Vietnam (The Socialist Republic of)

Vietnam (The Socialist Republic of)

History of Relations

South Africa and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in December 1993. The South African Ambassador to Thailand, Mrs Buyi M Pheto, presented her credentials as non-resident Ambassador to the President of Vietnam on 14 August 2001. Vietnam established a resident embassy in Pretoria in 1999. South Africa established a residential Embassy in Hanoi on 1 October 2002. The South African Embassy in Hanoi issues visas to Vietnamese passport-holders wishing to visit the Republic of South Africa and all visa applications have to be referred to the SA Embassy in Hanoi.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Vietnam

H E Mr R S Moloi
Ambassor Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa

Vietnamese Representation in South Africa

H E Mr Nguyen Manh Hung
Ambassor Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam - web site

Travel Info

Visa requirements for South Africans

For more information contact the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Pretoria.

Health Requirements

It is suggested that tourists take their own medicines along. There is a risk of malaria in non-urban areas. Hepatitis A & B immunisations are recommended (Dengue fever or DHF). There is no immunization against DHF. It is strongly recommended that comprehensive travel and health insurance be obtained which would include emergency air evacuation by a recognised carrier. Prospective travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. For further information go to Travelers' Health.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Between July and November, the Southern part of Vietnam is normally hit by random and sometimes violent typhoons. The Northern part of Vietnam experiences its rainy season from August until November and typhoons are frequent. A chilly winter is experienced between December and February. The Delta part of Vietnam has two seasons, viz: the wet season from May to October with short downpours occurring every day and the dry season which lasts from November to April with the last three months of this period being very hot and humid. For up-to-date weather information click here.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The currency is the Vietnamese New Dong (VND). Notes are in denominations of D50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins have been added for 100,200, 500 and 1000 dong. The current exchange rate is US$1 is approximately VND 15 770 (January 2005). Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and certain money changers. Credit cards may not be accepted everywhere. The VND is not easily convertible. For current exchange rates click here.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

The Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, H E Mr Phan Van Khai, paid an official visit to South Africa in November 2004.

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section at 012 351 0872/0851/0837.

Trade Info

Vietnam's exports to South Africa are mainly footwear and artificial flowers, vegetable products, mineral products, textiles and textile products and plastics. South Africa's exports to Vietnam include machinery and mechanical appliances, vegetable products, base metals and articles of base metals, plastics and articles thereof, and products of chemical and allied industries.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Vietnam, visit the web site of the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa

Interest Groups and Information

No Information