United Kingdom entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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 in 2026. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UK Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to the UK. Apply online at gov.uk/apply-uk-visa — the standard visitor visa costs £115 and allows stays up to 6 months. Processing takes 3 weeks on average, so apply well ahead of your trip.Apply for UK visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the whole time you plan to be in the UK. There is no 6-month validity rule for UK entry — just make sure it doesn't expire before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa holders | Border officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight to Vietnam or a ticket to your next destination. Airlines at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have your hotel booking or host's address ready. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a first-time visitor. A printed booking confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself. There's no fixed amount, but having at least £1,000 available for a short trip covers most questions. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
UK visa processing can take 3–6 weeks, and delays happen. Don't book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved.
No visa-on-arrival for UK
There is no way to get a UK visa at the airport. You must have the visa sticker in your passport before you board your flight to the UK.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a UK visa online
Go to gov.uk/apply-uk-visa and fill out the application. You'll need to choose the correct visa type (e.g., Standard Visitor). Pay the fee online.
2
Book and attend a biometric appointment
After submitting, book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Bring your passport, appointment confirmation, and supporting documents. They'll take your photo and fingerprints.
3
Wait for a decision
Standard processing takes 3–6 weeks. You can track your application online. If approved, the visa vignette is pasted into your passport.
4
Arrive in the UK
At UK border control (e.g., Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester), present your passport with the visa. The officer may ask about your trip, accommodation, and return ticket. Answer honestly and have documents ready.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor Visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from issue
Cost£100 (~$127 USD)
For tourism, family visits, or short business trips.
Standard Visitor Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity2, 5, or 10 years
Cost£100 (~$127 USD) for 2-year; £376 (~$478 USD) for 5-year; £470 (~$597 USD) for 10-year
Requires strong travel history and ties to home country.
Student Visa (Tier 4)
Max stayDuration of course + up to 4 months
ValidityCourse length
Cost£348 (~$442 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For full-time study at a licensed institution.
Work Visa (Skilled Worker)
Max stayUp to 5 years
ValidityAs per job offer
Cost£625 (~$794 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
Requires a job offer from a UK sponsor and meeting salary threshold.
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 (single entry)For tourism, family visits, or business meetings up to 6 months. | £100 (~$127 USD) |
| Standard Visitor Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity. | £100 (~$127 USD) |
| Priority Visa ServiceFaster processing (5 working days) if available. | £500 (~$635 USD) additional |
| Super Priority Visa ServiceNext working day decision (subject to appointment availability). | £800 (~$1016 USD) additional |
| Stay extension (in-country)For extending a Standard Visitor Visa beyond 6 months; rarely granted. | £1,000 (~$1270 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying is a criminal offence; may lead to deportation and re-entry ban. | £100 per day (no cap) |
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 passport holders need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) to transit through the UK unless they have a valid UK visa, a visa for the destination country, or certain other exemptions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid UK visa, EEA family permit, or certain other visas may transit without a DATV.
- Holders of a valid visa for the destination country (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) may be exempt in some cases.
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
If you're changing planes in the UK and staying airside (you don't pass through immigration), you may need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV). Check with your airline. If you need to enter the UK between flights, you need a full visitor visa.
Standard processing is 3–6 weeks. You can pay extra for priority (5 working days) or super priority (next working day) at the visa application centre. Fees start around £100 for priority.
A Standard Visitor visa costs £115 (about 3.5 million VND) for up to 6 months. Longer visas (2, 5, or 10 years) cost more. Check the current fee on gov.uk.
Standard visitor visas are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type from Vietnam.
Your passport, the appointment confirmation, and any supporting documents listed in your application (e.g., bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary). Check the checklist on your application.
You'll receive a letter explaining why. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or not proving you'll return to Vietnam. You can reapply, but you'll need to address the refusal reasons and pay the fee again.
Immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Have bank statements or a credit card ready. It's not always requested, but it's smart to have them accessible.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.