How to get a visa for Vietnam in UK

Table of Contents

If you are a UK citizen planning to travel to Vietnam, you will need to obtain a visa before your trip. The process of getting a visa for Vietnam in the UK is relatively straightforward, but it is important to plan ahead and follow the correct steps to ensure a smooth application process. In this guide, we will explain the steps you need to take to get a visa for Vietnam in the UK.

Determine the type of visa you need The first step in getting a visa for Vietnam in the UK is to determine the type of visa you need. There are several types of visas available for UK citizens, including tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas. You should carefully consider the purpose of your trip and choose the appropriate visa type.

Check the visa requirements Once you have determined the type of visa you need, you should check the visa requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, but generally, you will need a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining, a completed visa application form, and a recent passport-sized photo. You may also need to provide additional documents such as flight tickets, hotel reservations, or proof of financial means.

Apply online or through the embassy There are two ways to apply for a visa for Vietnam in the UK – online or through the embassy. Applying online is the most convenient option as it allows you to complete the entire process from the comfort of your own home. To apply online, you will need to visit the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department and follow the instructions to fill out the application form and make the payment.

British citizens can obtain a visa for Vietnam in three ways:

Option 1: Visa on Arrival (VoA)

If you are a British citizen planning to stay in Vietnam for 30 days or less, you can apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA). This is the simplest and most convenient option for short-term stays. To apply for a VoA, you will need to complete an online application form and provide the following documents:

A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
A recent passport-sized photograph
A visa approval letter (obtained from an authorized Vietnamese travel agency)

Once you have completed your application and provided the required documents, you will receive a visa approval letter. You can then present this letter, along with your passport and a visa stamping fee, upon arrival at a designated international airport in Vietnam to receive your visa stamp.

Option 2: Apply Vietnam E-visa

If you are a British citizen planning to stay in Vietnam for more than 30 days, you can apply for an e-visa. An e-visa is an electronic visa that allows you to enter Vietnam for a single or multiple entry visit, with a maximum stay of 90 days. To apply for an e-visa, you will need to complete an online application form and provide the following documents:

A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
A recent passport-sized photograph
A copy of your travel itinerary
A copy of your hotel booking confirmation

How to apply for a Vietnam E-visa

To apply for a Vietnam E-visa, you will need to follow these steps:

Go to the Vietnam E-visa website.
Click on the “Apply for E-visa” button.
Select your nationality and visa type (single or multiple entry).
Fill out the online application form.
Upload a copy of your passport photo.
Pay the visa fee.
Print your E-visa.

Processing time

The processing time for a Vietnam E-visa is usually 3-5 working days.

Validity

A Vietnam E-visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days from the date of issue.

How to use a Vietnam E-visa

To use a Vietnam E-visa, you will need to print it out and present it to the immigration officer at the port of entry into Vietnam.

Option 3: Apply for Vietnam visa at Vietnam Embassy in UK

This option involves applying for a Vietnam visa directly at the Embassy of Vietnam in the United Kingdom. The process typically involves the following steps:

Gather the required documents. The specific documents required will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, but they will generally include a completed visa application form, your passport, and a passport-sized photograph. You may also need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of accommodation or travel insurance.

Book an appointment. You will need to book an appointment with the Embassy of Vietnam in order to submit your visa application. Appointments can be booked online or by phone.

Attend your appointment. On the day of your appointment, you will need to bring your original documents and pay the visa fee. The processing time for Vietnam visas typically takes 3-5 working days.

Advantages of applying for a Vietnam visa at the Vietnam Embassy in the UK:

This is the most official and secure way to apply for a Vietnam visa.
You will have the opportunity to speak to a visa officer in person if you have any questions.
The processing time is typically faster than other options.

Disadvantages of applying for a Vietnam visa at the Vietnam Embassy in UK:

It can be more expensive to apply for a visa at the embassy than through other options.
You will need to travel to the embassy in person to submit your application.
The embassy may have limited appointment availability.

Overall, applying for a Vietnam visa at the Vietnam Embassy in the UK is a good option if you want to ensure a smooth and secure visa application process. However, it is important to be aware of the potential disadvantages of this option, such as the cost and time commitment.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the visa requirements, British citizens traveling to Vietnam should also ensure that they have:

A return ticket or onward travel ticket
Sufficient funds to cover their stay in Vietnam
Travel Insurance

It is also advisable to check with the Vietnamese Embassy or consulate in the UK for any updates or changes to the visa requirements.

Tips for Immediate Vietnam visa in UK

1. Apply for your visa online

The quickest and most convenient way to get a Vietnam visa is to apply online through the official e-visa website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. The processing time for e-visas is typically 1-3 working days, and you can receive your visa approval letter via email.

2. Apply well in advance

While e-visas can be processed quickly, it’s still a good idea to apply well in advance of your travel dates, especially if you are traveling during peak season. This will help to ensure that you have your visa in hand before you depart for Vietnam.

3. Have all of the necessary documents ready

To apply for a Vietnam e-visa, you will need to have the following documents ready:

A scanned copy of your passport’s bio-page
A recent passport-sized photograph
Your travel itinerary
A valid credit or debit card to pay the visa fee

4. Double-check your application

Before submitting your visa application, be sure to double-check all of the information you have provided to ensure that it is accurate and complete. Any errors in your application could delay the processing time or even lead to your application being rejected.

5. Apply for a rush visa if necessary

If you need your visa urgently, you can apply for a rush visa, which will be processed within 24 hours. However, rush visas are more expensive than standard e-visas.

6. Use a reputable visa agency

If you are not comfortable applying for your visa online yourself, you can use a reputable visa agency to help you with the process. Visa agencies can provide assistance with completing the application form, ensuring that your documents are in order, and tracking the progress of your visa application.

7. Be prepared to pay for your visa

The visa fee for a Vietnam e-visa is USD 25. You can pay for your visa using a credit or debit card.

8. Print out your visa approval letter

Once you have received your visa approval letter, be sure to print it out and take it with you to Vietnam. You will need to show your visa approval letter to the immigration officer at the airport upon arrival.

9. Allow extra time for processing during peak season

During peak season (Christmas, New Year, Easter), the processing time for Vietnam visas may be longer. It is advisable to apply for your visa at least two weeks in advance during these periods.

10. Contact the Vietnam Immigration Department if you have any questions

If you have any questions about the Vietnam visa application process, you can contact the Vietnam Immigration Department for assistance.