Table of Contents
British nationals are eligible for visa-free entry to Vietnam for up to 45 days. For longer stays, an eVisa valid for up to 90 days is required.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Visa requirements depend on the intended duration of stay:
- Stays of 45 days or less: No visa required. UK citizens are eligible for visa-free entry.
- Stays of 46–90 days: An eVisa is required ($25 for single-entry; $50 for multiple-entry).
- Stays exceeding 90 days: Requires a different visa category issued via a Vietnamese diplomatic mission.
The UK is one of 13 countries granted an extended visa-free period (from 15 to 45 days) in 2023, facilitating short-term travel for British nationals.
For stays of 45 days or fewer, British nationals do not require a visa prior to departure.
Visa-Free Entry Requirements for UK Citizens
When entering Vietnam under the visa exemption program, UK citizens must comply with the following conditions:
- Maximum stay limit: 45 days per entry (cannot be extended within Vietnam).
- Passport validity: Must remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and contain at least 2 blank pages.
- Permitted purposes: Tourism, transit, visiting relatives, and short-term business activities.
- No minimum gap is required between consecutive visa-free entries.
- Proof of onward travel (such as a return or connecting flight ticket) is required.
- Entry is permitted through any international border checkpoint.
Visa-free stays cannot be extended within Vietnam. Individuals anticipating a stay longer than 45 days must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival.
When UK Citizens Require an eVisa
While visa-free entry covers short visits, an eVisa is mandatory under the following circumstances:
- The intended stay exceeds 45 days (the eVisa permits stays of up to 90 days).
- The itinerary requires leaving and re-entering Vietnam multiple times (necessitating a multiple-entry eVisa).
- The purpose of the visit falls outside the scope of the standard visa exemption.
How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa
British nationals requiring an eVisa must apply through the official government portal. The process involves the following steps:
- Visit the National Web Portal on Immigration (the only official government platform for eVisa applications).
- Select the desired visa type: single-entry ($25) or multiple-entry ($50).
- Complete the application form using details exactly as they appear in the British passport.
- Upload a recent portrait photo and a scanned copy of the passport's biographical data page.
- Select the intended port of entry (the eVisa is accepted at 83 designated entry ports).
- Submit the non-refundable processing fee via credit or debit card.
- Processing typically takes 3-5 working days. Once approved, download and print the eVisa to present alongside the passport upon arrival.
Designated Entry Ports and Flight Routes
Travelers entering with an eVisa can use any of the 83 designated entry ports. Common airport entry points for flights originating from the UK include:
- Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) — Hanoi: Direct flights from London Heathrow are available via Vietnam Airlines.
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) — Ho Chi Minh City: Direct flights from London Heathrow are available via Vietnam Airlines.
- Da Nang International Airport (DAD) — Central Vietnam: Typically requires a transit connection.
- Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) — Nha Trang: Serves central and southern coastal regions.
Key Destinations in Vietnam
Common regions visited by UK nationals include:
- Ha Long Bay: UNESCO World Heritage site known for its limestone karst formations.
- Hoi An: Ancient town recognized for its preserved architecture.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Economic hub in the south, offering access to the Mekong Delta.
- Hanoi: The capital city, featuring historical sites and the Old Quarter.
- Sapa: Northern mountainous region noted for trekking routes and rice terraces.
- Phu Quoc: Island destination in the Gulf of Thailand.
- Ninh Binh: Region characterized by karst landscapes and river ecosystems.
Essential Information for UK Nationals
- Currency: The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). USD is widely accepted for visa fees, but VND is required for daily transactions.
- Time Zone: Vietnam Standard Time is UTC+7.
- Healthcare: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised, as reciprocal healthcare agreements do not exist and the NHS does not cover treatment abroad.
- Power Adapters: Vietnam utilizes Type A, C, and G power sockets.
- Consular Assistance: For emergencies, British nationals can contact the UK Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnamese Diplomatic Missions in the UK
If you require a specialized visa or consular services, contact the Embassy of Vietnam in London:
- Address: 35 Victoria Road, London W8 5RF (Relocated in early 2025)
- Phone: 020 7937 1912
- Consular Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:30 – 12:30
To apply for an eVisa, start your application here.