Vietnam is one of the most popular tourist destinations thanks to its favorable weather, tasty food, stunning landscapes and rich culture. The country welcomes millions of visitors each year from all over the world. Most travelers tend to stay in Vietnam for a longer period of time since there’s so much to do and see. If you want to go to the beach, there’s plenty to choose from by the coast but also on the many islands of Vietnam. If you want to stay more active, you can go hiking and trekking in the mountains, or if you prefer to shop til you drop, there’s loads of shopping malls in the bigger cities that’ll satisfy any shopaholic. What’s so good about Vietnam is that there’s something for everyone here!
If you’re interested in traveling to Vietnam in the nearby future, remember to apply for a Vietnam visa before you arrive to the country. Since South Africa is not on the visa exempt list, all citizens are required to apply for a Vietnam visa. The process is simple though and you can choose between two types of visas: either you get the online visa, which most travelers tend to apply for, or you go to a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. The best option is to go for the online visa, however, it’s only valid if you intend on traveling by air to Vietnam. Here are the two options further explained so you can see which one suits you better.
I heard about Vietnam e-visa. Can I apply for Vietnam e-visa if I am citizens of South Africa? (No, citizens of South Africa are not eligible for Vietnam e-visa)
From 01 Feb 2019, under Decision 17/2019/NĐ-CP of the Government of Vietnam, there are 80 countries which citizens of it are eligible to apply online for an e-visa of Vietnam online (e-visa is a single entry valid for staying 30 days). We check but not found South Africa national in this list, therefore, citizens of South Africa should choose two options below to get a visa for Vietnam
1. Visa on Arrival – Apply online for pre-approval then pick up your visa on arrival at the airports of Vietnam
Vietnam visa on arrival office in Da Nang Int’l Airport, Vietnam
This is the most preferred option for many travellers. If you live far away from the Vietnamese Embassy for example, or you do not want to send important documents such as your passport, this is a good option for you. It’s also easy, quick and affordable. To apply for a VOA, you need your computer and internet. If you get a Visa on Arrival, you are allowed to enter Vietnam through any of the 5 international airports: Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hai Phong. You can only travel by air if you get a VOA, meaning you can’t enter Vietnam by bus, car, and so forth.
The process is very simple. What you need to do is fill out the Online Application form with all relevant information. What you need to state in the application form is:
- Your full name, as stated in your passport
- Date of Birth – The format they use in Vietnam is DD/MM/YY
- Your nationality – as stated in your passport
- Your passport number
- Date of Arrival – you can state a date of arrival and then arrive later, but not earlier
After you have filled this information out, you have to wait for a confirmation email which usually arrives within 1-2 working hours. Normally you will receive an Approval Letter within 2 working days. When the letter comes, don’t forget to print it out so the immigration officers in Vietnam can stamp your passport. If you need an emergency visa, you can get one within 40 minutes to 4 hours. This will cost you more money, but you will be able to get it much faster.
On arrival support for fast check-in at Vietnam Airports
You also have the option to buy “On Arrival Support” which is a very good option for those who wants to check in to Vietnam faster:
- Standard Support : +US$20/pp
Our staff will meet you in front of the “visa on arrival” desk with a welcome board, then take care of all procedures necessary to get the visa stamped on your passport. Please prepare 25 USD/person and give it to our staff to pay for the visa stamp fee.
- VIP Support : +US$35/pp
Our staff will meet you in front of the “visa on arrival” desk with a welcome board, receive your passport and give it back with the visa within 5-10 minutes, then escort you to check out via the VIP gate. Please prepare 25 USD/person and give it to our staff to pay for the visa stamp fee.
2. Apply for a visa through the Vietnamese Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa
A tourist happy with the visa at the airport of Vietnam
The reason why applying for a visa with the Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa might not be recommended is because it’s not as convenient if you don’t live close to the embassy. It means you will have to spend time on transportation and money. You also need to remember to bring all the necessary documents, such as passport, and if you happen to forget anything, you need to start the process all over again. It’s time consuming and you usually need to pick up your passport in the embassy or consulate. Also, be kindly advised that the fees and procedures are subject to change depending on where you apply.
Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Pretoria, South Africa
- Address: 87 Brooks Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.
- Tel: + 27 (0)12 362 8119, + 27 (0)12 362 8118
- Consular emergency Tel : 27 (0)622 307 763
- Email: t_thanh_2000@yahoo.com
- Fax: + 27 (0)12 362 8115
- Email: embassy@vietnam.co.za
- Website: https://vnembassy-pretoria.mofa.gov.vn
Working time : Monday – Friday: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
The Embassy of Vietnam will be closed on the public holidays of both Vietnam and South Africa.
