Vietnam is one of the most accessible visa destinations for South Africans — apply online at evisa.gov.vn, pay USD 25, receive your e-visa by email in 3 days, and stay for up to 90 days. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Ha Long Bay are all on a single visa.
Key Warnings
Use only the official portal evisa.gov.vn — third-party agents charge USD 53–185+ for the same visa that costs USD 25 officially. There is no benefit to using an agent.
Your photo must have a plain white background — wrong backgrounds or photo formats are the most common reason for rejection. Use a professional passport photo service.
Your e-visa specifies an entry start date. You cannot enter Vietnam before this date — set it carefully based on your actual travel plans.
Insider Tips
The multiple-entry e-visa (USD 50) is worth it if you plan to do a circuit involving neighbouring countries (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand) — you can re-enter Vietnam without getting a new visa.
Apply at least 7–10 working days before travel. Standard processing is 3 working days, but build in a buffer in case your photo is rejected and needs resubmission.
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs are widely available in cities. USD cash is also widely accepted in tourist areas, but VND gives you better exchange rates at local markets.
Step-by-Step Guide
Go to the official Vietnam e-visa portal
Visit evisa.gov.vn. Avoid third-party sites — they charge 2–7× the official fee for the same visa. Click 'Grant E-Visa' and select your nationality (South Africa).
Fill in your personal and travel details
Enter your passport details, planned entry and exit dates, and intended port of entry. Double-check your entry date — you cannot arrive before the visa start date.
Upload your passport scan and photo
Upload a clear JPEG scan of your passport bio-data page. Upload your digital passport photo (white background, JPEG). The photo format is the most common reason for delays — use a proper passport photo.
Pay the fee online
Pay USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry) by Visa or Mastercard. Save your payment receipt.
Wait 3–5 working days for your e-visa
Check your email inbox (and spam folder) for the e-visa approval. If you do not receive it within 5 working days, log back into the portal and check your application status.
Print your e-visa and travel
Print a hard copy of your e-visa to show alongside your passport at the Vietnamese port of entry. The e-visa is accepted at all airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
Required Documents
Valid South African passport scan (bio-data page)Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Minimum 2 blank pages. Upload a clear, colour JPEG scan of the bio-data page.
Digital passport photoJPEG format, white background, recent (taken within 6 months). This is the most common rejection reason — use a proper passport photo taken against a plain white background. Size: 4x6 cm or equivalent, face clearly visible, no glasses.
Visa or Mastercard for online paymentThe official portal accepts Visa and Mastercard. Ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions.
Active email addressYour e-visa approval is sent to this email. Check spam folders if you do not receive it within 5 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can South Africans get a Vietnam e-visa online?
Yes. South African passport holders can apply for a Vietnam e-visa entirely online at evisa.gov.vn. No embassy visit is required. The fee is USD 25 for single entry (~ZAR 415) or USD 50 for multiple entry (~ZAR 830). Processing takes 3–5 working days and the e-visa allows a stay of up to 90 days.
How long can South Africans stay in Vietnam on an e-visa?
The Vietnam e-visa allows South African passport holders to stay for up to 90 days per entry. Both single and multiple entry options support the full 90-day stay. The multiple-entry option is useful if you plan to visit neighbouring countries (Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand) and return to Vietnam.
Why is my Vietnam e-visa application being rejected?
The most common reason for Vietnam e-visa delays or rejections is the photo format. Your passport photo must be a recent JPEG image with a plain white background, clearly showing your face without glasses. Use a professional passport photo service to ensure compliance. Passport information errors are the second most common issue.
Should I use a visa agent or apply directly for Vietnam e-visa?
Apply directly at the official portal evisa.gov.vn. Third-party agents charge USD 53–185+ for exactly the same visa that costs USD 25 (single) or USD 50 (multiple) officially. There is no processing advantage to using an agent — the Vietnamese government processes all applications through the same system.