South Africans Now Have Easier Entry Into Another Country

Vietnam is the latest country to be opening up its doors to allow visits from all nations in the world.

This is according to a government statement issued on Monday 14 August.

Up to now, South Africans have been able to enter Vietnam with visas obtained prior to travelling there. Alternatively, they could obtain visas through the country’s visas on-arrival programme.

Requirements for obtaining the visa include a valid passport from one’s home country, two recent passport photos, and the payment of the Vietnam visa fee.

E-VISAS

The new e-visa will be valid for multiple entries within 90 days according to VNExpress. It will be issued to foreigners by Vietnam’s Immigration Department, through the electronic transaction system.

These countries include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K. and Northern Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus.

Citizens of these countries are now allowed to stay in Vietnam for 45 days. This is from the time of entry, regardless of passport type and entry purpose.

BENEFITS FOR SOUTH AFRICANS

South Africans are benefitting from eased entry regulations in various countries, of late.

Japan and Saudi Arabia have recently added SA to their list of nationalities that are eligible for electronic visas.

There is a sizable community of South African expats living and working in Vietnam.

The convenient new visa arrangements will be of great value to the number of South African teachers who live and work in that country. They will now be able to host family and friends with ease.

The visa relaxation, which was approved by the National Assembly in June, aims to help attract tourism, investment, business cooperation and scientific research.