Complete Guide for UK Tourists and Business Travelers on Obtaining a Vietnam Visa

Vietnam is a beautiful and culturally rich country located in Southeast Asia. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and delicious cuisine, it has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike. If you are a UK citizen planning to visit Vietnam for either tourism or business purposes, one of the most important things you need to do before your trip is to obtain a visa.

In this guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information on how to obtain a Vietnam visa as a UK tourist or business traveler. We will cover the different types of visas available, the application process, and any other important details you need to know.

Types of Visas for UK Tourists and Business Travelers

There are two main types of visas that UK citizens can apply for when visiting Vietnam: the e-visa and the visa on arrival.

1. E-Visa

The e-visa is an electronic visa that allows you to enter Vietnam for tourism or business purposes. It is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days and is only available for single entry. This means that if you leave Vietnam during your trip, you will need to apply for a new e-visa to re-enter the country.

To apply for an e-visa, you can visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department and follow the instructions. You will need to fill out an online application form, upload a digital photo, and pay the visa fee (currently $25 USD). The processing time for an e-visa is usually 3 working days, and once approved, you will receive an electronic visa letter via email. You will need to print this letter and present it at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival in Vietnam.

2. Visa on Arrival

The visa on arrival is another option for UK citizens traveling to Vietnam. This type of visa is only available for those arriving by air at one of the international airports in Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Nha Trang. It is valid for both single and multiple entries and can be used for stays of up to 90 days.

To obtain a visa on arrival, you will need to apply for a visa approval letter from a travel agency or a visa service provider. You can do this online by filling out an application form and paying the visa fee (usually around $25 USD). The processing time for a visa approval letter is usually 2 working days, and once approved, you will receive the letter via email. You will need to print this letter and present it at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival in Vietnam, along with your passport, two passport-sized photos, and the visa stamping fee (currently $25 USD for single entry and $50 USD for multiple entries).

Application Process for UK Tourists and Business Travelers

As mentioned above, the application process for both e-visas and visas on arrival involves filling out an online application form and paying the visa fee. However, there are a few additional requirements that you need to keep in mind when applying for a Vietnam visa as a UK citizen.

1. Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Vietnam. If your passport is due to expire within this time frame, you will need to renew it before applying for a visa.

2. Purpose of Visit

When filling out the application form, you will need to specify the purpose of your visit to Vietnam, whether it is for tourism or business. This information will determine the type of visa you will be issued.

3. Supporting Documents

For e-visas, you will only need to upload a digital photo during the application process. However, for visas on arrival, you will need to present two passport-sized photos at the airport, along with your passport and visa approval letter.

4. Visa Exemption

UK citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa for stays of up to 15 days in Vietnam. This exemption is only valid for single entry and cannot be extended or converted into other types of visas. If you plan to stay in Vietnam for longer than 15 days, you will need to apply for a visa.

Important Things to Know Before Your Trip to Vietnam

1. Visa Extension

If you wish to extend your stay in Vietnam beyond the validity of your visa, you can apply for a visa extension at the Vietnam Immigration Department. However, this process can be time-consuming and may require you to leave the country and re-enter with a new visa.

2. Visa Overstay

It is important to note that overstaying your visa in Vietnam is a serious offense and can result in fines, detention, and deportation. Make sure to check the expiration date of your visa and leave the country before it expires.

3. Visa Scams

Unfortunately, there have been cases of visa scams targeting tourists and business travelers in Vietnam. To avoid falling victim to these scams, make sure to only apply for visas through official channels, such as the Vietnam Immigration Department or reputable travel agencies.

Vietnam waives visa requirement for UK citizens

UK citizens can now enjoy up to 15 days of visa-free travel to Vietnam starting from March 15, 2022, as part of the country’s visa exemption program that covers 13 nations, including the UK. But if your visit extends beyond 15 days, you need to secure a tourist or business visa.

Visa-Free Entry for UK Citizens on Short-Term Visits to Vietnam

UK nationals can enter Vietnam without a visa if they plan to stay for up to 15 days, provided that their passport is valid for at least six months from the arrival date. It is important to make sure that the passport is in good condition as any damage may lead to entry denial.

How to Get a Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens Traveling to Vietnam Beyond 15 Days

UK citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for trips exceeding 15 days in Vietnam. The application requires filling out an online form, and the visa will be stamped upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s designated visa-on-arrival airports.

Limits on Travel to Vietnam for Holders of British National Overseas Passports

It’s important to note that if you have a British National Overseas passport, you won’t be eligible for the visa exemption program. This means that regardless of how long you’ll be staying in Vietnam, you’ll need to apply for a visa.

Visa-Free Multiple Entries

UK citizens can now enter Vietnam multiple times without a visa and stay for up to 15 days each time, with no need for a 30-day interval between visits as before. The only requirement is that their passport remains valid.

How to Get Detailed Information about Visa Fees and Application Instructions

To acquire in-depth information on visa fees and application instructions, visit the embassy or consulate websites or approach trustworthy visa service providers. Accurate and current information is crucial for an effortless visa application process.

Visa Requirements and Application Process for UK Citizens Visiting Vietnam for Tourism or Business

If you’re a UK citizen intending to travel to Vietnam for tourism or business, here’s what you need to know about the visa requirements and application process for each category.

Visa-Free Travel to Vietnam for UK Tourists

In accordance with the travel guidelines provided by the UK government, individuals holding British citizenship can enter Vietnam without obtaining a visa for a maximum duration of 45 days. This visa exemption applies to purposes such as tourism, transit, and business activities that do not involve payment or voluntary work. As a result, UK citizens can conveniently experience Vietnam’s magnificent scenery, cultural heritage, and lively traditions without having to go through the visa application process.

UK Citizens Require Business Visa for Vietnam

To conduct business in Vietnam, a business visa is mandatory for UK citizens. This visa enables you to participate in multiple corporate events like meetings, conferences, trade shows, and develop business relationships.

Options for Acquiring a Vietnam Visa

UK citizens have two primary options for obtaining a visa to travel to Vietnam. These options include applying online for a visa on arrival or visiting the Vietnam embassy UK  in person. Read on to find out more about each option.

Visa on Arrival

The visa on arrival is an ideal option for UK citizens traveling to Vietnam because it is simple and convenient. To apply, all you need to do is complete an online application form and get your visa stamped when you arrive at one of Vietnam’s visa on arrival airports.

To apply for a visa on arrival, you’ll need to provide basic personal information such as your name, passport details, and arrival date. It’s important that your British passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages.

Vietnam Embassy

Alternatively, you can choose to visit the Vietnam embassy to apply for your visa. The embassy will provide detailed instructions on the required documents and the application process. It is essential to accurately submit all necessary documents and follow the provided instructions to ensure a successful visa application.

Visa Costs and Timelines

The cost of tourist visas depends on your preferred processing time and arrival checkpoint. It’s crucial to consider the processing time while planning your Vietnam trip. Detailed information on fees and processing times can be obtained from the embassy or consulate.

For business visas, the fees only cover assistance for visa approval letter and not stamping fees at the embassy or airport. It’s important to budget wisely and ensure enough funds to cover all necessary fees and expenses.

Updates in Visa Regulations

It’s important to bear in mind that visa regulations and processes can vary over time. It’s essential to remain knowledgeable and stay current with the most recent information from trustworthy sources. This will prevent any unforeseen hurdles or difficulties during your visa application procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is a visa required for UK citizens to enter Vietnam?

A: No, UK citizens can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 days. However, if their stay exceeds 15 days, they must apply for a tourist or business visa.

Q: What is the maximum duration of stay in Vietnam for UK citizens without a visa?

A: UK citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa.

Q: Can UK citizens apply for a visa on arrival in Vietnam?

A: Yes, UK citizens can apply for a visa on arrival for stays longer than 15 days.

Q: Do UK citizens need a business visa for conducting business in Vietnam?

A: Yes, UK citizens require a business visa for conducting business in Vietnam.

Q: How can UK citizens obtain a visa for Vietnam?

A: UK citizens can apply for a visa on arrival or visit the Vietnam embassy to obtain a visa.

Q: Is it possible for UK citizens to enter Vietnam multiple times without a visa?

A: Yes, UK citizens can enter Vietnam multiple times without a visa, as long as each stay does not exceed 15 days and their passport remains valid.