Planning a trip to Vietnam from the UK? You’ll need a visa – but don’t worry, the process is straightforward. This guide covers every visa option available to British passport holders, including the e-visa, visa on arrival, and embassy applications. We’ll walk you through fees, processing times, required documents, and insider tips to make your Vietnam visa application smooth and stress-free.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes, UK passport holders must have a visa to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or other purposes. There is no visa-free agreement for British citizens, but the good news is that Vietnam offers several convenient visa options. The most popular choices are the e-visa (for stays up to 90 days) and visa on arrival (for pre-approved entry). Below, we break down each option so you can choose the best one for your trip.
Important: UK citizens cannot enter Vietnam without a visa – even for short visits. Always check the latest regulations before booking flights.
Vietnam E-Visa for UK Citizens
The Vietnam e-visa is the most convenient option for UK travellers. It allows single or multiple entries and a maximum stay of 90 days. The application is entirely online, and you receive the visa via email. Here’s what you need to know:
- Apply at the official Vietnam e-visa portal or through a trusted service like NamVisa.com.
- Valid for UK passport holders – no need to visit an embassy.
- Processing time: 3-5 working days (sometimes faster with NamVisa’s expedited service).
- Cost: $25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entries (government fee).
- Required documents: digital passport photo, passport data page scan, and travel itinerary.
- Entry points: accepted at all international airports, land borders, and seaports.
How to Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa from the UK
Follow these simple steps to get your e-visa:
- Step 1: Visit the official e-visa website or use NamVisa.com for a streamlined process.
- Step 2: Fill in your personal details exactly as on your passport.
- Step 3: Upload your passport photo and passport data page (clear, high-resolution scans).
- Step 4: Pay the fee online (credit/debit card or PayPal).
- Step 5: Receive your e-visa via email within 3-5 days. Print it out and carry it with your passport.
Tip: Apply at least 1 week before your departure to avoid delays. NamVisa offers a rush service for urgent applications (24-48 hours).
Vietnam Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens
Visa on arrival (VOA) is another popular option, especially for those arriving by air. It requires a pre-approval letter from a licensed Vietnamese travel agency (like NamVisa). You get the letter via email, then present it at the airport to receive your visa stamp. Here’s the process:
- Apply online for a visa approval letter (NamVisa processes this in 1-2 days).
- Cost: $15-30 for the letter (service fee) + $25-50 for the stamping fee at the airport (paid in cash, USD or VND).
- Valid for single or multiple entries, up to 90 days.
- Only available for air travel – not for land or sea borders.
- You’ll need to fill out an entry/exit form at the airport and queue at the 'Visa on Arrival' counter.
Vietnam Embassy Visa for UK Citizens
If you prefer a traditional method, you can apply directly at the Vietnamese Embassy in London. This is less common for tourists due to the extra steps, but it’s useful for long-term stays or work visas.
- Location: 12-14 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD.
- Processing time: 5-7 working days (or 2-3 days for express service).
- Cost: £50-80 depending on visa type and urgency.
- Documents: passport, application form, photos, and supporting documents.
- Best for: diplomatic, work, or student visas.
Comparison of Vietnam Visa Options for UK Citizens
| Visa Type | Max Stay | Entries | Processing Time | Cost (USD) | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Visa | 90 days | Single/Multiple | 3-5 days | $25-$50 | Very easy (online) |
| Visa on Arrival | 90 days | Single/Multiple | 1-2 days (letter) | $15-$30 + stamping fee | Easy (pre-approval needed) |
| Embassy Visa | Up to 1 year | Single/Multiple | 5-7 days | $50-$100 | Moderate (in-person) |
Required Documents for UK Citizens
Regardless of the visa type, you’ll need these documents handy:
- Valid UK passport with at least 6 months validity from your entry date.
- At least two blank passport pages for stamps.
- Passport-sized photo (white background, 4x6 cm).
- Completed visa application form (online or paper).
- Proof of travel (flight bookings, hotel reservations).
- Payment for visa fees (credit card, cash, or bank transfer).
Processing Times and Costs
Timing and budget are key. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- E-Visa: 3-5 working days, $25-$50.
- Visa on Arrival: 1-2 days for approval letter, plus stamping fee at airport ($25-$50).
- Embassy Visa: 5-7 working days, £50-80.
- Expedited options: NamVisa offers 24-hour e-visa processing for an extra fee.
Pro tip: Always carry USD cash for stamping fees at the airport – ATMs may not be available at the visa counter.
Immigration Offices in Vietnam
If you need to extend your visa or handle issues, Vietnam has immigration offices in major cities:
- Ho Chi Minh City: 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3.
- Hanoi: 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District.
- Da Nang: 7 Tran Quy Cap, Hai Chau District.
- Nha Trang: 17 Le Thanh Ton, Loc Tho Ward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival without a pre-approval letter?
No. You must have a pre-approval letter from a licensed agency. Without it, you won’t be allowed to board your flight or get a visa at the airport.
How long can a UK citizen stay in Vietnam on an e-visa?
Up to 90 days. You can choose single or multiple entry. Overstaying may result in fines.
Is the Vietnam e-visa accepted at all border crossings?
Yes, e-visas are accepted at all international airports, land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and seaports (e.g., Ha Long, Da Nang).
What if my passport expires soon?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew it before applying.
Can I extend my visa while in Vietnam?
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at an immigration office. However, it’s easier to apply for a longer visa upfront.
Ready to Get Your Vietnam Visa?
Don’t let visa paperwork stress you out. NamVisa.com makes it easy for UK citizens. Apply for your e-visa or visa on arrival today – fast, secure, and reliable.
Apply Now