Vietnam E-Visa 2025: Application Guide, Fees & FAQs for British Citizens

Do British Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?

Good news! British passport holders are now on Vietnam’s visa exemption list and can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 45 days (single entry, for tourism purposes). This means UK citizens can travel to Vietnam and stay for up to 45 days without the need to apply for a visa in advance—extremely convenient and hassle-free.

If you wish to stay in Vietnam for more than 45 days or plan to enter and exit the country multiple times, you will need to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa beforehand. This article will guide you step by step on how to apply for an e-Visa and how to choose the most suitable visa type for your needs. Read on for a detailed application process and practical tips.

Vietnam’s 45-Day Visa Exemption for British Citizens: Benefits and Limitations

Since August 15, 2023, according to the official notice from the Vietnam Immigration Department, British passport holders (including all United Kingdom passports) can now enjoy visa-free entry into Vietnam for up to 45 days (previously 30 days, now extended to 45 days).

If your visit is for tourism and you plan to stay no longer than 45 days (single entry), you do not need to apply for a visa in advance. This updated policy is officially published on the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website (https://evisa.gov.vn/). You can also check the latest information directly on the government portal to ensure all details are accurate and up to date.

Main Benefits:

• Stay up to 45 days without any visa application required
  
• Enter via airports, land borders, or seaports across Vietnam
  

Limitations and Important Notes:

• Applies to tourism only—does not cover business, employment, study, or other non-tourism purposes
  
• If you wish to stay longer than 45 days or plan multiple entries, you must apply for an e-Visa in advance
  
• For business meetings, inspections, contract negotiations, or any commercial activity, a Vietnam business e-Visa is mandatory
  
• While Vietnam immigration typically does not require a return ticket on arrival, some international airlines may ask for proof of onward travel (such as a return ticket or a ticket to a third country) during boarding or transit. We recommend preparing these documents to avoid any issues at your departure airport

Helpful Tip:
For business activities or if you plan to stay in Vietnam long-term or enter multiple times, always choose the e-Visa option to ensure smooth entry and legal stay.

If you are planning to stay in Vietnam for more than 45 days, or your visit is for business, study, or other non-tourism purposes, please continue reading below. 

The next sections will walk you through how to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa, required documents, the application process, fees, and tips for a successful application—helping you enjoy a smooth and legal journey to Vietnam for any purpose.If you have questions or need one-on-one visa assistance,
👉 Click here to contact us

Which Type of Vietnam Visa Is Best for British Citizens?

Currently, the Vietnam E-Visa is the optimal choice for most applicants. It offers fast processing, great value, and a fully online application process—no need to visit an embassy or consulate. Both tourist and business visas can be obtained through the E-Visa system.

What Is the Vietnam E-Visa?

The Vietnam E-Visa is an online visa issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department, allowing foreign nationals—including British citizens—to enter Vietnam seamlessly without paperwork. The E-Visa can be used for various purposes such as tourism and business.

E-Visa sample (PDF format):

What Types of Visas Can British Citizens Apply For?

• Tourist Visa (Single/Multiple Entry, 30 days or 90 days)
  
• Business Visa (Single/Multiple Entry, 30 days or 90 days)
  
• Short-term Visa Exemption (up to 45 days): Available to some British passport holders, but with notable limitations
  
• Long-term Visa: The E-Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days, with the option of single or multiple entries

Why Is the E-Visa the Best Choice for British Citizens?

Main Advantages:

• Super Fast Approval: Expedited service can be approved in as little as 1 hour.
  
• Fully Convenient: 100% online application—no need to visit the embassy.
  
• Wide Applicability: Suitable for tourism, business, and various other purposes.
  
• Official & Secure: Issued and approved by the Vietnam Immigration Department.
  
• Flexible Options: Choose between single or multiple entries, with a maximum validity of 90 days.
  
• Transparent Fees: Official pricing with no hidden costs.
  

As a visa consultant with 15 years of industry experience, I have helped thousands of British citizens successfully obtain a Vietnam visa. The E-Visa has consistently been the highest-rated option among UK applicants.

What Documents Do British Citizens Need to Prepare for a Vietnam E-Visa Application?

For British citizens applying for a Vietnam E-Visa, simply preparing the required documents in advance will greatly improve processing efficiency and minimize delays.

According to the latest regulations, your UK passport must be valid for at least 2 months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam. Whether for tourism or business, the document checklist is straightforward:

• A valid UK passport (must be valid for at least 2 months after your planned departure from Vietnam)
  
• Passport-style digital photo
  
• Scanned copy or photo of the passport information page
  
• Expected entry/exit dates and port of entry/exit information
  
• Credit or debit card for online payment of visa fees
  

If you are applying for a Vietnam business e-visa, the process is equally simple—there is no need to provide an invitation letter or sponsor documents. Just select “tourism” or “business” as your purpose of visit on the online application form; no extra paperwork is required.

Passport Photo and Personal Photo Requirements

When applying for a Vietnam e-Visa, British citizens must upload the following two types of images. Please pay close attention to the specific requirements:

• Scanned Copy/Photo of Passport Information Page:
  The image must be clear and free of glare, with all information fully visible. A color image is recommended. JPG or PNG formats are supported.
  
• Recent White-Background ID Photo (front-facing, no headwear):
  The requirements are similar to standard passport photos. Recommended size is 4x6cm or other commonly accepted e-visa ID photo sizes. Facial features must be clear and unobstructed—no sunglasses or hats.
  

Important Notes:

• Blurry images, shadows, glare, or missing information can easily lead to visa application rejection.
  
• For the passport information page, use a phone or scanner in good, even lighting; make sure all four corners are visible and all text is sharp.
  
• If you take the ID photo at home, use a white wall as a background and natural light. Make sure your forehead and ears are visible, with no sunglasses, hats, or flashy jewelry.
  
• Avoid using beauty filters, photo-editing apps, or filters, as these may alter your appearance and reduce the chances of approval.
  

For detailed specifications on passport and personal ID photo requirements,
Click here to view the official Vietnam e-Visa photo guidelines: Learn More

How Can British Citizens Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa Online?

With the comprehensive upgrade of Vietnam’s e-visa policy, British citizens no longer need to visit an embassy or consulate—your Vietnam visa application can be completed entirely online from the comfort of your home. As a visa consultant with years of experience, I recommend following these steps to significantly improve your approval rate while saving time and effort:

• Visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department or a reputable visa service provider
  
• Fill out the online application form
  
• Upload your passport-style photo and a scanned copy of your passport information page
  
• Pay the visa fee online
  
• Wait to receive your e-visa via email (usually within 1–3 business days; expedited processing can be as fast as 1 hour)
  

Tip:
Double-check all information before submitting your application to avoid unnecessary delays due to errors.

How Can British Citizens Apply for a Vietnam Business E-Visa Online?

In recent years, the process for obtaining a Vietnam business e-visa has been greatly simplified, making business travel to Vietnam much more convenient for British citizens. Whether you are visiting for partnership discussions or market research, you can easily apply online—the procedure is almost identical to the tourist e-visa. Simply select “Business” as the visa type on your application form.

Just like with the tourist e-visa, British citizens can choose from the following common business visa types based on their actual needs:

• 30-day single-entry visa
  
• 30-day multiple-entry visa
  
• 90-day single-entry visa
  
• 90-day multiple-entry visa

How Long Can British Citizens Stay in Vietnam?

• E-Visa: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry options available)
  
• Visa Exemption: Holders of certain UK passports can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days (non-extendable)
  
• Business E-Visa: Up to 90 days, with flexible multiple-entry options

What Are the Fees for a Vietnam E-Visa?

If British citizens apply for a Vietnam e-visa directly through the official website, the official fees are:

• $25 USD: 30-day or 90-day single-entry visa
• $50 USD: 30-day or 90-day multiple-entry visa

Expedited E-Visa Services for British Citizens

Need your visa urgently? There are several expedited service options available:

Types of Expedited Services

• 2 Working Days: Standard expedited service
  
• 1 Working Day: Fast expedited service
  
• Same Day (4 hours): Super expedited service
  
• 4 Hours / 2 Hours / 1 Hour: Extreme expedited options for urgent cases
  

Expedited Service Fees

If you wish to receive your e-visa results faster, please refer to the expedited service fees below:

The prices listed above are all-inclusive, already covering the Vietnam government visa fee ($25 for single entry / $50 for multiple entry).
You do not need to pay any additional charges.

🔍 Learn more: [Vietnam E-Visa Urgent Service – Get Your Visa in Just 2–4 Hours!]

How Can British Citizens Apply for a Vietnam Visa If They Are Outside the UK?

Good news! The entire e-visa application process is conducted online. No matter where you are—whether in Europe, Asia, Australia, or anywhere else in the world—as long as you hold a valid UK passport, you can apply for a Vietnam e-visa anytime, anywhere, without having to return to the UK.

What Is the Approval Rate If I Apply Directly on the Government Website?

If your documents are genuine and all information is accurate, the approval rate for the Vietnam e-visa is very high. However, rejections do occasionally occur due to issues such as unclear photos, incorrect name spelling, or choosing the wrong port of entry.

How Can You Avoid Common Mistakes?

To ensure your Vietnam e-visa application is approved smoothly, we recommend you pay special attention to the following points and double-check your documents in advance:

• Photo Requirements: Before uploading, make sure your passport information page and ID photo are clear, unobstructed, and free of glare, with all information fully visible. Color images are recommended. Avoid using beauty filters or editing software.
  
• Personal Information: Carefully check your name, passport number, date of birth, and other key details. Ensure they match your passport exactly and are free of spelling errors.
  
• Visa Type Selection: Choose the appropriate visa type (tourist or business) based on your actual travel purpose to avoid rejection due to mismatched categories.
  

When self-applying for a Vietnam e-visa, many applicants experience delays or returned applications due to minor oversights. We strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with and avoid these common mistakes before submitting your application, and refer to the corresponding solutions provided in this guide:
🔍 Learn more: Common Mistakes When Applying for a Vietnam E-Visa—What to Watch Out for Before Submitting on the Official Website

What Should I Do If My Application Is Rejected?

• Carefully review your information and reapply
  
• In urgent cases, contact a professional visa agency for review and expedited assistance
  
• If you have any questions, reach out to us for the fastest and most authoritative solutions

Need support or want to get your visa in as fast as 1 hour?

👉 Click here to contact a professional consultant. Our team is available 24/7 for one-on-one assistance, ensuring your visa application is approved smoothly and without hassle!

Can BNO Passport Holders Enjoy Visa-Free Entry or Apply for an E-Visa to Vietnam?

According to Vietnam’s immigration policies, holders of a BNO (British National (Overseas)) passport are not eligible for the same 45-day visa-free entry as British passport holders. Currently, BNO passport holders cannot apply for a Vietnam e-visa and may only enter Vietnam by obtaining a Visa on Arrival.

Can BNO Passport Holders Apply for a Visa on Arrival on the Official Government Website?

BNO passport holders cannot apply for a Visa on Arrival through the official Vietnam government website. At present, the Vietnam Immigration Department’s website only supports online applications for e-visas and does not provide Visa on Arrival services.

If you hold a BNO passport and plan to travel to or work in Vietnam, it is recommended to apply for a Visa on Arrival through a licensed travel agency or a professional visa service provider.

For example, you can use our platform to apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival—our process is convenient, safe, and reliable. If needed, please visit our website to apply for your Visa on Arrival online and enjoy one-stop visa services.

How Long Can BNO Passport Holders Stay in Vietnam?

Travelers entering Vietnam with a BNO passport and a Visa on Arrival can stay for a maximum of 30 days. Currently, the Visa on Arrival does not support a 90-day stay. Only the following types are available:

• 30-day single-entry visa
  
• 30-day multiple-entry visa
  

For more details on how to apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival, please click the link below to view our comprehensive guide:
How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa on Arrival (Visa on Arrival Letter)

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions