Vietnam Visa for UK Citizens 2026: Visa-Free or eVisa? | Vietnam Visa Guides
Written by Andrew Duong, visa consultant at Joey Visa Vietnam · Last updated:
Do UK citizens need a visa for Vietnam? British passport holders can enter visa-free for 45 days or apply for a 90-day eVisa. Rules, fees and tips for 2026.
Vietnam Visa for UK Citizens 2026: Visa-Free or eVisa?
Do UK citizens need a visa for Vietnam? British passport holders can enter visa-free for 45 days or apply for a 90-day eVisa. Rules, fees and tips for 2026.
Not sure whether to apply yourself or use an assisted service? Read our comparison of the official site and our service.
Planning a trip to Vietnam from the United Kingdom? The good news is that, unlike Americans, Canadians and Australians, British citizens do not need a visa for short stays. The United Kingdom is on Vietnam's visa-exemption list.
But visa-free entry has limits, and for many trips the Vietnam eVisa is still the better choice. In this guide we explain who qualifies for visa-free entry, when you should apply for an eVisa instead, what it costs, how the UK time difference affects your application, and what to do if you need a visa urgently.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
For stays of up to 45 days, no. Holders of a regular British passport can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days from the date of arrival, for tourism or business. At the time of writing, the exemption is scheduled to run until March 2028.
For longer stays, yes. If you plan to stay more than 45 days, you need a visa. The simplest option is the 90-day eVisa, which you apply for online before you fly.
Some travellers are not covered:
- British National (Overseas) passport holders and holders of other non-standard British travel documents are generally not covered by the exemption and should apply for an eVisa.
- Dual nationals can use whichever passport qualifies, but should enter and leave Vietnam on the same passport.
Rules change, so always confirm the latest information with the official government portal or your airline before you travel.
Visa-Free vs eVisa for UK Citizens
| Feature | Visa-free entry | Vietnam eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 45 days from arrival | Up to 90 days |
| Cost | Free | US$25 (single entry) or US$50 (multiple entry) |
| Application | None | Online, before you travel |
| Official processing | Not applicable | Usually about 3 to 5 working days |
| Can the stay be extended | Generally no | Apply for a new visa if you need longer |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months from arrival | At least 6 months from arrival |
| Official portal | Not applicable | evisa.gov.vn |
Fees, rules and processing times can change, so confirm the latest details before you apply.
Visa-Free Entry: The Rules
If you decide to travel visa-free, make sure you meet these conditions:
- A regular British passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
- A stay of no more than 45 days. Count from the day you arrive.
- Proof of onward or return travel. Airlines often check this at check-in, and immigration officers may ask for it.
- Entry through an open border gate. Major international airports, land borders and seaports are normally open, but check before you go if you are entering overland.
The 45 days start on arrival whether or not you use them all. Do not plan your departure for the last possible day, because a delayed flight could leave you overstaying.
When You Should Get an eVisa Instead
Even if you qualify for visa-free entry, an eVisa is often the safer option when:
- You plan to stay longer than 45 days. The eVisa allows up to 90 days.
- You will leave Vietnam and return. For example, a side trip to Cambodia, Laos or Thailand. Choose multiple entry if you want to re-enter on the same visa.
- You want peace of mind at check-in. Some airlines ask for visa evidence, and having an approved eVisa avoids arguments at the desk.
- You hold a BNO or other non-standard passport. The visa-free rule does not cover you.
- Your plans might change. An eVisa gives you a documented right to stay for the full period shown on it.
Vietnam Visa Cost for UK Citizens
Visa-free entry costs nothing. If you apply for an eVisa, the government fee is paid online in US dollars:
- Single-entry eVisa: US$25
- Multiple-entry eVisa: US$50
If you use a visa assistance service instead of applying yourself, you will pay a service fee on top of the government fee. Ask for the total price in writing before you pay. Also remember that the government fee is generally not refunded if an application is rejected, so check your details carefully.
What You Need to Apply for the eVisa
- A valid British passport. It should be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and have blank pages.
- A passport-style photo. Clear, recent, front-facing, with a plain background.
- A scan of your passport information page. Sharp, with all four corners visible.
- A valid email address. Your eVisa will be sent here.
- Your travel details. Intended arrival date and the airport or border gate where you will enter Vietnam.
- A credit or debit card. To pay the fee online.
How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa From the UK (Step by Step)
Step 1: Check your passport
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date. If it is close to expiring, renew it before applying.
Step 2: Prepare your photo and passport scan
Use clear, well-lit images. Blurry or cropped files are a common cause of delays.
Step 3: Fill in the online application
Go to the official eVisa portal and enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport. Select single entry or multiple entry, your arrival date and your entry airport.
Step 4: Pay the government fee
Pay online by card. Save your payment confirmation and your application code. You will need the code to check your status.
Step 5: Wait for approval
Processing usually takes about 3 to 5 working days, but weekends and Vietnamese public holidays can add time. Check your status on the portal with your application code.
Step 6: Download and check your eVisa
When approved, download and print your eVisa. Check that your name, date of birth, passport number and validity dates are all correct.
Step 7: Carry it when you travel
Bring a printed copy of your eVisa with your passport. Airlines and immigration officers may ask to see it.
Your eVisa starts on the date you chose. You can arrive on or after that date, but never before it.
UK Time Difference and Your Application
Vietnam is 6 to 7 hours ahead of the UK, depending on whether the UK is on British Summer Time. Processing follows Vietnam's working days, so:
- An application submitted on a Friday evening in the UK arrives late at night in Vietnam, so processing may not start until Monday.
- Apply early in the week, ideally Monday or Tuesday, to avoid losing days to the weekend.
- Allow extra time if your trip falls near Tet (Lunar New Year), National Day or other Vietnamese public holidays.
Which Airports Can You Enter With an eVisa?
eVisa holders must enter through an approved border gate. Popular international airports include:
| Airport | Code | City or area |
|---|---|---|
| Noi Bai International Airport | HAN | Hanoi |
| Tan Son Nhat International Airport | SGN | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Da Nang International Airport | DAD | Da Nang and Hoi An |
| Cam Ranh International Airport | CXR | Nha Trang |
| Phu Quoc International Airport | PQC | Phu Quoc Island |
This is not a full list. The entry point on your application should match the one you actually use.
Common Mistakes UK Travellers Make
- Planning a stay longer than 45 days on the visa-free rule. A 60-day trip needs an eVisa.
- Travelling on a BNO or non-standard passport. The exemption does not cover it.
- Passport with less than 6 months' validity. Renew before you go.
- Typing details that do not match the passport. Even a small spelling difference can cause problems.
- Using unofficial websites. Fake sites imitate the government portal and may charge extra. Check the web address carefully.
- Not checking the approved visa. Confirm names, dates and entry details before you travel.
What If You Need a Vietnam Visa Urgently?
Sometimes plans change quickly: a family emergency, a last-minute business trip, or you realise a few days before departure that you need a visa after all. If you need an eVisa faster than the standard timeline, you may have options.
- Read our guide to the emergency Vietnam visa to understand urgent processing, weekend and holiday assistance, typical costs and what to ask before you pay.
- Visit our urgent visa page if you want help with a tight departure date.
Keep in mind that no service can guarantee approval or an exact processing time, because the final decision belongs to Vietnamese immigration authorities. Never travel before you have received your approved visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Not for stays of up to 45 days on a regular British passport. For longer stays, or if you hold a BNO or other non-standard passport, you need a visa. The eVisa is the simplest option.
How long can UK citizens stay in Vietnam without a visa?
Up to 45 days from the date of arrival. The stay generally cannot be extended, so plan your departure within that limit.
How much is the Vietnam eVisa for UK citizens?
The official government fee is US$25 for a single-entry eVisa and US$50 for a multiple-entry eVisa. Agencies may add a service fee.
How long does the Vietnam eVisa take?
Official processing usually takes about 3 to 5 working days. It can take longer around weekends and public holidays, so apply early.
How long can UK citizens stay in Vietnam with an eVisa?
The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days. Your exact permitted stay follows the dates shown on your approved visa.
Do I need a visa for Phu Quoc?
If you qualify for visa-free entry, the same rules apply on Phu Quoc. If you do not, Phu Quoc has a separate exemption of up to 30 days for visitors arriving directly, but it covers the island only.
Can I get a Vietnam visa at the airport?
Do not plan to simply arrive and buy a visa. If you need a visa, apply for your eVisa before you travel and carry the approved copy with you.
Is single entry or multiple entry better?
Choose single entry if you will enter Vietnam once. Choose multiple entry if you will leave and re-enter, for example for side trips to neighbouring countries.
What passport validity do I need?
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and have blank pages.
Need Help With Your Vietnam Visa?
Applying yourself is straightforward, but small mistakes can cost you time and money. If you would like a person to check your details before submission, you can apply for an eVisa with our team or contact us on WhatsApp.
Important: Visa rules, fees and processing times can change. Always confirm the latest information with the Vietnam Immigration Department's official portal before you apply. Vietnam Visa Guides is a private assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Vietnam.
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Andrew Duong — Joey Visa Vietnam
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