Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for South Africa?
The official link goes to dha.gov.za. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel. This row comes from a reputable source NUM hasn’t yet confirmed on the official page.
South Africa entry rules for Vietnamese citizens.
| Verdict | Visa needed before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | Visitor visa (section 11(1)) |
| Stay | Up to 90 days |
| When to apply | Apply several weeks ahead |
| Checked | From a reputable source, not yet verified on the official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for a Vietnamese passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: South Africa entry requirements.
The details for a Vietnamese passport.
Not on the visa-exemption list for ordinary passports (Vietnam exemption covers diplomatic/official/service passports only); not on the reported eVisa list. Apply for a visitor visa at a South African mission / VFS before travel. Check whether the ETA has been extended to this nationality.
How long it must be valid.
Passport must be valid for at least 30 days after the date you intend to leave South Africa.
Recent changes in South Africa.
- 2025-10 — ETA pilot began for G20 delegations from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico (OR Tambo and Cape Town; Lanseria added Nov 2025).
- 2025-12-09 — DHA reissued its visa-exemption list (adds 2025 exemptions such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia).
- 2026-02-12 — ETA opened to ordinary-passport holders of China, India, Indonesia and Mexico entering via OR Tambo, Cape Town or Lanseria.
The short answers.
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Yes. Vietnamese citizens need a visa from an embassy or visa centre before travelling to South Africa.
How long can Vietnamese citizens stay in South Africa?
Up to 90 days. Longer stays need a different visa.
When should Vietnamese citizens apply?
Apply several weeks ahead.
Where do Vietnamese citizens apply?
On the official site, dha.gov.za. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue South Africa visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.