On 14 August 2023. Vietnam eased their visa requirements for South Africans entering the country.
This means that South Africans will now be able to enter Vietnam by applying for an e-visa. Prior to this announcement, South Africans could enter the country with their visa-on-arrival programme, which was limited to a stay of 15 days.
Vietnam e-visas
The new e-visa programme allows South Africans multiple entries within 90 days that are issued to travelers by Vietnam’s Immigration Department, through the electronic transaction system.
Stays in Vietnam have also been extended from 15 days to 45 days in total for countries unilaterally exempted from requiring visas for Vietnam. These countries include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K. and Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus.
As of late, Japan and Saudi Arabia have also added South Africa to their list of nationalities that are eligible for the electronic visa.
The benefit of the e-visa for South Africans
There are many benefits for South Africans accessing the e-visa offered by Vietnam. With the increase of South African English teachers relocating to Vietnam, they are able to host their friends and families in Vietnam for an extended period.
Compiled by Marian Volkwyn
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