Vietnam Visa for the British Requirements, Application Process, and Tips

Table of Contents

Discover the Vietnam visa requirements for British citizens, types of visas available, application process, required documents, fees, processing times, visa exemption, applying in the UK, visa extension, entry requirements, and helpful tips for a smooth visa experience.

Vietnam visa requirements for British citizens

Vietnam Visa for the British Requirements, Application Process, and Tips

British citizens traveling to Vietnam are required to have a valid visa. There are two main options for obtaining a visa: applying in advance or using the Visa on Arrival (VOA) service.

Applying in advance:
- Visit the official website of the Embassy of Vietnam in the United Kingdom to get detailed information on the application process.
- Complete the necessary application form and provide the supporting documents, including your passport, passport-sized photos, and visa fee.
- Submit your application either in person or by mail to the Embassy of Vietnam.
- After processing, you will receive your visa by mail or can collect it in person.

Visa on Arrival (VOA):
- To use VOA, you must first obtain an approval letter through a reliable travel agency or an online visa service before departure.
- Provide the required information, such as your personal details, intended arrival date, and port of entry in Vietnam.
- Pay the visa approval letter fee as instructed by the service provider.
- Upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports, present your approval letter, passport, completed entry/exit form, and a visa stamping fee to the immigration officer. You will then receive your visa.

Important considerations:

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Vietnam.
Check for any additional requirements or changes in visa regulations by visiting the official website of the Embassy of Vietnam in the United Kingdom or consulting with relevant authorities.

Note: It’s always recommended to double-check the latest visa requirements and regulations before making any travel arrangements, as they can be subject to change.

Types of Vietnam visas available for British nationals

British nationals can apply for a variety of visas to enter Vietnam, depending on the purpose of their visit and the length of their stay.

Visa-free entry

British nationals are eligible for visa-free entry to Vietnam for up to 45 consecutive days, provided they arrive by air at one of the following international airports:

Hanoi International Airport (HAN)
Ho Chi Minh City International Airport (SGN)
Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR)
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC)

Vietnam e-visa

British nationals can also apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) to Vietnam. E-visas are valid for 90 days and allow for either single or multiple entries. To apply for an e-visa, British nationals must complete an online application form and provide the following documents:

A digital passport photo
A copy of their passport’s biographical page
A valid credit or debit card to pay the visa fee

Other visa types

British nationals who are staying in Vietnam for longer than 45 days or who are visiting for a purpose other than tourism may need to apply for a different type of visa. Some of the other types of visas available to British nationals include:

Business visa: Issued to foreign nationals who are visiting Vietnam for business purposes, such as attending meetings, signing contracts, or conducting market research.
Work visa: Issued to foreign nationals who have been employed by a Vietnamese company or organization.
Student visa: Issued to foreign nationals who have been accepted to a Vietnamese school or university.
Investor visa: Issued to foreign nationals who are investing in a Vietnamese business.
Diplomatic visa: Issued to foreign nationals who are diplomats or other government officials.

How to apply for a Vietnam visa

British nationals can apply for a Vietnam visa online, through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or through a travel agent.

To apply for a Vietnam e-visa:

Visit the official Vietnam e-visa website.
Complete the online application form and provide the required documents.
Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card.
Once your application is approved, you will receive an e-visa approval letter.
Print out the approval letter and bring it with you when you travel to Vietnam.

To apply for a Vietnam visa at an embassy or consulate:

Contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country to make an appointment.
Bring the required documents to your appointment.
Pay the visa fee.
Once your application is processed, you will receive your visa.

To apply for a Vietnam visa through a travel agent:

Contact a travel agent that specializes in Vietnam travel.
Provide the travel agent with your travel details and the type of visa you need.
Pay the visa fee to the travel agent.
The travel agent will process your visa application on your behalf.

Important information

British nationals must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their intended departure from Vietnam.
British nationals must also have at least two blank pages in their passport for visa stamps.
British nationals who are staying in Vietnam for longer than 30 days must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival.

Documents needed for a Vietnam visa as a British citizen

To obtain a Vietnam visa as a British citizen, you typically need the following documents:

Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Vietnam.

Visa Application Form: Complete the application form, which can usually be obtained from the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country.

Passport-sized Photos: Provide two recent passport-sized photos that meet the specifications set by the Vietnamese authorities.

Visa Approval Letter: For certain types of visas, such as the visa on arrival, you’ll need to obtain a visa approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency or sponsor before your trip.

Flight Itinerary: Present a copy of your flight itinerary showing your entry and exit dates to and from Vietnam.

Visa Fee: Pay the required visa fee, which varies depending on the type and duration of the visa you are applying for.

Proof of Accommodation: Show evidence of your accommodation arrangements in Vietnam, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a host if staying with friends or family.

It’s important to note that visa requirements may vary, and it’s recommended to check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information specific to your situation.

Visa fees and processing times for British citizens visiting Vietnam

Visa Fees and Processing Times for British Citizens Visiting Vietnam

British citizens can visit Vietnam for tourism, transit, or business travel for up to 45 days without a visa. However, if you plan to stay in Vietnam for longer than 45 days, or if you are entering Vietnam for other reasons, you will need to apply for a visa.

Visa Types and Fees

There are two main types of visas for British citizens visiting Vietnam:

Single-entry visa: This visa allows you to enter Vietnam once and stay for up to 30 days. The fee for a single-entry visa is US$25.
Multiple-entry visa: This visa allows you to enter Vietnam multiple times and stay for up to 30 days per entry. The fee for a multiple-entry visa is US$50.

Processing Times

The processing time for a Vietnam visa is typically 5 to 7 working days. However, there is also a premium service available for an additional fee that can shorten the processing time to 2 to 3 working days.

How to Apply for a Visa

There are two ways to apply for a Vietnam visa:

Online (e-visa): The most convenient way to apply for a Vietnam visa is online. You can apply for an e-visa on the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
At a Vietnamese embassy or consulate: You can also apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in person.

Vietnam visa exemption for British passport holders

British passport holders are exempt from a visa to enter Vietnam for up to 45 days from the date of entry, for tourism, transit, and business travel (but not paid or voluntary work). This exemption was extended from 15 to 45 days on August 15, 2023.

To qualify for the visa exemption, British passport holders must meet the following requirements:

Have a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom.
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
The arrival date must not fall within 30 days from the exit date of their last stay in Vietnam with visa exemption.

If British passport holders want to stay in Vietnam for longer than 45 days, they can apply for a visa or e-visa.

How to apply for a visa or e-visa to Vietnam

To apply for a visa to Vietnam, British passport holders can contact the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the UK. To apply for an e-visa, they can visit the official Vietnam eVisa website.

To apply for an e-visa, applicants will need to provide the following information:

Personal details, such as name, date of birth, nationality, and passport information.
Travel details, such as arrival date, departure date, and port of entry.
A digital photo of themselves.
A payment fee.

Once the e-visa is approved, applicants will be able to download and print it out. They must present the printed e-visa upon arrival at the port of entry in Vietnam.

Tips for traveling to Vietnam

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam.
Check the latest visa requirements before you travel.
Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
Purchase travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events.
Pack light clothing and comfortable shoes, as the weather in Vietnam can be hot and humid.
Be respectful of Vietnamese culture and customs.

Applying for a Vietnam visa in the UK as a British national

British nationals can apply for a Vietnam visa in the UK in a few different ways:

Online: The most convenient way to apply for a Vietnam visa is online. This can be done through the Vietnam Immigration Department website or through a third-party visa service provider. The online application process is typically quick and easy, and you will receive your visa electronically.
Visa on arrival: British nationals can also obtain a visa on arrival at certain international airports in Vietnam. However, this option is more expensive and time-consuming than applying online or in advance.
Through the Vietnamese Embassy in London: British nationals can also apply for a Vietnam visa through the Vietnamese Embassy in London. This is the only option for certain types of visas, such as business visas and long-stay visas.

Requirements:

To apply for a Vietnam visa, you will need to meet the following requirements:

A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of your intended entry into Vietnam
A recent passport-sized photo
A completed visa application form
Payment of the visa fee

Instructions:

To apply for a Vietnam visa online, follow these steps:

Go to the Vietnam Immigration Department website or the website of a third-party visa service provider.
Create an account and fill out the online visa application form.
Upload a recent passport-sized photo.
Pay the visa fee.
Review your application and submit it.

If you are applying for a visa on arrival, you will need to complete a visa application form on arrival at the airport. You will also need to pay the visa fee and show your passport and a recent passport-sized photo.

If you are applying for a visa through the Vietnamese Embassy in London, you can download a visa application form from the embassy’s website. You will need to submit the completed application form, along with your passport, passport photo, and payment of the visa fee, to the embassy in person.

Processing time:

The processing time for a Vietnam visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the method of application you choose. Online visas are typically processed within 3-5 business days. Visas on arrival can be processed within 30 minutes to 2 hours, but there may be long queues, especially during peak tourist season. Visas applied for through the Vietnamese Embassy in London can take up to 10 business days to process.

Tips:

Here are a few tips for applying for a Vietnam visa:

Make sure to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
Double-check all of your information on the visa application form to avoid any delays.
If you are applying for a visa online, be sure to have a valid credit or debit card to pay the visa fee.
If you are applying for a visa on arrival, be sure to have enough cash to pay the visa fee, as credit cards are not always accepted.
If you have any questions or concerns about the visa application process, you can contact the Vietnamese Embassy in London or a third-party visa service provider for assistance.

Vietnam visa extension for British travelers

British travelers can extend their Vietnam visa by following a few steps:

Contact the Vietnam Immigration Department or a reputable travel agency in Vietnam to inquire about the visa extension process and requirements.

Prepare the necessary documents, which typically include your original passport, a completed application form for visa extension, and a passport-sized photo.

Submit your application and documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department or through the travel agency. It’s advisable to do this at least 7 days before your current visa expires.

Pay the visa extension fee as instructed by the immigration authorities or the travel agency assisting you.

Await the processing of your visa extension. The duration may vary, but it generally takes a few working days.

Once approved, collect your extended visa and ensure that the new expiration date is clearly stated.

It’s important to note that visa extension regulations and procedures can change, so it’s always recommended to verify the latest requirements with the Vietnam Immigration Department or a reliable source before proceeding with the process.

Entry requirements for British citizens traveling to Vietnam

British citizens traveling to Vietnam require a valid passport and a visa to enter the country. The visa can be obtained in advance from the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the United Kingdom. Alternatively, British citizens can also apply for an e-visa online before their trip. It is advisable to check the latest visa requirements and guidelines from the official website of the Embassy of Vietnam or consult with relevant authorities for up-to-date information.

Tips for Emergency Vietnam Visa for the British citizens

Emergency Vietnam Visa for British Citizens

If you are a British citizen and you need to travel to Vietnam urgently, you may be able to obtain an emergency visa. An emergency visa is a type of visa that can be processed quickly, usually within 24-48 hours. However, it is important to note that emergency visas are only available in certain circumstances.

Eligibility for an Emergency Vietnam Visa

To be eligible for an emergency Vietnam visa, you must meet the following criteria:

You must be a British citizen.
You must have a valid passport.
You must have a compelling reason for needing to travel to Vietnam urgently.

Examples of compelling reasons include:

A family member is seriously ill or has died.
You need to attend an important business meeting.
You are a journalist or humanitarian worker who needs to travel to Vietnam on short notice.

How to Apply for an Emergency Vietnam Visa

To apply for an emergency Vietnam visa, you can either apply online or in person at the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK.

Online Application

To apply online, you will need to visit the website of the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK and complete the online application form. You will also need to upload the following documents:

A copy of your passport
A copy of your flight ticket
A letter explaining the reason for your emergency travel

In-Person Application

To apply in person, you will need to visit the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK and submit the following documents:

A completed visa application form
A copy of your passport
A copy of your flight ticket
A letter explaining the reason for your emergency travel

Processing Time

Emergency Vietnam visas are typically processed within 24-48 hours. However, it is important to note that the processing time may vary depending on the circumstances of your case.

Tips for Applying for an Emergency Vietnam Visa

Here are a few tips for applying for an emergency Vietnam visa:

Apply as early as possible.
Gather all of the required documentation in advance.
Be prepared to explain the reason for your emergency travel in detail.
Be patient and understanding.