Vietnam visa for British citizens: UK passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days for tourism or business, provided their passport is valid for at least 6 months and has two blank pages. For stays longer than 45 days, multiple entries, or purposes such as work or study, a visa is required, with the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa being the most convenient online option. British citizens may also apply for other visa types through the Vietnamese Embassy in the United Kingdom.
As of 2025, British citizens enjoy one of the most convenient entry policies in Southeast Asia: a 45-day visa-free stay for tourism or short business activities [1]. This policy, often referred to as the Vietnam visa exemption for UK citizens, allows travelers to enter Vietnam without applying for a visa beforehand
► Key points of the 45-day visa-free Vietnam policy:
Valid for UK (British) passport holders entering for tourism or short-term business.
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
Passport must contain at least 2 blank pages.
You may enter and exit Vietnam through any international airport, seaport, or land border.
No fees are required for entry.
This 45-day visa waiver makes Vietnam one of the easiest destinations for British travelers in Asia, especially for flexible itineraries or multi-country trips.
Tân Văn Lang provides reliable Vietnam visa services for British citizens, including e-visa, visa on arrival, and embassy visa options.
Understanding the 45-Day Visa-Free Stay: Rules and Conditions
Although the waiver is generous, it does come with important conditions that every UK passport holder must understand to avoid overstays and penalties.
► Rules British travelers must follow:
The exemption is counted from the date of entry, not the date of arrival at your accommodation.
You cannot extend the exemption directly-you must leave Vietnam or apply for a visa if you want to stay longer.
A same-day border run does not reset the exemption if Vietnam Immigration determines you are intentionally abusing the policy.
If you plan activities such as journalism, long-term work, investment, or employment, the exemption is not applicable.
For travelers who expect to stay longer than 45 days, applying for an E-visa Vietnam for UK citizens is the simplest and most reliable solution.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Vietnam E-Visa for UK Citizens
Our team handles thousands of visa requests each year, so we know exactly how to avoid mistakes that often delay approvals. Here is the streamlined procedure:
✅ Step 1 – Prepare required documents
Passport photo
Passport scan
Travel details
Email & payment card
✅ Step 2 – Access the official portal
Visit evisa.gov.vn, the only legitimate government website.
✅ Step 3 – Complete the application
Enter your personal and passport details carefully.
Double-check spelling-incorrect information is the most common rejection reason.
✅ Step 4 – Upload your photos
Ensure both the ID photo and passport scan meet required file formats.
✅ Step 5 – Pay the government fee
Payment is processed online.
A confirmation code will be issued-save it carefully.
✅ Step 6 – Receive your e-visa by email
Processing typically takes 5–7 working days. Download the PDF file and print two copies for arrival procedures.
What happens if you overstay the 45-day visa-free limit?
Overstaying the 45-day visa exemption is a common concern among travelers who extend their stay spontaneously. Vietnam treats overstays seriously, and penalties may apply even if the delay is only one day. British citizens who exceed the 45-day limit may face:
A monetary fine depending on the number of overstayed days
Mandatory visa issuance before being allowed to depart
Possible delays at the airport during exit procedures
In repeated or serious cases, restrictions on future entry
If you realize that your stay will exceed 45 days, you should apply for a visa (e-visa or extension) as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the easier it is to correct your status without penalties.
The immigration officers consider overstays unintentional if travelers show proof of emergencies or flight cancellations. However, this is evaluated case-by-case, so our team always advises UK visitors to plan ahead or request support early.
Requirements for British Citizens at Vietnamese Ports of Entry
Whether you arrive via airport, seaport, or land border, Vietnam Immigration applies a consistent set of checks. To ensure smooth entry, UK passport holders should be prepared to present the following:
Valid UK Passport: Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months after your entry date. This is one of the core Vietnam visa requirements for UK passport holders.
Proof of Exit or Onward Travel (sometimes requested): While not always enforced, officers may ask for proof of onward travel if you enter under the 45-day visa waiver.
Sufficient Travel Funds: Vietnam rarely asks for financial proof, but you should be prepared to demonstrate the ability to support your stay if questioned.
Accommodation Details: Just knowing your first hotel name and address is usually enough.
E-Visa Documents (if applicable)
If you applied for an e-visa Vietnam for UK travelers, prepare:
Printed e-visa PDF (2 copies recommended)
Passport photo (sometimes requested at land borders)
Approval Letter (for Visa-on-Arrival): If you selected VOA, the approval letter must be shown before boarding and again at the VOA counter upon landing.
Following these requirements helps British travelers avoid delays or denial of entry. Our consultants frequently support travelers who face issues due to photo quality, incorrect passport numbers, or spelling errors-and we can help you review your application to prevent these problems.
>>> Read more: How to Apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa for Foreigners (Visa DL)- Complete Guide 2025
How to Apply for a Visa Extension While in Vietnam
If you entered Vietnam visa-free or via e-visa but need more time, you can apply for an extension. Many British remote workers, retirees, and long-stay travelers request this service when their travel plans change.
Extending a visa for British citizens inside Vietnam
Depending on your visa type:
Visa-free (45 days): Some local offices allow conversion to an e-visa or a sponsored visa, but approval is not guaranteed.
E-visa (90 days): Extensions may be approved for an additional 15–90 days depending on purpose and supporting documents.
Business visas: Extensions require company sponsorship.
Required Documents
Type of Extension
Required Documents
45-day visa waiver extension (case-by-case)
Passport, entry stamp, supporting explanation
E-visa extension
Passport, current e-visa, accommodation certificate, sponsor documents
Business visa extension
Company registration, labor contract or business invitation, passport, visa
Processing Time and Notes
Processing time: 5–10 working days
Extensions are not guaranteed, as approval depends on the Vietnam Immigration Department
Exiting and re-entering Vietnam to activate a new 45-day visa-free period is possible, but border officers may deny re-entry if they believe the traveler is abusing the waiver
For a smoother experience, our team at Tân Văn Lang offers extension support, document preparation, and consultation to help you select the option most likely to be approved.
Is the 45-day visa exemption automatic for British citizens?
Yes. UK passport holders automatically receive visa-free entry upon arrival.
Do I need to show proof of onward travel when entering Vietnam?
Sometimes. Immigration may ask, especially for long or open-ended stays.
What is the maximum duration for the Vietnam e-visa for UK passport holders?
Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
Can I use the 45-day exemption multiple times in a short period?
Yes, but repeated back-to-back entries may receive additional scrutiny.
What documents are required if I apply for a 3-month business visa?
A passport, invitation letter, company registration, and sometimes proof of employment.
What is the fee for applying for the Vietnam e-visa?
Government fees are 25 USD (single entry) and 50 USD (multiple entry).
Does my UK passport need to be valid for a minimum number of months?
Yes. At least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
Traveling to Vietnam as a British citizen is now more convenient than ever thanks to the 45-day visa waiver and the flexible 90-day e-visa program. Whether you’re coming for a short holiday, a business trip, or a longer adventure across Southeast Asia, choosing the right visa option will save time, money, and stress.
Tân Văn Lang has supported thousands of visitors from the UK, including first-time travelers, long-term explorers, and corporate clients. Because Vietnamese visa regulations update regularly, having a dedicated consultant helps avoid mistakes such as incorrect passport scans, mismatched dates, or invalid photos-all common reasons for e-visa delays.
If you need personalized guidance, faster processing, or support with visa extensions during your stay, we are here to help with practical, professional solutions tailored to your travel goals. Please contact Tan Van Lang via our hotline at 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) for dedicated support.
Tôi là Nguyễn Thị Bích Phụng (Hana Nguyen), hiện đang là Sales Manager và biên tập viên tại Công Ty Cổ Phần Dịch Vụ Du Lịch và Thương Mại Tân Văn Lang.
Tôi có 5 năm kinh nghiệm trong lĩnh vực xin visa Việt Nam, xin công văn nhập cảnh, thẻ tạm trú, miễn thị thực... cho người nước ngoài muốn nhập cảnh, lưu trú và làm việc tại Việt Nam. Tôi đã được thành tích Nhân viên xuất sắc tại Tân Văn Lang từ 2021 - 2023.
Tôi hi vọng những kiến thức của mình sẽ giúp được nhiều người nước ngoài có thể nhập cảnh Việt Nam dễ dàng.
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