United Kingdom entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Vietnamese nationals. Plan ahead, as the application process involves an online form, an appointment at a visa application centre, and a decision that can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UK VisaYou need to secure a UK visa in advance — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Vietnamese passports. Apply at British embassy/consulate | Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the United Kingdom. Apply at the nearest British embassy or consulate; eVisa is not available for Vietnamese citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your planned exit from the UK. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the UK. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe border officer will stamp your passport upon arrival, so a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the UK entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials may ask to see evidence that you plan to leave the UK. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave the UK before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsYou may need to prove you can financially support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the UK, such as bank statements or sponsor letters. | Required |
| Travel insuranceInsurance can protect you from unexpected costs while abroad. Recommended | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip cancellation is strongly recommended. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into the United Kingdom. | Not required |
No eVisa — apply at the embassy/consulate
Vietnamese passport holders are NOT eligible for the UK's eVisa system. You must apply through the standard visa application process, which includes an in-person appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre. Do not be misled by websites offering an 'e-visa' for Vietnamese citizens — they are not official.
Plan ahead for processing times
Visa processing can take up to 3 weeks, and during peak seasons (May–September) it may take longer. Book your biometric appointment as soon as you have your travel dates, and consider priority processing if you're in a hurry.
TB test is mandatory for most applicants
If you've been in Vietnam for more than 6 months, you must provide a TB test certificate from an approved clinic. Without it, your application will be refused. The test costs around 1,000,000 VND and takes a few days to get results.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online application
Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website and fill out the Standard Visitor visa form. You'll need to provide your passport details, travel plans, and answer questions about your background. Pay the £115 fee online.
2
Book and attend your biometric appointment
After submitting your form, book an appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Bring your printed application, passport, and supporting documents. At the centre, you'll give fingerprints and a photo. You may also choose to submit your documents there (some centres offer scanning services).
3
Wait for a decision
Processing typically takes 3 weeks from your appointment date, but can be longer during peak seasons. You can track your application online using the reference number from your appointment. You'll be notified by email when a decision is made.
4
Collect your passport and check the vignette
Once approved, you'll receive your passport with the visa vignette (sticker) inside. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. The vignette is valid for 6 months from the date specified, and you must enter the UK before it expires.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor visa (6 months)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from date of issue
Cost£115
For tourism, visiting family, or short business activities. Cannot work in the UK.
Marriage Visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from date of issue
Cost£115
For getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months.
Permitted Paid Engagement visa
Max stay1 month
Validity6 months from date of issue
Cost£115
For specific paid engagements (e.g., academic, arts) from a UK-based organization.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2/5/10 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity2, 5, or 10 years
Cost£432 / £771 / £963
For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility and may be asked to prove need for long-term visa.
student visa
Student Visa (Tier 4)
Duration of course + up to 4 months
£348 (~$442 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For full-time study at a licensed UK institution. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays.
Apply work visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
£625 (~$794 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For those with a job offer from a UK sponsor meeting skill and salary requirements. Leads to settlement after 5 years.
Apply investor visa
Innovator Visa
3 years, renewable
£1,021 (~$1297 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For those with a viable, innovative business idea endorsed by an approved body. Requires at least £50,000 in investment funds.
Apply family visa
Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)
2.5 years, renewable, leads to settlement
£1,523 (~$1935 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For partners of UK citizens or settled persons. Must meet financial and English language requirements.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa (6 months)Required for tourism, family visits, or short business activities. | £115 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility criteria. | £432 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility criteria. | £771 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)For frequent visitors; must meet eligibility criteria. | £963 |
| Priority visa service (optional)Faster processing, subject to availability. | £500 |
| Super Priority visa service (optional)Decision by end of next working day, subject to availability. | £1000 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United Kingdom
Transit visa required
Vietnamese nationals require a Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) when transiting through the UK, unless they hold a valid UK visit visa, a visa for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the USA, or an Irish biometric visa endorsed 'BIVS'.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid UK visit visa
- Holders of a valid visa for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the USA
- Holders of an Irish biometric visa with 'BIVS' endorsement
- Holders of a diplomatic or official passport (subject to specific agreements)
Transit hubsLondon Heathrow (LHR) · London Gatwick (LGW) · Manchester (MAN)
Health & vaccines for United Kingdom
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialInfluenzaRecommendedHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommended
Health risks
Seasonal fluModerate risk
Common in winter months; vaccination recommended.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Tick-borne disease in rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban air pollution can aggravate respiratory conditions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
London
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – London
Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa applications and enquiries; appointments required.
Sheffield
UKVI Sheffield
Vulcan House, 6 Millsands, Sheffield S3 8NU
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa applications and correspondence.
Practical information for VN travellers
Country basics
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.75 GBP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G — unique 3-pin UK plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water. Safe everywhere in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United Kingdom
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Kingdom — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing takes about 3 weeks from your biometric appointment. However, it can take longer during peak seasons (summer and Christmas). You can pay extra for priority processing (5 working days) or super priority (24 hours) if available at the VAC — check with the centre when you book.
Yes, the application form is online, but you must attend an in-person appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to give biometrics. You cannot submit your application entirely by post.
No. Vietnamese nationals are not eligible for the UK's eVisa system. You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa through the embassy/consulate process, which includes the online form and an in-person appointment.
The Standard Visitor visa allows a maximum stay of 6 months per visit. The visa is usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue, but you can enter multiple times during that period (unless it's a single-entry visa, which is rare). You cannot extend this visa while in the UK.
Yes, if you have been residing in Vietnam for more than 6 months, you must take a tuberculosis test at an approved clinic. The test must be done within 6 months before your visa application. The certificate is included with your application. If you've been living outside Vietnam for over 6 months, you may not need it — check with the VAC.
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply, but you'll need to address the grounds for refusal and pay the fee again. There is no formal appeal for visitor visas, but you can request an administrative review in some cases. It's best to consult with a visa advisor if you're refused.
No. The Standard Visitor visa is strictly for tourism, visiting family/friends, or business activities like meetings and conferences. You cannot take up employment or enroll in a course longer than 30 days. For work or study, you need a different visa category.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.