Vietnam Travel Visa UK
- Fletch
- May 27
- 5 min read
Vietnam Visa Guide for UK Travellers (2025 Update)
Everything You Need to Know About Visas, Entry Requirements & Stays
If you're planning a trip to Vietnam from the UK, one of the first questions you'll ask is: Do I need a visa? The good news? Vietnam has made travel much easier in recent years — especially for British passport holders.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything UK travellers need to know about Vietnam’s visa policy, including the different visa types, stay duration, application methods, and updated travel rules for 2025. All about the visa-free entry, e-visa options, how long you can actually stay for, and what to do if you want to extend your time in this incredible country.
Note: this information was accurate at the time of writing but please check with the Embassy to make sure you are up to date with your information for your Vietnam trip.

Do UK Passport Holders Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes — but with good flexibility.
As of 2025, UK passport holders can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days.
This visa exemption applies to:
British Citizens with a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry.
The 45-day period includes your arrival and departure dates.
You don’t need to apply for anything in advance if you're staying 45 days or less — just show up with your passport and proof of onward travel (sometimes requested at immigration).
Want to Stay Longer Than 45 Days from the UK? Here’s How:
If you plan to stay beyond 45 days, you have two main options:
1. Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa (Single or Multiple Entry)
Vietnam offers an e-Visa system that is:
Easy to apply online
Issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department
Valid for up to 90 days (single or multiple entry)
💻 How to Apply:
Go to the official website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Fill in personal details
Upload a passport photo and image of your passport bio page
Pay a fee (typically USD $25–50 depending on the entry type)
Processing time: 3–5 working days
Receive an email with your e-Visa approval letter — print this out for arrival
Entry Requirements:
Valid UK passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Completed e-Visa printout
Proof of onward travel (sometimes requested)
Travel insurance (recommended, not always required)
Visa Extension: Can I Extend My Stay in Vietnam?
Currently, visa extensions within Vietnam are possible, but the process can be tricky and varies depending on your visa type. It’s often easier to:
Exit and re-enter Vietnam (e.g., take a quick trip to Thailand or Cambodia), then return under a new 45-day exemption or e-Visa.
Or apply for a new e-Visa online while outside Vietnam.
Travel agencies in Vietnam can sometimes assist with extensions, but fees and reliability vary — always use trusted agents.
Re-Entry Rules for UK Travellers
You can re-enter Vietnam under the visa exemption after a quick exit, but it’s recommended to:
Spend at least 30 days outside the country before reusing the exemption.
Alternatively, apply for a new e-Visa if you plan to return sooner.
Your Arrival Checklist for Vietnam Visa
Here’s what to have ready when you land in Vietnam:
✅ A passport valid for at least 6 months
✅ A printed e-Visa (if staying over 45 days)
✅ Proof of onward travel or return flight
✅ Accommodation address (sometimes requested)
✅ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Airports and Border Crossings That Accept e-Visas
Vietnam e-Visas are accepted at 33 international entry points, including:
Airports: Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang (Cam Ranh)
Land borders: Cambodia, Laos, and China
Seaports: Da Nang Port, Ho Chi Minh City Port
Vietnam Visa Tips for Families
Traveling as a family? Here’s what to know:
Each traveler (including children) must apply for a separate e-Visa.
Children under 14 can be included on a parent’s e-Visa application if their details are in the same passport (rare for UK travelers).
Carry printed copies of all documents — especially for younger travellers.
Summary: Vietnam Visa for UK Travellers
Visa Option | Stay Duration | Entry Type | Cost | Apply From |
Visa-Free | 45 days | Single | Free | On arrival |
e-Visa | Up to 90 days | Single or multiple | $25–50 USD | Online |
Extension | Varies | N/A | Varies | Inside Vietnam (not guaranteed) |
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most accessible and rewarding destinations for UK travellers — and with generous visa-free access and easy online applications, there’s no reason not to make the most of your trip.
Whether you're backpacking through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, relaxing in Phu Quoc, or exploring the ancient streets of Hoi An, this visa guide will ensure your entry to Vietnam is as smooth as possible.
LIKE THIS? THEN YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS:
I hope you found this Vietnam Visa blog helpful. Let me know in the comments when you next go to Vietnam. Also, Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life where we'll be heading back to Vietnam soon. Check out our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more:
On YouTube:
This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!
💡HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR VIETNAM TRIP WITH KIDS 💡
✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS - We use this flight checker to search the best flight tickets fall or our Vietnam flights. We used this flight checker to get flights from Bali to Ho Chi Minh and then internally from Ho Chi Minh (formally Saigon) to Danang. Then again from Da Nang to Phu Quoc with the best prices at the time. Overall we love Skyscanner and can't fault it for offering the cheapest options.
🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS - We took the overnight sleeper train from HCMC to Da Nang check out our vid of that experience here. Booked via 12Go.
🏨 - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS - We Love to Stay at this hotel when in HCMC but we also use this hotels checker to search hotels and accommodation for our Vietnam trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Vietnam now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more
🧭🗺️👣 - VIETNAM TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS - We use Get Your Guide for all of the trips in Vietnam. But we also love Klook too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different.
Trips in Ho Chi Minh
This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!
Comments