Please note: Vietnam visa rules, fees and processing times may change without notice. Always confirm the latest information with an official source (the Vietnamese Immigration Department or a Vietnamese embassy or consulate) before travelling.
Visa overview
British passport holders can, at the time of the last review, enter Vietnam under a unilateral visa exemption for short stays. For longer trips, multiple entry or specific purposes, a Vietnam E-Visa or embassy visa is normally required. Rules can change, so please verify before travelling.
Possible entry options
Unilateral visa exemption (short stays)
Option 1British passport holders are, at the time of the last review, included in Vietnam’s unilateral visa-exemption list for short stays. Typical exemption stays are up to 45 days, subject to Vietnamese policy which can change without notice.
Vietnam E-Visa (online)
Option 2The Vietnam E-Visa is issued online by the Vietnamese Immigration Department for eligible nationalities. Depending on the option selected, it can be valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
Embassy or consulate visa
Option 3A traditional visa applied for through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. This route can be used for cases that fall outside the E-Visa scheme or when a specific visa category is needed.
Passport requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Vietnam.
- At least one blank page in the passport for immigration stamps.
- Passport in good physical condition, with no significant damage to the biodata page.
Documents normally required
- A clear scan or photograph of the passport information page.
- A recent passport-style photograph with a plain background, in digital format.
- Planned entry and exit points in Vietnam.
- Estimated dates of entry and exit.
- Address of accommodation for at least the first night in Vietnam.
Additional supporting documents may be requested depending on your travel purpose.
Costs
Government fees are set by the Vietnamese Immigration Department and can change without notice. Our service fees are separate and optional. See the cost page for the current breakdown, or contact us for a specific quote.
See the full cost breakdownProcessing guidance
Typical estimates are 3–5 business days for standard, 1–2 business days for priority and same-day where possible for urgent. Actual times are decided by the Vietnamese Immigration Department and are not guaranteed.
See processing time in detailCommon mistakes
- Assuming a 90-day stay is automatic. The visa-exemption stay for British passport holders is currently shorter, and longer trips normally need an E-Visa.
- Applying for the E-Visa at the last minute when a visa exemption would have been enough for the planned dates.
- Booking flights before checking whether the entry point is a designated E-Visa checkpoint.
- Providing a passport that has less than six months’ validity from the date of entry.
FAQ
Do British citizens need a visa for Vietnam?+
How long can I stay in Vietnam on the exemption?+
Can I extend my stay in Vietnam?+
Do I need to apply from the UK, or can I apply while abroad?+
You can apply directly through the official Vietnamese Immigration Department E-Visa portal, or through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate accredited to the United Kingdom. This is always your right — our service is entirely optional.
Swift Vietnam Visa is an independent private service. We can review your documents, help you complete the form correctly, flag issues before you submit and respond to follow-up queries. We do not decide the outcome of your application and cannot guarantee approval or a specific completion time.