No — if you are a British citizen travelling on a full British passport, you do not need a visa for a stay of up to 45 days in Vietnam. The 45-day visa exemption applies to tourism and business visits. If you want to stay longer than 45 days, you need a visa, and the usual route is Vietnam’s official e-visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days.
So, do I need a visa for Vietnam from UK? For most holidaymakers on a British passport, the answer is no. But the answer changes if you hold a different passport, plan a long trip, or your passport does not meet Vietnam’s entry conditions. This guide explains the current rules as of October 2026, with links to the official sources so you can check them before you book.
Vietnam’s visa exemption for UK citizens is set by Vietnamese Government Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, which runs from 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028, according to Vietnam’s national tourism authority. Rules can change at short notice, so always check the GOV.UK entry requirements for Vietnam shortly before you travel.
British passport holders can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. Stays over 45 days need a visa, such as the Vietnam e-visa (up to 90 days). UK residents with non-British passports follow the rules for their own nationality.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Do UK citizens need a visa for Vietnam? Not for short trips. British citizens can enter Vietnam without a visa and stay for up to 45 days, whatever the purpose of the visit, as long as they meet Vietnam’s normal entry conditions. GOV.UK describes the exemption as covering tourism and business visits on a full British passport.
The exemption comes from Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP, issued by the Vietnamese Government on 7 March 2025. It covers citizens of 12 countries, including the United Kingdom, and is valid from 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028. Vietnam has said it will consider extending it, but nothing guarantees that it will continue after March 2028.
Can UK citizens travel to Vietnam without extra paperwork?
Yes, UK citizens can travel to Vietnam with just a valid passport for short stays. You do not need to apply for anything in advance if you will stay 45 days or fewer. You still need a passport that meets Vietnam’s validity and condition rules, which are covered below.
The UK passport ranks among the strongest for visa-free travel. Our guide to the most powerful passports in the world explains what those rankings mean in practice.
Does a UK citizen need a visa for Vietnam in every case?
No, but a UK citizen does need a visa for Vietnam in these situations:
- You plan to stay longer than 45 days.
- You plan to work, study or live in Vietnam long term. Visa-free entry is not a work permit.
- You are entering on a passport of another nationality.
Do UK nationals need a visa for Vietnam if they are not British citizens?
The phrase “UK nationals” can cover several types of British nationality. The exemption described by GOV.UK applies to British citizens on a full British passport. If you hold a different status, such as British National (Overseas) or British Overseas Territories Citizen, check with the Embassy of Vietnam in London before you travel, because your entry terms may differ.
| Traveller | Visa needed for a stay of up to 45 days? | Visa needed for 46–90 days? |
| British citizen on a full British passport | No | Yes (e-visa or other visa) |
| UK resident with a non-British passport | Depends on that nationality | Usually yes |
| Dual national entering on a non-British passport | Depends on that passport | Usually yes |
| Other British nationality (for example BN(O)) | Check with the Vietnamese Embassy | Check with the Vietnamese Embassy |
Do I Need a Visa for a 2 Week Holiday in Vietnam?
No. A two-week holiday is well within the 45-day visa-free stay for British citizens. You can fly in, have your passport checked and stamped at immigration, and enjoy your trip without applying for a visa beforehand.
This is the most common situation behind searches such as “do I need a visa to visit Vietnam from UK”. A typical 10- to 21-day itinerary covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City does not need a visa if you travel on a British passport.
Do I need a tourist visa for Vietnam from UK?
Only if your trip is longer than 45 days, or you are not travelling as a British citizen. For a standard holiday, you do not need a tourist visa for Vietnam from the UK.
When a 2-week trip might still need a visa
Do UK citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam for two weeks? Usually not, but check these points:
- Multi-country trips. If you leave Vietnam for Cambodia or Laos and come back, your re-entry is a new entry under the rules in force at that time. Make sure your total plans still fit. If you are combining Vietnam with Thailand, see our guide to Thailand visa rules for UK travellers.
- Non-British passport. If you are a UK resident on another passport, the answer depends on that passport.
- Passport condition. A damaged or nearly expired passport can stop you boarding or entering, even for a short holiday.
Next step: Check that your passport has at least 6 months’ validity from your arrival date and 2 blank pages, then confirm the latest guidance on GOV.UK a few days before you fly.
How Long Can UK Citizens Stay in Vietnam Without a Visa?
British citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days from the date of entry without a visa. If you want to stay longer, you must get a visa before your 45 days run out.
The length of stay is set when you enter. GOV.UK advises checking that the departure date stamped in your passport is 45 days after your arrival. Immigration will not correct it once you have left the airport or land border, so check it at the desk.
| Length of stay | What British citizens need |
| Up to 45 days | No visa; passport entry stamp |
| 46 to 90 days | A visa, usually the Vietnam e-visa |
| More than 90 days | Contact the Vietnam Immigration Department or the Embassy of Vietnam |
What happens if you overstay?
Overstaying is a serious breach of Vietnamese immigration law. According to GOV.UK, people who overstay or work illegally can be blocked from leaving until they pay a fine, and may be deported and barred from returning. The British Embassy cannot arrange visa extensions for you.
Next step: Count your days before you book return flights. If your trip runs past day 45, apply for an e-visa instead of relying on the exemption.
Vietnam Visa Requirements for UK Residents with Other Passports
Do UK residents need a visa for Vietnam? It depends on the passport you travel on, not where you live. Living in the UK, or holding UK settled or pre-settled status, does not give you Vietnam’s visa exemption for British citizens.
For example, Resolution 44/NQ-CP also exempts citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Japan, South Korea and Russia for 45 days. A German national living in London would use that exemption. Many other nationalities need an e-visa or a visa from an embassy, even for a short holiday.
Practical steps for non-British passport holders
- Check Vietnam’s entry rules for your nationality with the Embassy of Vietnam in London or your own country’s travel advice.
- If you need a visa, apply through the official e-visa portal or the embassy before you travel.
- Make sure your UK immigration status lets you return. If you have settled status through Indefinite Leave to Remain, our guide on how long you can stay outside the UK with ILR explains the limits on long absences.
Dual British Nationals
If you hold British citizenship and another nationality, enter and leave Vietnam on the same passport, as GOV.UK advises. If you travel on your non-British passport, Vietnam’s rules for that nationality apply. When you return to the UK, you need a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to prove your right of abode.
If you are a long-term UK resident thinking about naturalising, our page on applying for British citizenship explains eligibility and the application process.
Vietnam E-Visa for UK Travellers
The Vietnam e-visa lets you stay for up to 90 days and can be used for multiple entries. It is the simplest option for British citizens who need more than 45 days, and for UK residents whose nationality is not visa-exempt.
Is a visa needed for Vietnam from the UK for longer trips? Yes. Once your stay goes beyond 45 days, you need a visa, and GOV.UK lists the e-visa as one of the main options. Others include a visa arranged through a pre-approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agent, or a visa issued by the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK.
Where to apply
Apply only through the Vietnam Immigration Department’s official e-visa portal, which GOV.UK links to. The Immigration Department has announced that the e-visa service also runs on the government domains thithucdientu.gov.vn and evisa.gov.vn. Many commercial websites look official and charge extra for the same visa, so check the web address carefully before you enter passport or card details.
Key e-visa rules
| Feature | What to know |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days |
| Entries | Single or multiple entry |
| Entry and exit points | You must use the ports you chose on your application |
| Applying from inside Vietnam | You must leave and re-enter to start the new e-visa |
| Stays over 90 days | Contact the Vietnam Immigration Department |
| Fees and processing time | Shown on the official portal when you apply |
The e-visa fee is set by the Vietnamese Government and payable online. Check the current amount and processing time on the official portal, and apply well before your travel date so there is time to correct any mistakes.
Typical application steps
- Have your passport and a digital copy of its photo page ready.
- Prepare a recent passport-style photo of your face.
- Enter your planned arrival date, entry and exit points, and address in Vietnam.
- Pay the government fee online.
- Download and print your e-visa once it is approved, and check every detail against your passport.
What Documents Do I Need to Enter Vietnam?
British citizens need a valid passport with at least 6 months left from the date of arrival and at least 2 blank pages. No visa is needed for stays of up to 45 days. Your passport must also be undamaged.
Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam from UK on a British passport?
Not for stays of up to 45 days. Do UK passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam for longer? Yes, from day 46 onwards. Whichever applies, the passport rules are the same.
| Document | Requirement | Source |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months after your arrival date | GOV.UK |
| Blank pages | At least 2 | GOV.UK |
| Passport condition | Undamaged; British nationals have been refused entry or exit with damaged passports | GOV.UK |
| Same passport | Enter and leave Vietnam on the same passport | GOV.UK |
| Visa | Only for stays over 45 days, or for non-exempt nationalities | GOV.UK; Resolution 44/NQ-CP |
| Lost or stolen passport | Entry is refused if your passport has been reported lost or stolen | GOV.UK |
Arrival forms and declarations
- Digital arrival card. GOV.UK says foreign nationals arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City are encouraged to complete a digital arrival card online. It is not mandatory at the time of writing, but this may change with little notice.
- Health declaration. GOV.UK warns that travellers may need to complete a health declaration, which may ask for proof of vaccination. Check with the Vietnamese Embassy before you travel.
Documents worth carrying (recommended, not legal requirements)
GOV.UK does not list a return or onward ticket as an entry requirement. Even so, airlines and border officers can ask about your plans, so it is sensible to carry:
- proof of your return or onward flight
- your first hotel booking
- travel insurance documents
- a printed copy of your e-visa, if you have one
Next step: Check your passport’s expiry date and page count today. If it falls short, renew it before you book, as a passport rejected at check-in can end your trip before it starts.
Can I Arrive in Vietnam Without a Visa?
Yes, if you are a British citizen staying 45 days or fewer, you can arrive in Vietnam without a visa. If you are not visa-exempt, or you plan to stay longer, you should arrange your visa before you travel.
So, do you need a visa for Vietnam from the UK before you land? For a standard holiday on a British passport, no. You simply present your passport at immigration on arrival.
Is there a visa on arrival?
GOV.UK does not list a walk-up visa on arrival as an option, so do not plan on getting one at the airport. GOV.UK mentions a pre-approval letter arranged through a Vietnamese travel agent as one way to get a visa for a longer stay. In practice, the e-visa is more straightforward for most travellers, because you receive it before you leave the UK.
What if I need to stay longer once I’m there?
If you decide mid-trip to stay beyond 45 days, you need a visa before day 45 ends. GOV.UK notes that an e-visa obtained while you are in Vietnam only starts when you leave and re-enter the country. The British Embassy does not help with extensions.
Transit through Vietnam
If you change from an international flight to a domestic one in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you pass through Vietnamese immigration, even if your final destination is abroad. British citizens are covered by the 45-day exemption for this, but other nationalities may need a visa.
Do you need visa for Vietnam from UK if you are only transiting airside on an international connection? Rules for airside transit can vary by airline and route, so check with your airline and the Vietnamese Embassy.
Do You Need Jabs to Go to Vietnam from the UK?
No vaccinations are legally required to enter Vietnam from the UK, but several are recommended. TravelHealthPro, run by the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), states there are no certificate requirements for Vietnam under the International Health Regulations.
The difference matters: a requirement is something border officials can ask to see, while a recommendation is medical advice to protect your health. GOV.UK advises checking the latest recommendations at least 8 weeks before you travel.
Recommended vaccinations for Vietnam
According to TravelHealthPro’s Vietnam guidance:
| Group | Vaccines |
| All travellers | Routine UK vaccines, including MMR and diphtheria-tetanus-polio |
| Most travellers | Hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid |
| Some travellers | Chikungunya, dengue, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, tuberculosis (BCG) |
Which of the “some travellers” vaccines you need depends on your itinerary, length of stay, activities and medical history. For example, TravelHealthPro says pre-exposure rabies vaccination is recommended for long-stay travellers (over one month) and those doing higher-risk activities such as running or cycling.
Malaria and mosquito-borne diseases
- Malaria: TravelHealthPro lists no risk in large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and low risk in some rural provinces, where bite avoidance is advised.
- Dengue: Risk is present across the country. Avoid mosquito bites, especially during the day.
- Japanese encephalitis: Occurs countrywide, with seasonal peaks from May to October, especially in the north.
Medicines
GOV.UK warns that Vietnam restricts some medicines for anxiety, depression and insomnia. You may carry no more than a 7-day supply of these, with your prescription and a doctor’s letter.
Next step: Book a travel health appointment with your GP surgery, practice nurse or a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before departure. The NHS travel vaccinations page explains which vaccines are free on the NHS. This article is general information, not medical advice.
Common Vietnam Visa and Travel Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in Vietnam is overstaying your permitted stay. It can lead to fines, being stopped from leaving until you pay, deportation and a ban on future visits. Most other mistakes are easy to avoid with a few checks before you fly.
1. Relying on out-of-date visa information
Vietnam’s rules for British citizens have changed in recent years. Articles written for searches like “do I need a visa for Vietnam from UK 2023” or “do I need a visa for Vietnam from UK 2024” may describe earlier resolutions. Resolutions 32/NQ-CP (2022) and 128/NQ-CP (August 2023) were replaced on 15 March 2025 by Resolution 44/NQ-CP. Always check the date of any guide you read and confirm with GOV.UK.
2. Miscounting the 45 days
The 45 days run from your date of entry. Check the date stamped in your passport at immigration, as it cannot be corrected later.
3. Travelling with a passport that does not qualify
Less than 6 months’ validity, fewer than 2 blank pages or a damaged passport can lead to refusal at check-in or at the border.
4. Using an unofficial e-visa website
Commercial sites can look like government portals. Use the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal and check the address before paying.
5. Choosing the wrong entry or exit point on an e-visa
An e-visa is limited to the ports you select. Pick them carefully if you plan to cross by land into Cambodia or Laos.
6. Working on a visa exemption
The exemption is not permission to work. GOV.UK warns that working without the right visa can lead to fines, exit bans and deportation.
7. Assuming every country has the same rules
Visa-free periods differ across destinations. Turkey, for example, has its own rules, set out in our guide to Turkey visa requirements for UK passport holders.
8. Skipping travel insurance
GOV.UK says the British Embassy does not pay medical bills. Make sure your insurance covers medical costs, evacuation and repatriation.
Vietnam Visa Checklist for UK Travellers
Use this checklist in the weeks before you travel.
8 weeks before
- Confirm which passport you will travel on (British or another nationality)
- Count the days of your stay: 45 or fewer, or more than 45
- Check your passport has at least 6 months’ validity from arrival and 2 blank pages
- Book a travel health appointment and check TravelHealthPro advice
4 weeks before
- Apply for an e-visa on the official portal if you need one
- Buy travel insurance covering medical costs and evacuation
- Check rules on any prescription medicines you are taking
1 week before
- Re-check the GOV.UK entry requirements for any recent changes
- Print your e-visa (if any), flight details and first hotel booking
- Complete any arrival card or health declaration that applies to your route
On arrival
- Check the date stamped in your passport before you leave immigration
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Vietnam from the UK?
No, not for stays of up to 45 days if you are a British citizen on a full British passport. You need a visa, such as the e-visa, for longer stays or if you travel on another nationality’s passport.
Do UK passport holders need a visa for Vietnam?
British citizens holding a full UK passport do not need a visa for visits of up to 45 days. The exemption runs until 14 March 2028 under Resolution 44/NQ-CP, unless Vietnam changes or extends it.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam (UK passport, 2-month stay)?
Yes. A two-month stay is longer than 45 days, so you need a visa. The Vietnam e-visa allows stays of up to 90 days.
Do you need a visa to visit Vietnam from UK as a tourist?
Not if you are a British citizen staying 45 days or fewer. Tourism and business visits are both covered by the exemption.
Do UK passport need visa for Vietnam to cross by land?
British citizens can use the 45-day exemption at land borders as well as airports. If you hold an e-visa, you must enter and leave through the ports you chose on your application.
UK need visa for Vietnam if travelling with children?
Children travelling on their own full British passports follow the same rules as adults: no visa for up to 45 days. Each child needs their own valid passport.
UK passport need visa for Vietnam if it was issued recently?
No. What matters is that your UK passport has at least 6 months’ validity from your arrival date, 2 blank pages and no damage. The issue date itself does not matter. In short, a UK passport does not need a visa for Vietnam for short stays, as long as it meets these conditions.
Do UK need a visa for Vietnam for business trips?
British citizens do not need a visa for business visits of up to 45 days, such as meetings or conferences. Paid work in Vietnam requires the correct visa and permissions.
What is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in Vietnam?
Overstaying your permitted stay is one of the most serious. It can result in fines, an exit block, deportation and a ban on returning. Check the date stamped in your passport on arrival and leave, or get a visa, before it ends.
Can I arrive in Vietnam without a visa?
Yes, British citizens staying 45 days or fewer can arrive without a visa. Anyone who is not visa-exempt, or who plans to stay longer, should get an e-visa before travelling.
Do you need jabs to go to Vietnam from the UK?
No jabs are legally required for entry, and TravelHealthPro lists no certificate requirements. Hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid are recommended for most travellers, with others depending on your trip. Get advice 6 to 8 weeks before you go.
Do I need a visa for a 2 week holiday in Vietnam?
No. A two-week holiday is within the 45-day visa-free stay for British citizens. You only need a valid passport that meets Vietnam’s entry conditions.
The Bottom Line
If you are a British citizen on a full British passport, you do not need a visa for Vietnam for stays of up to 45 days. That covers almost every UK holiday, including a typical two-week trip. You need a visa, usually the official e-visa for up to 90 days, if you plan to stay longer or travel on another nationality’s passport.
Whatever your plans, make sure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity and 2 blank pages, and check the date stamped in it when you arrive. Get travel health advice 6 to 8 weeks before you go. The current exemption runs until 14 March 2028, so check the GOV.UK Vietnam travel advice shortly before you travel in case the rules change.