Are you planning a trip to Vietnam from South Africa in 2025? Then getting a Vietnam visa is one of the most critical factors that you should consider early enough. In this article, we’ll provide all the information about Vietnam visa requirements, application processes, fees, and other essential details that you need to know as a South African passport holder.

Who Needs a Vietnam Visa?

According to Vietnamese laws, all South African citizens intending to enter Vietnam must obtain a valid Vietnam visa. However, some exceptions apply, such as:

Diplomatic or official passport holders traveling on official business for a maximum stay of 90 days.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders with a validity of at least one year from the entry date.

Others that may qualify for a visa waiver are children born to Vietnamese mothers residing permanently in foreign countries, foreigners married to Vietnamese nationals or Vietnamese residents, and those who have a Certificate of Exemption from Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What Are the Types of Vietnam Visas Available for South African Citizens?

There are mainly two types of Vietnam visas available for South African passport holders:

Tourist Visa: This type of visa is best if you plan on visiting Vietnam for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, vacation, or visit family and friends.
Business Visa: If you intend to go to Vietnam for business reasons, such as attending meetings, conferences, or signing contracts, then the Business visa is what you need.

The validity of both visas varies between one month to one year, with single or multiple entries permitted.

When to Apply for a Vietnam Visa?

As a South African citizen, it’s recommended to apply for your Vietnam visa at least one or two months before your intended travel date. This way, you’ll have ample time to prepare the necessary documents and complete the visa application process.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa as a South African Passport Holder?

There are mainly two ways to apply for a Vietnam visa as a South African citizen, including:

Applying for a Visa On Arrival (VOA)

The Visa on Arrival is one of the most convenient ways to obtain a Vietnam visa. You can apply for this visa by following these simple steps:

Fill the online visa application form.

Pay the visa processing fee via PayPal or credit card.

Receive the visa approval letter via email within 2-3 working days.

Present the visa approval letter, passport, and two passport-sized photos at the airport’s Visa on Arrival counter to get your visa stamped.

Applying for a Vietnam Visa at the Embassy

You can also apply for a Vietnam visa at the Embassy in South Africa by following these steps:

Download and fill out the visa application form from the embassy’s website.

Prepare the necessary documents, such as passport, photos, and visa fees.

Submit the completed visa application form and documents to the embassy.

Wait for the visa processing time, which usually takes between five to seven working days.

Pros and Cons of Applying for a Vietnam Visa

Like any other thing, applying for a Vietnam visa has its pros and cons. Here are some of them:

Pros

The visa application process is relatively easy and straightforward.
South African citizens have an option to apply for a Visa on Arrival, making it more convenient and flexible.
Vietnam is a must-visit destination with breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and delicious cuisine.

Cons

The visa application process may take some time, especially when applying through the embassy.
Not having a valid visa may lead to serious consequences, such as deportation or being barred from entering Vietnam.

Alternatives to Vietnam Visas

If you’re a South African citizen and don’t qualify for a visa waiver, there are some alternatives that you can consider:

If your intended stay in Vietnam is less than 14 days, you may be eligible for Visa Exemption. However, this option only applies to specific nationalities.
You can apply for an e-visa online through the Vietnamese Immigration Department’s website. This option is available to certain nationalities, and the visa validity is only for 30 days.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa On Arrival

If you opt to apply for a Visa on Arrival, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Visit the official VOA website and fill out the online application form.

Pay the visa processing fee using PayPal or a credit card.

Wait for your visa approval letter, which will be sent to your email address within 2-3 working days after submitting your application.

Print out the visa approval letter.

Prepare two passport-sized photos (4 x 6cm) with a white background.

Prepare your passport and make sure it’s valid forat least six months from your intended arrival date in Vietnam.

Upon arrival at the Vietnamese airport, present your visa approval letter, passport, and two passport-sized photos at the Visa on Arrival counter to get your visa stamped.

Pay the stamping fee (in cash) and collect your visa.

How Does Vietnam Visa On Arrival Work?

The Visa on Arrival is a pre-arranged visa that allows you to obtain a visa upon arrival at the Vietnamese airport. This type of visa is applicable for air travelers only. The process involves obtaining a visa approval letter from an agency or service provider before your trip to Vietnam. Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll present the visa approval letter, passport, and other necessary documents to get your visa stamped.

Compare: Applying for a Vietnam Visa On Arrival vs. Embassy

Here’s a comparison of applying for a Vietnam visa on arrival versus applying at the embassy:

Applying for a Vietnam Visa On Arrival

Pros:

Easy and straightforward online application process.
No need to visit the embassy in person.
More flexible and convenient than applying through the embassy.

Cons:

Only applicable to air travelers.
You must have your visa approval letter before your departure.
You’ll still need to pay the stamping fee upon arrival.

Applying for a Vietnam Visa at the Embassy

Pros:

Suitable for those who prefer dealing with official government agencies directly.
The visa validity is longer than that of the Visa on Arrival.

Cons:

It takes more time to apply, as you have to go to the embassy in person.
The process may involve more paperwork than applying for a Visa on Arrival.
Not as flexible as applying for a Visa on Arrival.

Tips for Applying for a Vietnam Visa

Here are some tips to help you when applying for a Vietnam visa:

Apply for your visa early enough to avoid last-minute rush and any delays.
Make sure you submit all the necessary documents and fill out the application form accurately.
Check the visa validity and ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the intended arrival date in Vietnam.
Keep track of your visa application status to know when to expect your visa approval letter.

The Best Option for South African Citizens: Vietnam Visa On Arrival

If you’re a South African citizen planning to visit Vietnam, applying for a Visa on Arrival is the best option. It’s easy, convenient, and flexible, and you can complete the process from the comfort of your home. However, remember to apply early enough and have all the required documents to avoid any inconvenience during your trip.

Conclusion

Here’s a complete guide to getting a Vietnam Visa for South African citizens in 2025, including visa options, requirements, application steps, costs, and pro travel tips.

🛂 Do South African Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Yes, citizens of South Africa must obtain a visa before entering Vietnam for tourism, business, or other purposes. Vietnam does not currently offer visa exemption for South African passport holders.

🧾 Types of Vietnam Visas Available for South African Citizens

Visa Type	Description	Validity
Tourist Visa (DL)	For tourism and leisure	30 days (single or multiple entry)
Business Visa (DN)	For business activities	1 to 3 months (single or multiple entry)
Work Visa (LD)	For employment with a work permit	Up to 1 year
Student Visa (DH)	For academic purposes	Depends on program

📝 Note: As of 2025, an E-visa is not yet available for South African passport holders, so you must use the Visa on Arrival (VOA) or apply through the Vietnam Embassy.

✈️ How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa from South Africa

✅ Option 1: Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Ideal if you’re flying into Vietnam. You’ll need a visa approval letter before your trip.

Steps:

Apply online for an approval letter at VisaOnlineVietnam.com.
Receive the pre-approval letter via email (processing time: 5–7 working days, urgent in 1–2 days).
Print the letter and prepare:
- Valid passport (6 months+)
- 2 passport photos (4x6cm)
- Entry/exit form (provided by airline or download)
- Visa stamping fee in cash (USD 25–50)
Get your visa stamped on arrival at Vietnam’s international airports (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc.)

✅ Option 2: Apply via Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa

You can also apply in person or by post.

Embassy of Vietnam in Pretoria
- 📍 Address: 87 Brooks Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria
- 📞 Phone: +27 (12) 362-8119
- 🕒 Processing time: 5–7 working days
- 📄 Required: Passport, photos, application form, fees, and possibly proof of travel

💵 Vietnam Visa Fees for South African Citizens (2025 Estimate)

Service	Type	Fee (USD)
VOA Service Fee	1-month single	From $25
VOA Stamping Fee	Pay at airport	$25 (single) or $50 (multiple)
Embassy Visa	Depends on type	$60–100+
Urgent Processing	Optional	Extra $20–50