United Kingdom Visa for Vietnam Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom as a Vietnamese citizen? You will need a Standard Visitor Visa, which costs £127 (approximately 4.2 million VND) and takes about 3 weeks to process. Apply online and attend a biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. This guide covers everything you need for a successful application.

Visa Application process

Vietnamese citizens must apply online and attend a biometrics appointment for a UK Standard Visitor Visa.1

Complete the Online Application

Visit gov.uk/standard-visitor and complete the online application form.1 Provide details about: • Your travel plans • Employment and financial situation • Previous travel history • Personal information

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the £127 visa fee online using a credit or debit card.3

Book Your Biometrics Appointment

Schedule an appointment at VFS Global:2 • Hanoi: Available location • Ho Chi Minh City: REE Building, District 4 You will pay an additional VFS service fee of £76.50.

Attend Your Appointment

Bring to your appointment: • Printed application form • Valid passport • Supporting documents • Passport photograph Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.

Submit Your Documents

Submit all supporting documents at VFS Global. You can choose to have your passport returned while waiting or leave it with your application.

Wait for Decision

Processing takes approximately 3 weeks.1 Track your application status online.

Collect Your Passport

Once decided, collect your passport from VFS Global or have it couriered. If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete the Online Application
2. Pay the Visa Fee
3. Book Your Biometrics Appointment
4. Attend Your Appointment
5. Submit Your Documents
6. Wait for Decision
7. Collect Your Passport

Visa Fees breakdown

Visa Type: Fee (GBP)	Standard (6 months): £127	2-Year Multiple Entry: £500	5-Year Multiple Entry: £895	10-Year Multiple Entry: £1,115	VFS Service Fee: £76.50	Long-term visas allow multiple entries but each visit is limited to 6 months.1

What you need to prove

UK visa officers assess applications based on:

Genuine visitor: Clear, legitimate reason for visiting the UK
Financial capability: Sufficient funds without working in the UK
Intent to leave: Strong ties to Vietnam demonstrating you will return
Accommodation: Where you will stay in the UK

Required documents

Valid Passport
Online Application
Passport Photo
Biometrics Appointment
Financial Documentation
Employment Evidence
Travel Plans

Valid Passport

Your Vietnamese passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK • At least one blank page for visa; • Must not be damaged] (Tip: Bring previous passports showing travel history)

Online Application

Complete the online visa application on the UK government website • Fill all sections accurately; • Print and sign the form]

Passport Photo

Recent photograph meeting UK visa specifications • 45mm x 35mm; • Light grey or cream background; • Taken within last 6 months]

Biometrics Appointment

Attend VFS Global to provide fingerprints and photograph • Locations: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; • Book after completing online application]

Financial Documentation

Evidence of sufficient funds for your UK trip • Bank statements (last 6 months); • Salary slips or income proof; • Sponsor's financial documents if applicable]

Employment Evidence

Proof of your employment or income source • Employment letter with position and salary; • Business registration if self-employed; • Student enrollment letter if applicable]

Travel Plans

Details of your intended trip to the UK • Flight booking or reservation; • Accommodation details; • Day-by-day itinerary recommended]

Comparison

Visa Type	Fee (GBP)	Fee (VND approx.)
Standard (6 months)	£127	4,200,000
2-Year Multiple Entry	£500	16,500,000
5-Year Multiple Entry	£895	29,500,000
10-Year Multiple Entry	£1,115	36,800,000
VFS Service Fee	£76.50	2,500,000

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
30%	Weak Ties to Vietnam
20%	Unclear Travel Purpose
10%	Incomplete Documentation
5%	Previous Immigration Issues

35% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Provide 6 months of bank statements showing regular income and sufficient balance for your trip. Avoid large unexplained deposits.

30% - Weak Ties to Vietnam

How to avoid: Include employment letter with approved leave, property documents, family certificates, and evidence of ongoing commitments in Vietnam.

20% - Unclear Travel Purpose

How to avoid: Provide detailed itinerary with confirmed accommodation. Explain clearly what you plan to do in the UK.

10% - Incomplete Documentation

How to avoid: Double-check all documents. Ensure information matches across application and supporting documents.

5% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be honest about any previous issues. Explain circumstances in a cover letter if relevant.

Frequently asked questions

Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for the UK?

Yes, Vietnamese citizens need a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option.

How much does a UK visa cost for Vietnamese citizens?

The Standard Visitor Visa costs £127 (approximately 4.2 million VND) for stays up to 6 months. VFS Global charges an additional service fee of £76.50.

How long does UK visa processing take for Vietnamese?

Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.

Where do I apply for UK visa in Vietnam?

Apply online through the UK government website, then book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

How long can Vietnamese stay in the UK on a tourist visa?

The Standard Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. Long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years) still limit each visit to 6 months.

What is the UK visa approval rate for Vietnamese citizens?

The approval rate is approximately 76% for Vietnamese applicants with complete documentation.

Can I extend my UK tourist visa?

Standard Visitor Visas generally cannot be extended. You must leave the UK before your visa expires.

What documents do I need for UK visa from Vietnam?

Required documents include: valid passport, passport photo, bank statements (6 months), employment letter, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.

Apply for United Kingdom tourist visa online

Sources

UK Government - Standard Visitor Visa

https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor

VFS Global Vietnam - UK Visa

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/vnm/en/gbr/

UK Government - Visa Fees

https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees

At a glance