Visa to Vietnam for South African Citizens How to Get E-visa

If you are a South African citizen planning to visit Vietnam, you must obtain a visa beforehand. Fortunately, getting an e-visa for Vietnam is now possible. In this article, we will guide you on how to get an e-visa, its pros and cons, alternatives, step by step to do, tips, and the best options for South African citizens.

Who Needs a Visa to Visit Vietnam?

All foreign visitors to Vietnam need a visa except citizens of countries that have signed agreements on visa exemption with Vietnam, such as Japan, South Korea, Russia, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

South African citizens are required to obtain a visa before visiting Vietnam. However, they can now apply for an electronic visa or e-visa.

What is an E-visa?

An e-visa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Vietnamese government that allows travelers to enter and exit Vietnam for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The e-visa system was introduced in February 2017, aiming to simplify the visa application process and promote tourism.

When Should You Apply for an E-visa to Vietnam?

You should apply for an e-visa at least three days before your intended arrival date. The processing time for an e-visa takes up to three working days. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for the e-visa at least one week before your trip to avoid any inconvenience or delays.

How to Get an E-visa for Vietnam?

Getting an e-visa for Vietnam is a straightforward process that can be done entirely online. Here’s how to apply:

1. Go to the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
2. Fill in the online application form with your personal details, including name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and purpose of visit.
3. Upload a digital passport photo, which should be in .jpg format, and a scan of your passport’s biometric page.
4. Pay the e-visa fee using a credit or debit card.
5. Wait for the processing time of up to three working days.
6. Once approved, print out the e-visa and present it at the airport to enter Vietnam.

Pros and Cons of Getting an E-visa for Vietnam

Like any other travel document, an e-visa has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:

Pros:

• Convenient and easy to apply online
• Affordable compared to other visa types
• Valid for single entry and stays up to 30 days
• Accepted at all international airports and land borders in Vietnam.
• No need to visit the embassy or consulate in person.

Cons:

• Limited to only certain nationalities, including South African citizens.
• Only valid for 30 days and cannot be extended or converted into a different visa type.
• Not applicable for those entering Vietnam by sea or river.
• The application fee is non-refundable, even if the e-visa is denied.

Overall, the pros of getting an e-visa outweigh the cons, especially if you are a South African citizen traveling to Vietnam for tourism or business purposes.

Alternatives to E-visa for Vietnam

Besides the e-visa option, there are other ways for South African citizens to get a visa to Vietnam, such as:

• Visa on Arrival: This is an alternative option for South African citizens who want to avoid the hassle of applying for a visa in advance. It involves obtaining a pre-approved letter of visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports and paying the visa stamping fee. However, this option is not available for those entering Vietnam by land or sea.
• Embassy Visa: South African citizens can also apply for a visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in South Africa. However, this requires a personal visit and submitting hard copies of the required documents.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Visa on Arrival for Vietnam

If you prefer to get a visa on arrival instead of an e-visa, here’s how to do it:

1. Go to a reputable visa service provider’s website and fill out the visa application form.
2. Pay the service fee using a credit or debit card.
3. Receive a pre-approved letter of visa by email within two working days.
4. Print out the pre-approved letter of visa and prepare two passport-sized photos and cash for the visa stamping fee.
5. Upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports, go to the visa-on-arrival counter and submit your pre-approved letter of visa, passport, photos, and visa stamping fee.
6. Wait for the visa stamp to be issued and collect your passport.

Tips for Applying for a Visa to Vietnam for South African Citizens

• Double-check all the information in your visa application form before submitting it to avoid mistakes that can cause delays or denial of the visa.
• Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry to Vietnam.
• Keep a copy of your e-visa or pre-approved letter of visa and passport with you at all times during your travel to Vietnam.
• Familiarize yourself with the visa requirements and regulations before applying to avoid any confusion or complications.

Comparison: E-visa vs. Visa on Arrival

Both e-visa and visa on arrival are viable options for South African citizens visiting Vietnam. Here’s how they compare:

Processing Time

E-visa: Takes up to three working days for processing.

Visa on Arrival: Takes two working days for pre-approved letter issuance and additional time for visa stamping upon arrival.

Validity

E-visa: Valid for 30 days, single-entry only.

Visa on Arrival: Valid for one month or three months, single or multiple entries.

Application Process

E-visa: Done entirely online through the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Visa on Arrival: Done through a reputable visa service provider’s website.

Applicable Entry Points

E-visa: Accepted at all international airports and land borders in Vietnam.

Visa on Arrival: Only applicable for those entering Vietnam by air and arriving at one of Vietnam’s international airports.

Availability

E-visa: Available for South African citizens and other eligible nationalities.

Visa on Arrival: Available for South African citizens and most other nationalities.

The Best Option for South African Citizens: E-visa or Visa on Arrival?

For South African citizens traveling to Vietnam for a short period and entering Vietnam by air, an e-visa is the best option. It is convenient, easy to apply, and cheaper than visa on arrival. However, if you plan to stay longer or enter Vietnam by land or sea, visa on arrival may be a better option.

Tips for Expediting Visa to Vietnam for South African Citizens

If you are a South African citizen who needs to expedite a visa to Vietnam, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process:

• Apply for an e-visa. E-visas are the fastest way to obtain a Vietnam visa, and they can be processed in as little as 24 hours. However, e-visas are only available to citizens of certain countries, including South Africa. To apply for an e-visa, you will need to create an account on the Vietnam Immigration Portal and submit an online application.
• Use a visa expediting service. There are a number of companies that offer visa expediting services. These companies can help you to complete your visa application and submit it to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Visa expediting services typically charge a fee, but they can save you a lot of time and hassle.
• Apply in person at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate. If you need your visa urgently, you can try applying in person at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country. However, keep in mind that processing times can vary depending on the embassy or consulate.

Here are some additional tips for expediting your Vietnam visa application:

• Apply early. The earlier you apply for your visa, the more likely you are to receive it on time. If you are applying for an e-visa, it is recommended to apply at least 3 days in advance. If you are using a visa expediting service, it is recommended to apply at least 7 days in advance.
• Make sure your application is complete and accurate. Be sure to carefully review all of the requirements for the Vietnam visa and make sure that your application is complete and accurate. Any incomplete or inaccurate information can delay the processing of your visa.
• Have all of your required documents ready. You will need to submit a number of documents with your Vietnam visa application, including a passport photo, a copy of your passport, and proof of onward travel. It is important to have all of your required documents ready before you start the application process.

Here are some additional tips for expediting your Vietnam visa application:

• Be prepared to pay an expedited processing fee. If you are using a visa expediting service or applying for an emergency visa, you will need to pay an expedited processing fee. This fee is typically higher than the standard processing fee.
• Be flexible with your travel dates. If you are able to be flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to expedite your visa application. For example, if you are able to travel during the off-season, you may be able to get your visa processed more quickly.
• Contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate for assistance. If you are having trouble expediting your Vietnam visa application, you can contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country for assistance. The embassy or consulate staff will be able to answer your questions and help you to resolve any problems.

By following these tips, you can expedite your Vietnam visa application and get your visa in time for your trip.

FAQs Visa to Vietnam for South African Citizens

Q: Do South African citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?

A: Yes, South African citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam. There are two main ways to apply for a Vietnam visa:

1. Visa on arrival: This is the most popular option for South African citizens, as it allows you to obtain your visa at any of Vietnam’s international airports. To apply for a visa on arrival, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Two passport-sized photos
• A visa approval letter (which you can obtain from a travel agent or online visa service provider)
• The visa stamping fee (which is currently US$25 for a single-entry visa and US$50 for a multiple-entry visa)

2. E-visa: This is a new option that allows South African citizens to apply for a Vietnam visa online. To apply for an e-visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• A digital passport photo
• A credit or debit card for payment

Q: How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa?

A: Visa on arrival applications are typically processed within 15-30 minutes. E-visa applications are typically processed within 3 business days.

Q: How long is a Vietnam visa valid for?

A: The validity of a Vietnam visa depends on the type of visa you apply for. Visa on arrival visas are typically valid for 15 or 30 days, while e-visas can be valid for up to 90 days.

Q: What are the other requirements for applying for a Vietnam visa?

A: In addition to the requirements listed above, you will also need to make sure that you meet the following criteria:

• You must be in good health and have no criminal record
• You must have sufficient funds to support your stay in Vietnam
• You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket

Q: Can I extend my Vietnam visa?

A: Yes, you can extend your Vietnam visa once for a period of up to 30 days. To extend your visa, you will need to contact the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Q: Where can I get more information about Vietnam visas?

A: You can get more information about Vietnam visas from the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You can also get information from a travel agent or online visa service provider.