Vietnam visa requirements and application procedures for UK citizens
Key facts for UK travelers to Vietnam
- Visa requirement: All UK citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam (except those with temporary residence cards, APEC cards, diplomatic passports, etc.)
- Visa types: E-visa (30-90 days, single/multiple entry) or visa on arrival (VOA)
- Processing time: 5-10 business days through official government websites, or faster (4 hours to 5 days) through services like VisaNow
- Entry points: Permitted at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports
- Visa extension: Possible to extend from 30 days to 6 months, depending on the visa type
UK citizens nationals visit Vietnam for a range of reasons, from conducting business and exploring the country’s attractions to reconnecting with family members. Are UK passport holders required to obtain a visa for Vietnam entry? How can UK citizens secure their Vietnamese visa? VisaNow provides a comprehensive breakdown of suitable visa categories for various travel purposes in the following guide.
Ready to start your Vietnam journey? Skip the paperwork hassle and get your visa approved quickly and easily!
Contact VisaNow’s English-speaking expert team at HOTLINE (+84) 943 676 226 for personalized visa consultation and guaranteed processing!
Why choose VisaNow’s professional visa services for UK citizens?
Although UK citizens have the option to handle their Vietnam visa applications independently, thousands opt for VisaNow annually to streamline the process, eliminate errors, and guarantee approval. See how our expert service compares to the self-application method:
| Factors | Doing it yourself | VisaNow service |
| Processing time | 5-10 days normally | 3 DAYS guaranteed processing 1-2 DAYS for urgent cases |
| Paperwork time | 2-3 hours of reading requirements | Get the complete checklist right away |
| Application help | No help filling forms | Step-by-step guidance and checking |
| Question answering | Only basic FAQ on the government site | 24/7 English-speaking help team |
| Avoiding mistakes | Easy to make errors that cause rejection | Expert review prevents common errors |
| Emergency service | Usually not available | Only 4 hours in urgent cases |
| Airport support | No help when you arrive | Fast-track service available |
| Total cost | Cheaper at first but may pay twice if rejected | Slightly more but guaranteed results |
Our total fees for Vietnam visas for UK citizens are:
| Type of visa | Processing time | Full charge (including Government fee) |
| Single | 4-5 days | 60 |
| 2-3 days | 54 | |
| 1 day | 120 | |
| 4 hours | 150 | |
| Emergency | Whatsapp 24/7: (+84) 943 676 226 | |
| Multiple | 4-5 days | 90 |
| 2-3 days | 110 | |
| 1 day | 150 | |
| 4 hours | 180 | |
| Emergency | Whatsapp 24/7: (+84) 943 676 226 | |
| Visa on arrival for Tourist | 4-5 days 3 days 2 days 1 day 4 hours | Whatsapp 24/7: (+84) 943 676 226 |
Note: Full charge includes both the Vietnam Government charge (USD 25 for single-entry or USD 50 for multiple-entry) and our service fee.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, UK citizens must obtain a visa to enter Vietnam. You need to secure your visa prior to travelling to Vietnam unless you qualify for these exemption categories:
- Valid temporary residence card holders
- APEC business travel cardholders
- Diplomatic/official passport holders (stays up to 30 days)
- UK diplomatic staff family members
- Airline crew (stays up to 30 days)
- Phu Quoc Island visitors only (stays up to 30 days)
Vietnam visa types and options for UK citizens
UK citizens intending to travel to Vietnam have various visa alternatives depending on their circumstances and reason for visiting. Here is a detailed guide for both UK citizens abroad and those currently within the country.
- UK citizens outside Vietnam
- UK citizens already in Vietnam
- Short-term tourist and business visas for UK travelers
For UK citizens planning short-term visits to Vietnam, two main visa options are available:
| Visa type | Duration | Entry type | Purpose | Best for |
| Tourist visa | Up to 30 days | Single entry | Vacation, sightseeing, visiting friends | First-time visitors, leisure travelers |
| E-visa | Up to 90 days | Single or multiple | Tourism, business, family visits | Business travelers, extended stays, multiple visits |
- Employment and business exploration visa options
For UK citizens seeking employment opportunities or exploring business ventures in Vietnam:
| Option | Initial visa | Duration | Purpose | Next Steps |
| Job seeking | Tourist visa or e-visa | Up to 90 days | Networking, interviews, job hunting | Convert to business visa once employment secured |
| Business visa | Business visa | Up to 90 days | Business meetings, investment activities | Apply for temporary residence card for employment |
Extended stay and residence card procedures
For UK citizens already in Vietnam who need to extend their stay:
| Option | Duration | Benefits | Processing time | Ideal For |
| Temporary residence card (TRC) | Up to 5 years | – No frequent renewals – Multiple entries/exits – Long-term stay freedom | 5-10 working days | – Foreign employees – Investors – Those married to Vietnamese citizens |
| Visa extension | 30 days to 6 months | – Extended stay without leaving – Simpler than new application | 3-5 working days | Those needing extra time who don’t qualify for TRC |
Step-by-step Vietnam visa application process for UK citizens
- Applying from the UK
- Applying while in Vietnam
E-visa application procedure (recommended for UK citizens)
The e-visa is the most convenient option for UK citizens planning to visit Vietnam. Our e-visa service offers:
- Processing time options: From 4 hours (emergency) to 5 days (standard)
- Application support: Complete paperwork assistance and form checking
- Document verification: Expert review to prevent common rejection reasons
- Status updates: Regular notifications about your application progress
- Approval guarantee: Reprocessing at no extra charge if application is rejected due to our error
Our e-visa service gives you:
- Step-by-step guidance through the entire application process
- Document checklist tailored to your specific travel purpose
- English-speaking support team available 24/7
- Express processing options for urgent travel needs
Tourist and business visa application procedures
UK citizens can obtain a tourist or business visa through two main steps:
Step 1. Obtain an approval letter through a travel agency
- Submit passport copy and travel dates
- Standard processing time: 7-10 days
Step 2. Visa stamping at Vietnamese Embassy or airport
- Required documents: approval letter, passport, photos, application form
- Fee payment required at time of stamping
VisaNow’s tourist/business visa service advantages:
- Complete paperwork handling from start to finish
- Document verification to prevent rejection
- Processing time range from 7 days to 4 hours for emergencies
- English-speaking staff assistance throughout the process
- Regular application status updates
- Time-saving and problem-avoidance benefits
Visa on arrival procedures for UK travelers (VOA)
Does Vietnam have visa on arrival for UK citizens? Yes, Vietnam offers visa on arrival through a pre-approval letter system combined with airport visa stamping.
Visa on arrival is a two-stage process requiring a pre-approval letter obtained in advance, followed by visa stamping at Vietnamese airports. This option is most appropriate for urgent or last-minute trips when other visa types cannot be processed in time.
Our VOA service gives you:
- Quick approval letters with same-day emergency processing available
- Step-by-step airport instructions for smooth visa stamping
- Documentation assistance to ensure all requirements are met
- Support with airport fee payment procedures
Airport fast-track service (optional enhancement): Our airport fast-track service allows you to skip long immigration lines and complete your visa stamping quickly. This service enhancement ensures you start your Vietnam trip smoothly without airport delays. right away.
Temporary residence card application procedures
For UK citizens planning long-term stays in Vietnam, we recommend obtaining a temporary residence card. This card helps you avoid applying for new visas every few months.
Benefits of having a temporary residence card:
- Good for up to 5 years
- Enter and exit Vietnam freely without new visas
- Easier banking and local services
- Legal status for living in Vietnam
Getting this card requires submitting paperwork to the Vietnam immigration offices. Many UK citizens find this process confusing and time-consuming without local knowledge. Our temporary residence card service saves you hours of frustration with friendly, step-by-step guidance from our English-speaking experts who handle everything for you.
Vietnam visa extension procedures for UK citizens
Already in Vietnam, but need to stay longer? You can extend your Vietnam visa without leaving the country. This is perfect if you want to spend more time in Vietnam after your first visa expires.
The visa extension allows you to add:
- 30 days for tourist visas
- Up to 3 months for business visas
- Multiple extensions based on your visa type
Many UK citizens struggle at immigration offices due to language barriers and confusing rules. Why waste your vacation time in long lines and filling out forms? Our Vietnam visa extension service makes it simple – hand us your passport and current visa, and our friendly English-speaking team takes care of everything. No stress, no confusion, just reliable results!
Why risk visa rejection when you can guarantee success? Get expert assistance from application to approval!
Secure your Vietnam visa today! Call HOTLINE (+84) 943 676 226 for immediate support!
Vietnam visa fees and processing times for UK citizens
Applications from the UK
If you handle the e-visa application yourself, your cost and processing duration will be as follows:
- E-visa and approval letter: Generally requires 5-10 business days once you submit your application via the official government website.
- Visa stamping at airports, embassies, or consulates: Usually 30-60 minutes, though may extend during peak periods (weekends, holidays) or at high-traffic locations.
| Visa type | Duration | Entries | Fee (USD) |
| E-visa | 30-90 days | Single | 25 |
| 30-90 days | Multiple | 50 | |
| Visa on arrival | Up to 90 days | Multiple | 50 |
| 90-180 days | 95 | ||
| 6 months-1 year | 135 |
Should you apply through VisaNow, your options for Vietnam e-visa processing duration and fees will be as follows:
| Type of visa | Processing time | Full charge (including Government fee) |
| Single | 4-5 days | 60 |
| 2-3 days | 54 | |
| 1 day | 120 | |
| 4 hours | 150 | |
| Emergency | Whatsapp 24/7: (+84) 943 676 226 | |
| Multiple | 4-5 days | 90 |
| 2-3 days | 110 | |
| 1 day | 150 | |
| 4 hours | 180 | |
| Emergency | Whatsapp 24/7: (+84) 943 676 226 | |
| Visa on arrival for Tourist | 4-5 days 3 days 2 days 1 day 4 hours | Whatsapp 24/7: (+84) 943 676 226 |
Applications while in Vietnam
- Temporary residence card: Generally requires 5-7 working days once you submit all required documents. Processing may extend during peak holiday periods.
- Vietnam visa extension: Requires 5-7 working days. You will receive documentation indicating when to collect your extended visa. During high tourist seasons or holidays, processing might take slightly longer.
| Type | Duration | Entry type | Fee (USD) |
| Temporary residence card (TRC) | 1 – 2 years | Multiple entry | 145 USD |
| 2 – 5 years | 155 USD | ||
| 5 -10 years | 165 USD | ||
| Visa extension | 90 days | Single entry | 25 USD |
| 90 days | Multiple entry | 50 USD | |
| 90 – 180 days | Multiple entry | 95 USD | |
| 6 months – 1 year | Multiple entry | 135 USD |
Frequently asked questions about Vietnam visas for UK citizens
Can UK citizens apply for a Vietnam visa while they are in Vietnam?
How long before the trip should UK citizens apply for a Vietnam visa?
Where can UK citizens enter Vietnam with e-visa?
Airports (13 locations):
– Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
– Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
– Da Nang International Airport
– Cam Ranh International Airport
– Can Tho International Airport
– Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
– Phu Bai International Airport (Hue)
– Pleiku Airport
– Vinh Airport
– Dong Hoi Airport
– Rach Gia Airport
– Ca Mau Airport
– Dien Bien Airport
Land borders (16 locations): Including major crossings with China, Laos, and Cambodia
Seaports (13 locations): Including major ports in Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Nha Trang
Is Vietnam visa extension possible for UK citizens?
Extension conditions:
– Must apply before current visa expires
– Passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining
– No violations of Vietnamese immigration laws
– Payment of extension fees required
Extensions are available for most visa types, with durations ranging from 30 days to 6 months depending on your current visa type and purpose of stay.
How long can UK citizens extend their Vietnam visa?
– Tourist visa: Can extend for 30 days
– Business visa: Can extend for up to 3 months
– E-visa: Can extend for 30-90 days depending on original validity
– Multiple extensions possible: You can apply for multiple consecutive extensions based on your visa type
Maximum extension periods:
– Single extension: Up to 3 months
– Multiple extensions: Up to 6 months total (with proper documentation)
– Long-term stays: Consider applying for a temporary residence card for stays longer than 6 months
Don’t let visa complications delay your Vietnam plans! Join thousands of satisfied UK clients who chose our reliable service.
Book your consultation now! Contact HOTLINE (+84) 943 676 226 and experience stress-free visa processing with VisaNow!
Vietnam visa services for UK citizens by VisaNow
VisaNow assists UK citizens in obtaining Vietnam visas efficiently and seamlessly. With more than 10 years of expertise, we handle visa processing for international employees of over 1,000 companies annually throughout key cities including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Complete service package: We manage everything – visas, residence cards, work permits, document translation, and legalization
- English-speaking specialists: Our team provides clear and precise answers to all your inquiries
- Time-saving solution: We handle all document preparation and submission so you can concentrate on your travel or business
- Transparent pricing: View all fees upfront with no hidden costs
Our team continues to serve as your reliable partner for Vietnam immigration requirements, guaranteeing full satisfaction throughout the entire process. Contact HOTLINE (+84) 943 676 226 immediately for support.
