Vietnam visa for UK citizens: the 45-day exemption and when you still need a visa

Do UK citizens need a visa for Vietnam? For most trips, no. British citizens can currently stay in Vietnam for 45 days without a visa, whatever their passport type or purpose of entry. Holders of British National (Overseas) passports are the exception, and anyone staying longer or coming to work still needs the right visa.

The 45-day exemption

The exemption comes from Resolution 44/NQ-CP of the Vietnamese Government, dated 7 March 2025, which waives visas for citizens of 12 countries, including the United Kingdom. UK citizens may stay for 45 days from the date of entry, with any type of passport and for any purpose of entry. The policy applies from 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028 and may be extended.

You must still meet the entry conditions: a valid passport issued by your country of citizenship, valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, and not falling into a case where entry is refused.

BNO passports are not exempt

The exemption does not cover British National (Overseas) passports, usually shortened to BNO. Vietnam's visa exemption list from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that BNO passport holders must have an appropriate visa to enter Vietnam. If you travel on a BNO passport, arrange your visa before you fly.

When you still need a visa

• Staying more than 45 days: an e-visa, valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry. It usually takes about 3 working days; the government fee is USD 25 for single entry or USD 50 for multiple entry.
• Coming to work: a work permit and a work visa, then a temporary residence card.
• Investing or contributing capital: an investor visa.
• A spouse or children joining you: a family visa.

UK documents for a work permit application

A work permit application usually needs degrees, experience letters and a criminal record certificate issued in the United Kingdom. These must be legalised, unless exempt, then translated into Vietnamese and certified. Start collecting them early so the work permit is not held up.

Notes

• Visa-free entry does not allow you to work. Working without a work permit is a violation.
• With an e-visa, you must enter and leave through the ports listed as accepting e-visas.
• If you plan to apply for a temporary residence card, enter on the matching visa from the start rather than visa-free.
• The exemption has an end date and the rules can change. This article follows the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa exemption list updated to 8 September 2025; check the current policy before you travel.

Gateway can check your case or file an e-visa for you.