South Africa entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed October 17, 2026·View sources
Recently changed · October 17, 2026
Visa-free entryeVisa required
Based on news reports — please verify with the embassy before you travel.
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter South Africa. South Africa runs an eVisa system for Vietnamese citizens, so you can apply online before you fly rather than queueing at an embassy. Apply well ahead of your trip and make sure your passport has at least six months of validity left.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a South African visa | Vietnamese passport holders need a visa before traveling to South Africa. Submit your application at the nearest South African embassy or consulate — processing takes 5–10 working days. The visa fee is around ZAR 1,520 (about $80 USD), and you'll need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) in person.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. South Africa requires your passport to be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date — airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at OR Tambo, Cape Town, and King Shaka routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they may also check that your onward flight departs within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed letter from your host with their South African address and contact number. Immigration may ask for this during the visa application process or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you can cover your stay — bank statements from the last 3 months or a credit card with sufficient limit. A rough guideline is ZAR 1,000 (about $55 USD) per day, though officers rarely count exact amounts. | Recommended |
Six-month passport rule is enforced
South Africa counts passport validity from your arrival date. If your Vietnamese passport expires within six months of landing, you can be refused boarding in Vietnam or turned away at the border. Renew first, then apply for the eVisa.
Print everything
South African immigration officers work from paper. Print your eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation booking and keep them in your carry-on. A phone that's out of battery or has no signal won't help you at the desk.
Check your entry stamp before leaving the desk
Make sure the stamp shows the correct number of days. If it doesn't match what you expected, raise it with the officer immediately — fixing it after you've left the airport is a headache.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to South Africa's official eVisa portal and complete the application with your Vietnamese passport details, travel dates, and accommodation address. Upload a clear passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Do this at least several weeks before your flight — processing isn't instant and you don't want to be chasing it the week you fly.
2
Print your approval and supporting documents
Once approved, print the eVisa approval letter. Also print your return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in a folder in your carry-on — not buried in checked luggage.
3
Check in at the airport in Vietnam
Airline staff will check your visa before letting you board. Show your printed eVisa approval and passport. If your passport has less than six months' validity, expect problems here — fix it before you get to the airport.
4
Clear immigration on arrival
At OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban), join the foreign passport queue. Hand over your passport and printed eVisa. The officer may ask where you're staying and how long you're staying — answer directly and keep your documents handy.
5
Get your entry stamp and check the dates
Before you walk away from the desk, check the stamp in your passport. Confirm the number of days you've been given matches what you expected. If something looks wrong, ask the officer right there — sorting it out later is much harder.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated October 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires strong ties to home country.
Long-stay visa (study/work)
Max stayDuration of course/contract
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostVaries (ZAR 1,350–2,700)
Requires sponsorship from institution or employer.
work visa
General Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a South African employer. Requires proof of qualifications and labour market approval.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized South African institution. Must show proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa
Up to 4 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with a monthly pension of at least ZAR 37,000 (~$2,000 USD). Requires proof of pension and medical cover.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa for tourism. | ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity. | ZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD) |
| Visa extension (in-country)Possible for up to 30 days, subject to approval. | ZAR 1,000 (~$55 USD) per extension |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ZAR 500 (~$28 USD) per day, max ZAR 10,000 (~$555 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Africa
No transit visa needed
Vietnam passport holders do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsO.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) · Cape Town International Airport (CPT) · King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Health & vaccines for South Africa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal (especially Kruger National Park).
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid swimming in untreated water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Prophylaxis recommended for travel to Kruger National Park and other low-altitude areas. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Pretoria
Department of Home Affairs (Head Office)
230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; arrive early.
Cape Town
Cape Town Regional Office
Lower Buiten Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; bring all original documents.
Practical information for VN travellers
Country basics
CapitalPretoria
Language11 official languages incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP for tourist drives.
Money
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.27 ZAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
M,NType M (large 3-pin) and N — US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in Cape Town and major cities. Use bottled water in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Getting to South Africa
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Vietnam is not on South Africa's visa-exempt list, so you need a visa before you travel. The eVisa is the standard route for Vietnamese passport holders — apply online through South Africa's official portal before you fly.
Processing times vary and aren't guaranteed. Apply at least several weeks before your departure date and don't book non-refundable flights until you have the approval in hand. If your trip is close, apply immediately.
The length of stay is set by the visa granted and stamped at entry. Check the stamp in your passport when you arrive and make sure it matches what you applied for. If you want to stay longer, you must apply to extend before your permitted stay expires — overstaying leads to fines and bans.
Extensions are not automatic and the eVisa itself isn't set up for easy extension. If you think you'll need more time, sort it out before you travel or contact South Africa's Department of Home Affairs early. Don't just stay past your stamp date.
The major international gateways — OR Tambo in Johannesburg, Cape Town International, and King Shaka in Durban — handle eVisa holders routinely. Land borders are less predictable, so if you're crossing overland, confirm your port of entry accepts eVisa travellers before you commit to that route.
South Africa requires your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. If it's close to expiry, renew your Vietnamese passport before applying for the eVisa — the visa is tied to your passport number and you'd have to reapply.
It's not a strict entry requirement for Vietnamese citizens, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in South Africa is expensive for visitors, and immigration officers sometimes ask to see proof of cover. Buy a policy that includes medical evacuation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on October 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.