Vietnam visa for UK citizens: Entry requirements, Extension & Exemption

Vietnam visa for UK citizens rules set and enforced by authorities in Vietnam are what the British should know if they desire to have a wonderful holiday in Vietnam. As any issues related to your Vietnam visa could potentially disrupt your journey, this article will provide all-inclusive information to ensure your seamless entry into the nation.

1. Do UK citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam?

A Vietnam visa for UK citizens is not required for stays of up to 15 days for tourism, transit, and business purposes (excluding paid or voluntary work). However, starting from August 15, 2023, this visa-free period will be extended to 45 days. Upon arrival, British travelers are required to present their UK passport, which must have a validity of at least six months from their arrival date, as per the visa requirements.

For stays exceeding 15 days (45 days from August 15), UK citizens will need to apply for a Vietnam visa for the UK. 

>>> Let’s find out some information about the The UK embassy in Vietnam!

2. Vietnam visa application for UK passport holders

Applying for a Vietnam visa for a UK passport holder can be done through two main methods, including Visa on Arrival at Vietnam International Airport and Visa at the Vietnamese Embassy:

Visa On Arrival at Vietnam International Airport (highly recommended):

• How to Apply
  • Complete the e-visa for Vietnam application form with essential details such as full name, passport number, passport expiry date, date of birth, and intended entry and exit dates.
  • Make the necessary payment for the service fee.
  • During your trip, bring along your approval letter and passport, and upon arrival at any of Vietnam's international airports, an immigration officer will provide you with the necessary stamp and entry visa.
• Required Documents
  • A valid UK passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining.
• Processing Time & Fee

Getting a Visa at the Vietnamese Embassy

• How to Apply
  • If you prefer to obtain the Vietnam visa for the UK directly from the Vietnamese Embassy, you can contact the Embassy of Vietnam in the United Kingdom (if you reside there) or the Embassy in the country where you are currently residing.
  • After submitting your application, you will need to revisit the embassy to collect your visa, which will be stamped on your passport after a few days.
• Required Documents
  • Your original passport with a validity of at least 6 months.
  • A duly filled-out application form along with two passport-sized photos.
• Processing Time & Fee

The processing time at the Vietnamese Embassy is 5-7 working days. Travelers have the option to request the PREMIUM service, which comes with an additional processing fee, in order to expedite the processing time.

2.1. Vietnam tourist visa for UK citizens

For UK citizens planning to stay in Vietnam as tourists for a period longer than 15 days (45 days from August 15), there are two Vietnam visa for the UK options available:

• Visa Pre-Approval Letter through a Travel Agent
  • You can book a tour with a travel agent in Vietnam and request that they apply for a visa pre-approval letter on your behalf.
  • The travel agent will submit the pre-approval letter request to the Vietnamese Embassy.
  • Once the pre-approval letter is issued, your agent will inform you about the collection process for your visa at the Embassy.
• E-Visa Application through the Online Portal
  • UK citizens can also apply for an e-visa online through the designated online portal.
  • E-visas are valid for stays of up to 30 days and allow for single entry only.
  • Starting from August 15, the e-visa validity will be extended to 90 days and will allow multiple entries.
  • When applying for the e-visa, you must select specific entry and exit points from the available options.
  • Once your e-visa application is completed, no amendments can be made.

2.2. Vietnam business visa for UK citizens

For UK citizens traveling to Vietnam for business purposes, it is essential to be aware of the specific Vietnam visa for the UK requirements. If your business trip extends beyond 15 days or you are an expert or highly skilled worker, you will need to apply for a work visa or permit.

To initiate the process, you should get in touch with your business partner, employer, or sponsor in Vietnam. They will need to collaborate with the relevant Vietnamese authorities to arrange the issuance of your business visa. During this process, it is crucial to carefully check the visa's validity and conditions to ensure compliance with the regulations.

>>> Read more: How to get a Vietnamese visa

3. How to extend or renew a Vietnam visa for UK citizens?

3.1. Vietnam tourist visa

1. How to apply
   • UK citizens must gather all the necessary documents as per the requirements and provide them to the chosen travel agency.
   • The selected travel agency will then submit the complete set of documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department's office on behalf of the traveler.
   • The visa extension fee should be paid based on the type of visa applied for and the service fee of the travel agency. 
   • Once approved, the traveler's passport will be returned with the visa extension stamped on it.

• Document Requirements
  • A certified copy of the travel agency's travel license.
  • A confirmation stating that the foreigners are temporarily staying at tourist accommodation establishments.
  • A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
  • A completed visa application form for visa issuance and stay extension (Form NA5).
  • If applicable, a temporary residence card or an online temporary residence registration certified by the police.
• Processing Time & Fee

The Vietnam visa for the UK tourist extension process usually takes from 5 to 8 working days. The exact fee for the extension varies depending on the visa type applied for and the service fee charged by the travel agency.

3.2. Vietnam business visa

• How to Apply
  • Prepare all the required documents.
  • Submit your documents to one of the Vietnam Immigration offices) or the Immigration Office in your residing province.
  • Pay the visa extension fee and wait for the result. 
  • Once your visa extension is approved, you can return to the Immigration Office to obtain the extended visa.
• Document Requirements
  • A certified copy of legal documents from the guaranteeing enterprise, including the business license and seal certificate.
  • A completed visa application form for visa issuance and stay extension (Form NA5).
  • Your original passport with a validity of at least 6 months and at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
  • A temporary residence confirmation, which can be obtained through online registration or temporary residence registration certified by the police.
• Processing Time & Fee

The processing time for the extension application is usually between 5 and 7 working days, subject to review by the Immigration Department.

The fee for the business Vietnam visa for the UK extension may vary depending on the visa agency you use (if you opt for an agency) and the specific services they offer. Additionally, there is a stamping fee of USD 10 payable when obtaining the visa extension.

>>> Let’s explore how to travel to Vietnam from the UK!

4. Who is eligible for a Vietnam visa exemption certificate?

The Certificate of Vietnam Visa Exemption is granted to UK individuals who have special relationships with Vietnam, which includes the following categories:

• Overseas Vietnamese
• Foreigners who are spouses and children of Overseas Vietnamese

Applicants must meet certain standards and produce particular papers in order to apply for the Certificate of Vietnam Visa Exemption. The following documents are required for the exemption of Vietnam visa for UK:

• Completed application form with a recent photo (online application form with a barcode)
• One recent passport photograph (size 4x6, white background, direct look, without sunglasses or headwear)
• Applicant's current foreign passport and a copy of the passport page showing personal details
• Additional documents:
  • For overseas Vietnamese: birth certificate; decision for renunciation of Vietnamese citizenship or certificate of loss of Vietnamese citizenship; a valid or expired passport; an identity card; a residence book; the latest polling card; a travel document or ID issued before 1975; or papers issued by foreign authorities recording Vietnamese nationality or origin.
  • Foreigners who are spouses and children of Overseas Vietnamese: birth certificate or marriage certificate, and Vietnamese passport/birth certificate/ID of the applicant's spouse or parents. If the documents were issued by the authorities of the UK or Ireland, they must be legalized by the FCDO (if in the UK) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (if in Ireland).

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Traveling to Vietnam as a UK citizen requires careful consideration of the visa requirements and options available. Thus, being well-informed about the Vietnam visa for UK citizen procedures and adhering to the specific requirements will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the British exploring the wonders of Vietnam. Hopefully, you will find all the information provided in this article helpful!your trip!

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