Vietnam eVisa for UK Citizens — Complete Guide

UK citizens can apply for a Vietnam eVisa online through the official government portal. The process takes 15-20 minutes, costs $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry, and typically processes within 3 working days. British passport holders should also know that stays under 45 days are visa-free. This guide covers everything UK passport holders need to know — from eligibility and passport requirements to British Embassy contacts and direct flight options.

Can UK Citizens Get a Vietnam eVisa?

Yes. UK citizens are eligible for Vietnam’s electronic visa. Vietnam expanded the eVisa to citizens of all countries in August 2023, making British passport holders eligible for the first time. Before this expansion, UK citizens had limited visa options for Vietnam.

45-Day Visa Exemption for British Citizens

British passport holders can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business. This exemption applies automatically on arrival — your passport will be stamped with an entry and exit date. If you plan to stay longer than 45 days or need multiple entries, you will need an eVisa or other visa type.

When You Need an eVisa

You need a Vietnam eVisa if:

• Your stay exceeds 45 days
• You need multiple entries (e.g., side trips to Cambodia or Laos)
• You prefer to have your visa approved before traveling

For the full list of eligible nationalities, see our Vietnam eVisa eligible countries page.

British Passport Requirements for Vietnam eVisa

Before applying, confirm your British passport meets these requirements:

• Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Vietnam.
• Blank pages: You need at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp.
• Standard passport only: You must use a regular British passport (blue post-Brexit or burgundy EU-era — both are accepted).
• Digital scan: You will need a clear scan or photo of your passport’s information page for the online application.

9-Digit Passport Number Format

British passports use a 9-digit numeric passport number (e.g., 123456789). When entering your passport number on the eVisa application form:

• Enter only the 9 digits — no letters, spaces, or dashes
• Double-check the number against your passport’s information page
• The number appears in the top right corner of your passport’s biodata page
• Ensure it matches the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of the page

This is a common source of errors for British applicants, as some other countries use alphanumeric passport numbers.

Blue Post-Brexit vs Burgundy Passports

Both the current blue post-Brexit British passport and the older burgundy EU-era passport are accepted for Vietnam eVisa applications. The key requirement is the validity period, not the cover colour. Ensure your passport’s MRZ is legible and the information page is clearly scanned.

How UK Citizens Apply for Vietnam eVisa

The application is completed entirely online at the official Vietnamese government portal. Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Access the official portal — Visit evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn and select English. Avoid unofficial websites that charge extra fees.
2. Enter your British passport details — Full name (exactly as printed on your passport), date of birth, passport number (9 digits), nationality (United Kingdom), and intended entry/exit dates.
3. Upload your photo and passport scan — A passport-style photo (4×6 cm, white background, JPEG format) and a clear scan of your passport information page.
4. Select your entry point — Choose from 42 designated border gates, including all major international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang).
5. Pay and submit — Pay the $25 or $50 fee online and submit. You will receive a registration code to track your application.

For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see our Vietnam eVisa application guide.

Common Mistakes British Applicants Make

• Name mismatch — Your eVisa name must match your passport exactly, including middle names. Even a minor typo can result in denied entry.
• Passport number error — Entering more or fewer than 9 digits, or including letters. British passport numbers are numeric only.
• Wrong entry point — You must enter and exit through the border gate you selected during application. Changing your entry point after approval is not possible.
• Poor photo quality — Blurry, cropped, or incorrectly sized photos are a leading cause of rejection.
• Using unofficial websites — Only apply through the government portal. Third-party sites charge unnecessary service fees.

eVisa Fees for UK Citizens

UK citizens pay the same eVisa fees as all other nationalities:

Payment from the UK

The official portal accepts:

• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB)
• Debit cards with international transaction capability
• The fee is charged in USD — your UK bank handles the GBP conversion

Tips for UK applicants:

• Check your bank’s foreign transaction fee before paying — some UK banks charge 2-3% on non-GBP transactions
• Consider using a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees
• The exchange rate used will be your bank’s rate on the day of payment, not the portal’s
• Save your payment confirmation and registration code

Processing Time for British Applicants

Standard processing takes 3 working days from the date of submission. However, UK citizens should plan for potential delays:

Standard Processing (3 Working Days)

Most applications are processed within 3 business days. This does not include weekends or Vietnamese public holidays.

Peak Season Delays

During peak travel periods (December-January, April, July-August), processing may take longer due to high application volumes. British travelers visiting during these periods should apply at least 2 weeks in advance.

When to Apply

• Recommended: 1-2 weeks before your travel date
• Minimum: 5 business days before departure
• Peak season: 2-3 weeks before departure

You can check your application status using the registration code provided after submission.

British Embassy & Consulate Contacts in Vietnam

If you encounter issues with your eVisa or need emergency assistance in Vietnam, contact the British diplomatic missions:

Emergency Assistance

For emergencies outside office hours, call the British Embassy Hanoi switchboard and follow the recorded instructions to be connected to a duty officer. The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) also provides 24/7 assistance at +44-20-7008-5000.

Phu Quoc Island — Visa-Free for UK Citizens

British citizens can visit Phu Quoc Island without any visa for up to 30 days. This exemption applies regardless of whether you hold an eVisa or not.

Conditions for the Phu Quoc Exemption

• You must fly directly to Phu Quoc International Airport (or arrive by sea directly)
• Your stay must be limited to Phu Quoc Island only
• Maximum stay: 30 days
• You need a valid British passport and a confirmed return/onward ticket

Combining Phu Quoc with Mainland Vietnam

If you plan to visit Phu Quoc and then travel to mainland Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, etc.), you will need an eVisa. The Phu Quoc exemption only covers stays on the island itself.

Direct Flights and Travel from the UK

Direct Flights (Vietnam Airlines)

Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights from London Heathrow to both Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport) and Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport). Flight time is approximately 11-12 hours.

Connecting Flight Options

If direct flights are unavailable or you prefer alternatives, common connecting routes include:

• Via Dubai (Emirates)
• Via Doha (Qatar Airways)
• Via Singapore (Singapore Airlines)
• Via Bangkok (Thai Airways)
• Via Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines)

Major Airports in Vietnam

All major Vietnamese international airports accept eVisa holders:

• Hanoi — Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
• Ho Chi Minh City — Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
• Da Nang — Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
• Nha Trang — Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR)

Overstaying Your Vietnam eVisa — What UK Citizens Need to Know

Overstaying your eVisa validity period is a serious matter in Vietnam. British citizens who overstay face:

Penalties and Fines

• Daily fines: Approximately 500,000 VND (~$20 USD) per day of overstay
• Detention risk: Extended overstays may result in detention
• Exit visa required: You must obtain an exit visa before leaving, which can take several days
• Future entry ban: Repeated overstays may result in being banned from re-entering Vietnam

How to Avoid Overstaying

• Note your eVisa expiry date and plan your departure at least 1 day before
• Set a reminder on your phone for 3 days before expiry
• If you need to extend your stay, leave Vietnam and apply for a new eVisa — you cannot extend an eVisa from within the country
• Keep a printed copy of your eVisa with your travel documents

eVisa vs Visa on Arrival vs Visa Exemption for UK Citizens

For UK citizens staying under 45 days with a single entry, the visa exemption is the simplest option. For longer stays or multiple entries, the eVisa is the most convenient and cost-effective choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

—

This article was last updated in July 2026. Visa policies may change — always verify current requirements on the official Vietnam Immigration portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) before applying.