Do British Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam? 2026 Guide

Great news for UK travellers: Vietnam extended its visa-free access for British citizens from 15 days to 90 days in August 2023. This makes Vietnam significantly more accessible for longer trips and gives travellers genuine flexibility to explore the country's full length from north to south.

Do British citizens need a visa for Vietnam?

No -- as of August 2023, British citizens can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 90 days. You do not need to apply for a visa or pay any visa fee. You simply need a valid UK passport and proof of onward or return travel. This applies to tourists and short-stay visitors.

What you need to enter Vietnam

• A UK passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry
• Proof of onward or return travel (a return flight booking)
• Accommodation details for at least the first few nights
• Sufficient funds for your stay (rarely checked but advisable to be prepared)
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not legally required)

Can you extend your stay beyond 90 days?

The 90-day visa-free entry cannot be extended within Vietnam. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to leave the country (a 'visa run') and re-enter, or apply for a longer visa from the Vietnamese Embassy before travelling.

Exploring Vietnam: north to south

• Hanoi: The northern capital with the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and day trips to Ha Long Bay
• Ninh Binh and Phong Nha: Dramatic limestone karst landscapes and extraordinary cave systems
• Hoi An: The most photogenic town in Vietnam -- lanterns, tailors, and excellent food
• Da Nang: Modern city on a beautiful beach with the Marble Mountains nearby
• Ho Chi Minh City: The energetic south with war history, street food, and the Mekong Delta nearby

Staying connected in Vietnam

Vietnam has good 4G coverage in major cities and tourist areas. Rural highland regions and some coastal islands have limited signal. A LimitFlex Asia eSIM gives you data connectivity across Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries on the same plan -- convenient for travellers exploring the region.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to complete any paperwork on arrival in Vietnam? You will complete an arrival and departure card on the plane or at immigration. Bring a pen. The process is straightforward and immigration queues at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City airports move quickly.