Vietnam Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing
Complete Vietnam visa guide for British citizens: 45-day visa-free entry, e-visa options, fees, and tips. Updated December 2026.
At a glance
Max stay: 45 days
Overview
Planning a trip to Vietnam as a UK citizen? You can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days for tourism. For longer stays up to 90 days, apply for an e-visa online for $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry). This guide covers both options and helps you choose the right one for your trip.
Visa Application process
Visa Application Steps
- 1. Visa-Free Entry (Recommended for Short Trips)
- 2. E-Visa (For Longer Stays)
- Step 1: Prepare Documents
- Step 2: Apply Online
- Step 3: Wait for Approval
Visa Fees breakdown
| Entry Type: Cost | Visa-free: Free | E-visa (single): $25 | E-visa (multiple): $50 |
|---|
Required documents
- Valid Passport
- Return or Onward Ticket
Valid Passport
Return or Onward Ticket
Optional documents
Digital Photo (e-Visa only)
Digital Photo (e-Visa only)
Border entry information
British passport holders have two main options for visiting Vietnam:1
1. Visa-Free Entry (Recommended for Short Trips)
UK citizens can enter Vietnam without a visa for stays up to 45 days.1
• Cost: Free
• Stay: Up to 45 days
• No advance application needed
• Just arrive with valid passport
2. E-Visa (For Longer Stays)
For stays between 45-90 days, apply for an e-visa online.1
• Single entry: $25, up to 90 days
• Multiple entry: $50, up to 90 days
• Processing: 3-7 working days
Comparison
| Trip Length | Recommended Option | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Under 45 days | Visa-free entry | Free |
| 45-90 days | E-visa (single) | $25 |
| Multiple trips | E-visa (multiple) | $50 |
| Business + tourism | E-visa (multiple) | $50 |
Common rejection reasons
| % | Reason |
|---|---|
| 35% | Passport Validity Issues |
| 30% | Exceeded Visa-Free Stays |
| 20% | Photo Quality Issues (e-Visa) |
| 15% | No Return Ticket |
35% - Passport Validity Issues
How to avoid: Check your passport expiry date. Renew if it expires within 6 months of your return date.
30% - Exceeded Visa-Free Stays
How to avoid: Vietnam tracks visa-free entries. For frequent visits, apply for an e-visa instead.
20% - Photo Quality Issues (e-Visa)
How to avoid: Use a visa photo app to ensure correct dimensions and white background.
15% - No Return Ticket
How to avoid: Book a return or onward ticket before traveling.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
For stays up to 45 days, no visa is required. UK passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for tourism. For stays between 45-90 days, you need an e-visa ($25 single entry or $50 multiple entry).
How long can British citizens stay in Vietnam without a visa?
UK citizens can stay up to 45 days in Vietnam without a visa. This visa exemption is for tourism purposes. For longer stays up to 90 days, apply for an e-visa before travel.
What is the Vietnam e-visa fee for UK citizens?
The e-visa costs $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry. Apply on the official government portal evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn to avoid third-party fees.
How long does Vietnam e-visa processing take?
E-visa processing typically takes 3-7 working days. Apply at least 1-2 weeks before travel. During peak seasons, processing may take longer.
Can I extend my stay in Vietnam as a UK citizen?
If you entered visa-free, you cannot extend beyond 45 days without leaving. With an e-visa, you can apply for an extension at a local immigration office before your visa expires.
Should I use visa-free entry or get an e-visa?
For trips under 45 days, visa-free entry is simplest and free. For 45-90 day trips or if you want multiple entries, get an e-visa. E-visa also provides a backup if there are any issues at immigration.
Sources
https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/
https://vietnamembassy.org.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam