United Kingdom

In 2019, the total number of UK tourists visiting Vietnam was approximately 316,135.

Visa Information

As of 2025, UK nationals can enjoy visa exemption for stays of up to 15 days in Vietnam. This exemption has been extended and remains in effect.

If you are planning to visit Vietnam for more than 15 days, please follow the instructions below:

All UK citizens require a valid Vietnam visa. You can contact the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate to your location, or you can apply for a visa on arrival.

Documents required:

• Original PASSPORT with at least 6 months of validity and 1 blank page
• Completed visa application form (available for download below)
• 1 Passport photo, attached to the form
• Visa Fee in the form of a certified cheque or banker’s draft made payable to the Embassy of Vietnam – if applying by post, or in cash – if applying in person.
• Download Vietnam visa application form from the UK

Processing time and fees

• Visa Fee: the visa fee varies and can be confirmed by contacting the embassy at the email: consular@vietnamembassy.org.uk
• Processing time: 5-7 days for standard processing or 1-2 days for expedited processing

Vietnam Embassy in the UK

• Address: 12 Victoria Rd, London W8 5RD, United Kingdom
• Tel: (+44) 20 7937 1912
• Website: https://vietnamembassy.org.uk

Travel Tips for UK Citizens

• The weather in Vietnam is quite different from that of Britain, so be prepared for a significant change in climate. Typically, the weather in Vietnam is much hotter and more humid than in Britain, especially during the summer when temperatures can soar above 38°C. A hat or umbrella will be essential to pack in your luggage.
• In addition to the cleanliness concerns, Vietnam's tropical climate creates ideal conditions for the spread of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and gastrointestinal issues through insects like mosquitoes and flies. Therefore, it is crucial to bring insect repellent with you or visit local pharmacies for a suitable product.
• English remains the most widely spoken second language in Vietnam, so you should not worry too much about communicating with the locals. However, since many Vietnamese are more accustomed to American or Australian accents, your native British accent might pose a challenge initially. Speak clearly and at a slower pace to help locals better understand you.
• Safety for foreigners, including British tourists, is generally well maintained by local authorities, and reported crimes against tourists are limited. The most common issues to be aware of include pickpocketing, scams by street vendors, and theft. It is advisable to travel in groups, keep a close watch on your belongings, and avoid crowded areas where thieves may operate more freely.
• If you become a victim of a crime, locate the nearest police station to report the incident or contact the UK embassy or consulate for assistance.

While it's enjoyable to explore on foot, if you prefer to get around using vehicles, here are some considerations:

1. Taxis are the recommended mode of transport. It's advisable to travel with a local person (friend or tour guide) to prevent taxi drivers from extending your trip and inflating fares. Additionally, opt for reputable and well-known taxi brands to avoid overcharging.
2. Buses can be crowded and are not necessarily the safest mode of transport. Always keep your belongings within sight.
3. Motorbikes may be an exhilarating way to see the city, but it’s critical to adhere to local traffic regulations. Always wear a helmet, as the traffic can be risky, and riding without one is highly discouraged.

If you’re a victim of crime or need assistance contacting friends, family, a local doctor, or a lawyer, the embassy or consulate can provide guidance.

Hotline: +84 24 3995 4647 (https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-hanoi)

UK Passport Renewals in Vietnam

To renew your passport, you can fill out the same form as when applying for a new passport at https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport. Submit the completed application form, one recent passport photograph, and your existing passport. You can apply by mail or utilize the Post Office Check and Send service for assistance in your application. For faster processing, you may schedule an appointment directly with the Identity and Passport Service (IPS).

Fee:

Passport renewal costs the same as applying for a new passport. It is £82.50 for standard processing, £112 for one-week processing, and £142 for one-day processing.

Accepted payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, cash, and bank drafts.

Processing time:

It typically takes between 1 day and 10 weeks to renew your passport, depending on the service you choose and current demand.

If you are in Vietnam and your passport is nearing expiration, you can contact the British Embassy or consulates for information about renewing your passport. Please note that the UK Embassy in Hanoi no longer processes standard passport applications, and you may need to direct your request to the regional office based in Hong Kong. The embassy or consulate can assist you with emergency travel documents. You can find more information on applying for a United Kingdom Emergency Travel Document at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/emergency-travel-documents-application-form. The processing time for this emergency document is about 3 to 4 weeks.

UK Passport Application

The authority responsible for processing your passport in the UK is the Identity and Passport Service (IPS). To apply for your passport, you must first complete an application form. This form can be filled out online, which will then be printed and sent to your address (https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport). You can also request a hard copy version online or pick up a form from a local Post Office.

Application

Along with your application form, you will need to submit proof of identity. IPS does not accept a birth certificate as the sole proof.

You will also need to submit two passport-sized photos measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm. These photos must be certified by the individual who countersigns your application. For more information, please visit the IPS website.

(https://www.gov.uk/passport-application-photograph-guidance)

Fee

The fee for standard processing is £82.50, while the fee for urgent processing is £122.50. Additionally, a one-day passport application option is available by making an appointment, priced at £169.

Payment methods vary. When applying at a Post Office or in person at an IPS office, you can pay in cash, by debit or credit card, or by cheque. For applications submitted by mail, you can only pay by cheque or debit/credit card. Please note that if you apply at a Post Office, there may be a handling fee of £9.50.

This fee covers the return postage of your passport and documents. If you prefer a secure mail option, you can add £5 to your total fee.

Processing Time

The processing time is approximately 10 weeks for standard applications and about 1 week for urgent applications.

British Embassy and Consulates in Vietnam

UK Embassy:

• Address: Central Building, 4th Floor, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
• Phone: +84 (0)24 3936 0500
• Email: consularenquiries.hanoi@fco.gov.uk - www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-hanoi

UK Consulate:

• Address: 25 Le Duan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
• Phone: +84 (0)28 3825 1380
• Email: consularenquiries.hcmc@fco.gov.uk - www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-ho-chi-minh

Tourism Statistics

This table reflects the number of UK passport holders visiting Vietnam in recent years:

Country	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
United Kingdom	350,000	320,000	280,000	150,000	10,000	314,084	297,114	282,537	254,831

Data sources: Vietnam Tourism, World Bank