Vietnam E-Visa for UK Passport Holders: Complete Guide
UK citizens can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn in minutes. Single entry costs $25, multiple entry $50—no embassy visit needed.
What is the Vietnam e-visa?
The e-visa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Vietnamese government. It's valid for 90 days from issue and lets you enter Vietnam once (single-entry) or multiple times (multi-entry) within that window. UK passport holders qualify for e-visa eligibility—no embassy appointment or visa sticker required.
Who can apply?
You're eligible if:
- Your UK passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date
- You're traveling for tourism, business meetings, or conferences (not work)
- You plan to stay 90 days or fewer
If you're moving to Vietnam long-term, working, or studying, you'll need a different visa type through the Vietnamese embassy.
How to apply online
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Go to evisa.gov.vn — this is the only official government portal. Avoid third-party agents or paid intermediaries; they add unnecessary markup.
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Fill the form: nationality (United Kingdom), passport number, full name as it appears in your passport, email address, intended entry date.
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Upload a digital photo — 4×6 cm, white background, face clearly visible. A smartphone photo works if you crop it properly.
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Upload a passport scan — high-resolution image of the biographical page (photo + data fields).
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Select visa type:
- Single entry: $25. One arrival, unlimited exits. Typical for most tourists.
- Multiple entry: $50. Enter and exit as many times as you want within 90 days. Useful if you're doing regional travel (Cambodia, Laos) and returning.
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Pay by card — Visa, Mastercard accepted. Payment is instant.
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Wait 1–3 business days. You'll receive a PDF approval letter via email. Print it or save it on your phone.
Photo by Ekaterina Belinskaya on Pexels
At the airport
Arrive with:
- Printed or digital copy of your e-visa approval letter
- Your passport
- Completed TM.6 arrival form (given at immigration desk, or fill online beforehand)
- Return or onward flight confirmation
- Proof of funds (credit card, ATM statement, or hotel booking)
The immigration officer will scan your approval letter, check your passport, and stamp you in. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes. No additional fees.
Common questions
Can I extend my e-visa in Vietnam? No. The 90-day window is fixed from issue date, not arrival date. If you need longer, you must apply for a different visa type through the Immigration Department or an agency in Hanoi or Saigon before your e-visa expires.
What if my application is rejected? Rare, but possible (e.g., passport damage, unclear photo, data mismatch). You'll receive an email explaining the reason. Contact the Vietnamese embassy in London: vietnamembassy.org.uk. They can advise on reapplication or alternative visa types.
Do I need travel insurance? Not required for entry, but highly recommended. Travel medical insurance covering COVID and evacuation is smart given healthcare costs.
Can my partner or kids apply separately? Yes, each traveler applies independently with their own passport.
**What if I arrive after the approval date? Your e-visa approval letter has a validity window (usually 90 days from issue). You must enter Vietnam before the end of that window. If you miss it, reapply.
Is the e-visa tied to my passport number? Yes. If you renew your passport before travel, your e-visa is invalid. You'll need to reapply with your new passport details.
What you cannot do on an e-visa
- Work or accept payment for services
- Enroll in a course (requires student visa)
- Relocate long-term
- Act as a journalist
If you're volunteering, teaching English freelance, or doing any paid work, you need a work permit and D-class (long-term) visa.
Photo by Ivan S on Pexels
Costs recap
| Visa type | Cost | Entries | Duration | |-----------|------|---------|----------| | Single-entry e-visa | $25 | 1 entry, unlimited exits | 90 days | | Multiple-entry e-visa | $50 | Unlimited entries & exits | 90 days |
No hidden fees. Payment is one-time at application.
Processing times
- Standard: 1–3 business days
- Urgent: Not available on the official site (evisa.gov.vn avoids rush tiers). Third-party agencies claim 24-hour processing, but they're unofficial and charge $10–20 extra.
Apply at least 5–7 days before your flight to avoid stress.
Practical notes
The evisa.gov.vn site is straightforward and user-friendly. Applying takes 10 minutes. Keep your approval letter safe—screenshot it, email it to yourself, and print a backup. If you're traveling as a couple or group, each person applies individually; there's no family bundle option.
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