Vietnam visa for South African citizens

Passport

South Africa

Destination

Vietnam

South Africa passport holders need a visa for Vietnam, and it can be applied for online as an e-Visa.

Answer e-Visa

Yes, an e-Visa is required

Entry requirement: e-Visa
Maximum stay: Set by the visa
Apply before travel: Yes
Last updated: February 2026

What South Africa passport holders need to do

Apply on the destination's official e-Visa portal.
Upload a passport scan and a photo, then pay the fee online.
Save or print the approved e-Visa and present it at the border.

South Africa is one of 171 passports in the “e-visa” group for Vietnam. See the full Vietnam visa requirements for every passport.

Easier alternatives in Asia for South Africa passport holders

Vietnam is one of 29 destinations in the “e-visa” group for the South Africa passport, which ranks #43 worldwide with a mobility score of 98. Of 50 destinations in Asia, 26 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.

Destination	Requirement	Max stay
Georgia	Visa-free	360 days
Hong Kong	Visa-free	30 days
Israel	Visa-free	90 days
Macau	Visa-free	30 days
Malaysia	Visa-free	90 days
Palestine	Visa-free	–
Philippines	Visa-free	30 days
Singapore	Visa-free	30 days
Thailand	Visa-free	60 days
Armenia	Visa on arrival	–
Cambodia	Visa on arrival	–
Indonesia	Visa on arrival	–

All visa-free countries for the South Africa passport

Frequently asked questions

Do South African citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

South Africa passport holders need a visa for Vietnam, and it can be applied for online as an e-Visa.

Can South African citizens apply for Vietnam visa online?

Yes. South Africa passport holders are eligible for an e-Visa to Vietnam, so the application can be completed online without visiting an embassy.

Do Vietnam citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Vietnam passport holders need to obtain a visa from an embassy, consulate or visa centre before travelling to South Africa.

Vietnam visa requirements for other passports

Data last updated February 2026. This page covers short visits such as tourism. Rules can change at short notice and differ for work, study or long stays. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of Vietnam before you book.