport and eVisa at immigration, and you're through.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo or passport scan doesn't meet requirements. You'll get an email explaining why. You can reapply with corrected documents. The fee is non-refundable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.