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Vietnam Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Free

UK citizens must obtain a Vietnam e-Visa (single entry, 30 days) online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn; processing up to 3 working days; fee 25 USD; print the approval and present it at border.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Vietnam, and have at least 1 blank page for stamping if required; e-Visa uses an electronic record but you should still carry a valid passport.
  • Specific forms: there is no DS-160 or VAF1A form for UK citizens applying for an e-Visa; complete the online application on the official portal https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ and upload required documents.
  • Financial proof: no bank statements or proof of funds are required for the e-Visa application itself.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: there is no mandatory proof of accommodation or return ticket in the e-Visa application; have a travel plan and accommodation details handy in case border officials request them.
  • Photo spec: you must upload a recent color passport-style photo (4x6 cm equivalent) with a white background; accepted formats are JPEG or PNG; file size up to 1 MB.
  • Biometrics: no separate in-person biometrics submission is required for the e-Visa; biometric data may be collected at the border if requested by border authorities.
  • Travel health insurance: not mandatory for the e-Visa, but it is strongly recommended to have coverage for your trip.

Visa types

  • Vietnam e-Visa (official name: Vietnam e-Visa): 30 days total validity, maximum stay 30 days, single entry; approximate fee 25 USD (about 575,000 VND).
  • Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA): not issued directly by the Vietnamese government; arranged via approved travel agencies; typical tourist VOA is single-entry up to 30 days; pre-approval letter fee paid to the agent (roughly 6–15 USD); stamping fee at the airport on arrival (about 25 USD for a 1-month single-entry); total often around 31–40 USD depending on provider and entry duration.
  • Vietnam visa (sticker) via embassy/consulate: official name: Vietnam visa (sticker) issued by the Vietnamese embassy/consulate; validity and stay depend on the issued visa (common ranges include 1–12 months; single or multiple entry as approved); approximate fee ranges widely (roughly 25–135 USD plus any consular service or processing charges).
  • Vietnam student visa (sticker): official name: Vietnam student visa; typically issued through a Vietnamese embassy/consulate in coordination with a sponsoring institution; validity commonly 3–12 months to match study period; single or multiple entry depending on the visa grant; approximate fee 100–200 USD plus consular charges.
  • Vietnam work visa (sticker): official name: Vietnam work visa; issued with employer sponsorship; validity commonly 1–2 years, single or multiple entry depending on the grant; approximate fee 150–250 USD plus processing charges.

Application process

  • How to apply online (e-Visa/eTA): portal URL is https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/; steps: (1) create an account or sign in, (2) fill the online application with personal details and travel plans, (3) upload required documents (passport bio page scan and a digital photo), (4) pay the government fee of 25 USD, (5) wait for approval (up to 3 working days), (6) receive the e-Visa via email and print a copy, (7) present the e-Visa approval along with your passport at the Vietnamese border.
  • Visa on arrival: steps: (1) obtain an approved visa-on-arrival pre-approval letter from a reputable travel agent, (2) print the letter and carry it with you, (3) board your flight to Vietnam, (4) at international arrival, present the letter and your passport with photos, (5) pay the visa stamping fee in USD or VND and receive the visa stamp, (6) enter Vietnam using the visa stamp. Note: stamping fees and currencies may vary by airport and agent; ensure you use a reputable provider.
  • How to apply (sticker visa via embassy/consulate): steps: (1) determine the visa type with the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the UK (e.g., London), (2) prepare documents (passport, photos, completed application form as required by the embassy), (3) submit in person or by mail as instructed by the consulate, (4) pay the visa fee, (5) wait for processing (typical 3–10 working days; express options available), (6) collect your passport with the visa stamp. Interview is generally not required for standard tourist visas unless requested.
  • Entry conditions (visa-free): UK citizens do not have visa-free entry to Vietnam; a valid visa (e-Visa, VOA, or sticker visa) is required prior to or on arrival depending on the route chosen. If using any visa, ensure you comply with length of stay and purpose stated on the visa.

Fees & processing time

  • e-Visa: government visa fee 25 USD; local currency equivalent around 575,000 VND; no separate government service fee through the e-Visa portal; standard processing time up to 3 working days; expedited processing may be available in exchange for an additional fee through the portal or the service provider.
  • Visa on Arrival (VOA): pre-approval letter from a travel agent typically costs around 6–15 USD; visa stamping fee at the airport usually around 25 USD for a 30-day single entry (rates vary by length of stay and airport); total cost often in the range of 31–40 USD plus any agent service charges; processing time for the pre-approval letter is generally 2–5 days depending on the provider; express options may be available with higher fees.
  • Sticker visa (embassy/consulate): visa issuance fee varies by visa type, duration, and number of entries; commonly around 25–135 USD plus any consular processing or service charges; standard processing time 3–10 working days; express processing (1–3 days) often available for higher fees.
  • Total cost estimate: e-Visa around 25 USD; VOA around 31–40 USD (plus agent charges if applicable); sticker visa typically 25–135 USD plus stamping/processing; always confirm current fees with the service provider or embassy before applying.
  • Express/priority options: available for embassy/consulate visa applications and some e-Visa services via the application portal or approved agents; expect higher processing fees for faster service.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: for e-Visa, apply at least 3–5 days before travel (allow up to 3 working days for processing); if applying for a sticker visa via the Vietnamese Embassy, start the process at least 2–3 weeks before travel to account for postal times and consulate processing; for VOA, arrange with a reputable visa agent well in advance of your trip.
  • Common rejection reasons for United Kingdom applicants specifically: passport validity less than 6 months on entry date, passport name or date of birth mismatch between the passport and the application, photo not meeting the required specifications, incorrect or incomplete travel plans, applying for a visa type that does not match your intended purpose, and inconsistencies in travel dates.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: e-Visa is a direct online process via the official portal (no third-party visit required); sticker visas require embassy/consulate submission (or mail) and may involve longer processing times; VOA requires a pre-approval letter from a visa agent and is arranged through service providers, not the government directly.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: always check the UK government's travel advice for Vietnam and the Vietnamese authorities’ guidance; ensure your passport and visa documents reflect current requirements; monitor any health or entry restrictions related to diseases or outbreaks.
  • Extension options inside Vietnam: e-Visa cannot be extended; to stay longer, you generally need to leave Vietnam and re-enter with a new visa (or obtain a longer-term visa via the Vietnamese embassy/consulate before you travel). Some visa extensions or changes can be processed by the Vietnam Immigration Department or authorized agencies within Vietnam, typically for a fee and with nationality- and visa-type restrictions; always verify current rules before planning an extension.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.