British citizens travelling on a full British citizen passport can currently visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. London Heathrow also has nonstop flights to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which makes a one-direction north-to-south or south-to-north itinerary particularly practical for UK travellers.
The important details are more specific than the headline visa exemption. British National (Overseas) passports are not covered by the 45-day waiver, passports must meet Vietnam’s validity requirements, the entry stamp should be checked before leaving immigration, and travellers planning to drive need a UK licence plus the correct 1968 International Driving Permit.
This guide follows the journey in the order most British travellers plan it: entry requirements, travel dates, flights, routes, costs, pre-departure preparation, arrival, local transport and emergency help.
Last fact-checked: 22 September 2026. Immigration rules, airline schedules and health requirements can change. Time-sensitive information below links to the relevant Vietnamese or UK government source.
| Question | Current information for UK travellers |
|---|---|
| Do British citizens need a Vietnam visa? | Full British citizen passport holders can currently visit visa-free for up to 45 days |
| How long does the visa exemption apply? | The current unilateral exemption runs until 14 March 2028 |
| Are BNO passports included? | No. British National (Overseas) passport holders need an appropriate visa |
| What if the trip is longer than 45 days? | An eVisa can allow a stay of up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry |
| Official eVisa fee | USD 25 single entry, USD 50 multiple entry |
| Passport requirement | At least 6 months of validity after arrival, at least 2 blank pages and no significant damage |
| Nonstop UK gateway | London Heathrow (LHR) |
| Direct Vietnam airports | Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) |
| Current nonstop flight time | About 11 to 13 hours, depending on route and schedule |
| Vietnam currency | Vietnamese dong (VND) |
| Time difference | Vietnam is 7 hours ahead during GMT and 6 hours ahead during British Summer Time |
| Electricity | Vietnam uses 220V, close to the UK’s nominal 230V supply |
| Can a British tourist drive? | Yes, when legally eligible for the vehicle and carrying the UK licence plus a 1968 IDP, with required insurance |
Full British citizen passport holders can currently visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. The exemption applies under Vietnam’s unilateral visa-waiver policy from 15 March 2025 through 14 March 2028.
The rule is simple for a normal short holiday, but passport type, passport condition and the leave-by date recorded by immigration all matter.
British citizens can currently use Vietnam’s 45-day visa exemption, but passport type and validity still need to meet Vietnam’s entry rules.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists the United Kingdom among the countries whose eligible citizens can enter without a visa for a temporary stay of up to 45 days. GOV.UK gives the same guidance for travellers using a full British citizen passport.
The most important practical step happens at immigration. Your passport will be stamped with the date by which you must leave Vietnam. GOV.UK advises travellers to check that date before leaving border control.
If the immigration officer has recorded an incorrect leave-by date, resolve it immediately. GOV.UK warns that immigration authorities will not simply amend the original entry period after the traveller has already left the airport or land border.
| Trip length | Normal entry option for a full British citizen passport |
|---|---|
| 1 to 45 days | Current visa-free entry, subject to meeting entry conditions |
| 46 to 90 days | Vietnam eVisa is usually the simplest tourist option |
| More than 90 days | Check the appropriate visa or residence basis directly with Vietnam Immigration |
The official UK guidance is available on the GOV.UK Vietnam entry requirements page (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam/entry-requirements).
No. The wording “British passport holder” is too broad.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifically states that British National (Overseas), or BNO, passport holders are not covered by the unilateral visa exemption. GOV.UK also writes its standard Vietnam entry advice for people travelling on a full British citizen passport.
If your passport shows another form of British nationality rather than British citizen status, confirm the applicable visa rule with the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK before buying non-refundable travel.
Vietnam’s official eVisa system allows eligible foreign travellers to apply for an electronic visa valid for up to 90 days. The eVisa can be issued for a single entry or multiple entries.
| eVisa type | Maximum validity | Official government fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | Up to 90 days | USD 25 |
| Multiple entry | Up to 90 days | USD 50 |
Apply only through the official Vietnam eVisa portal (https://evisa.gov.vn/). Commercial sites can use similar names and charge additional service fees.
An eVisa holder must enter and leave through an approved border gate selected under the eVisa system. If you apply for an eVisa while already in Vietnam, GOV.UK states that you must leave Vietnam and re-enter before the new eVisa becomes the basis for your stay.
GOV.UK currently says a passport used to enter Vietnam must have:
The passport-damage rule deserves attention because FCDO reports that British nationals have been denied entry or exit due to damaged passports. Before flying, check the biodata page, binding, machine-readable section and pages for water damage, tears or missing sections.
A passport reported lost or stolen is no longer a valid travel document and must not be used even if it is later found.
Vietnamese authorities require visitors to enter and exit using the same passport. This can matter for dual nationals or anyone who holds more than one travel document.
Decide which passport will form the Vietnamese immigration record and keep that document available throughout the trip. British citizens returning to the United Kingdom must also meet the UK’s own passport requirements for re-entry.
A passenger connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City must clear Vietnamese immigration.
For example, a London to Hanoi to Da Nang journey requires you to enter Vietnam at Hanoi. The same applies to a London to Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc itinerary when the second sector is domestic.
This rule applies even if the passenger thinks of the first airport only as a connection point. Make sure you meet Vietnam’s entry conditions before boarding in the UK.
Vietnam’s Immigration Department began piloting its Pre-Arrival Information system, or PAI, at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on 15 April 2026.
The official Ministry of Public Security announcement describes the system as a pilot that will later be expanded nationwide. During the pilot phase it is optional rather than a general nationwide entry requirement.
GOV.UK currently says foreign nationals entering through Tan Son Nhat Airport are encouraged to complete the digital arrival information before arrival. Because rollout can change with limited notice, check the system shortly before departure.
The official portal is prearrival.immigration.gov.vn. After completing the declaration, save the generated QR code to the phone or print it.
The PAI declaration does not replace a visa when a visa is required.
Vietnam does not currently require every international traveller to complete a routine health declaration.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health clarified in June 2026 that the health-declaration provisions under Decree 165/2026 are not permanently applied to every person entering, leaving or transiting Vietnam.
The Ministry can activate a health declaration for specific infectious diseases or epidemiological situations. When one is activated, separate instructions will specify who must declare and when.
The Ministry of Health also stated that the former tokhaiyte.vn website is not the current health-declaration portal. Do not enter passport or medical information into an unofficial form simply because another travel site tells you to do so.
The Vietnam Embassy moved from its former Victoria Road premises in January 2025. The current consular address is:
Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the UK
The Consular and Visa Section currently opens from 09:30 to 12:30, Monday to Friday, and an appointment is required. Check the official Vietnam Embassy website (https://vietnamembassy.org.uk/) before visiting because embassy holidays can affect opening days.
March to May is one of the easiest periods for a multi-region Vietnam trip, while December to February is especially attractive for British travellers seeking warm weather in Southern Vietnam. There is no single weather pattern for the entire country.
Vietnam’s long north-south geography means Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City can have very different conditions on the same day. The detailed Vietnam weather guide provides a month-by-month breakdown for travellers deciding between regions.
Vietnam’s long north-south geography creates different travel seasons across the country.
| Region | Strong travel periods | Main weather consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Vietnam | April to June and September to November work particularly well for many outdoor itineraries | December to March can be cool, cold or misty. June to August is hotter, more humid and stormier. |
| Central Vietnam | March to August provides stronger sunshine for many central destinations | Heavy rain and tropical storms become more important later in the year, especially around October and November. |
| Southern Vietnam | December to April is the main dry-season window | May to November is wetter, but rainfall often arrives in concentrated tropical showers rather than continuous all-day rain. |
| Phu Quoc | October to June generally offers stronger beach conditions | July to September is stormier and wetter, which can affect sea conditions. |
Vietnam’s official tourism authority identifies March to May as one of the strongest countrywide weather periods, while also emphasising that each region has its own climate calendar.
| UK travel window | Strong Vietnam fit | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas and January | Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc and Southern Vietnam | Northern Vietnam can be surprisingly cool and misty |
| February half-term | South Vietnam and increasingly drier Central Vietnam | Tet can fall around this part of the year, creating heavy domestic travel demand |
| Easter, March-April | One of the strongest periods for a North-Central-South trip | Southern Vietnam becomes increasingly hot through April |
| Late-May half-term | Northern landscapes and Central Vietnam | Heat increases and Southern Vietnam moves into its wetter period |
| July-August school holiday | Central Vietnam, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue and selected coastal areas | The North and South are warmer, wetter and more humid |
| October half-term | Northern Vietnam | Central Vietnam has a higher risk of storms, flooding and heavy rain |
Do not rely on one website claiming to provide universal UK school-holiday dates. GOV.UK states that term and holiday dates vary across the United Kingdom.
In England and Wales, check the local authority and the individual school. In Scotland, each local authority sets its own dates. Schools in Northern Ireland can also have variations.
This matters when buying long-haul flights because a family with fixed school dates has much less flexibility to move a trip by two or three days if direct fares become expensive.
The centre reported a very strong El Niño state and forecast a 98% probability of very strong El Niño conditions during October to December 2026. The pattern is expected to remain very strong into the first quarter of 2027, although forecast confidence changes further into the future.
Temperatures across many parts of Vietnam are expected to run above long-term averages during parts of this period.
This is a seasonal outlook, not a daily forecast. Check the latest forecast before a Ha Long Bay cruise, mountain trek, beach stay or domestic flight.
A direct flight from London takes roughly half a day, so a 10 to 14-day holiday generally gives first-time visitors a better return on the long-haul journey than trying to cover the country in a week.
| Time available | Recommended approach | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 5-7 days | Stay within one region | Hanoi + Ninh Binh + Ha Long Bay, or Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta |
| 8-10 days | Combine two well-connected regions | Hanoi + Ha Long Bay + Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong + Phu Quoc |
| 11-14 days | Travel in one direction through North, Central and South | Hanoi + Ninh Binh/Ha Long + Hoi An/Hue + Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta |
| 15-21 days | Add a slower mountain, cave or island extension | Sapa, Ha Giang, Quang Binh, Da Lat, Phu Quoc or Can Tho |
A 10-day Vietnam itinerary is enough for two connected regions or a faster highlights trip. A 14-day Vietnam itinerary gives most first-time UK travellers enough time for a balanced cross-country route.
Ha Long Bay fits naturally with Hanoi and Ninh Binh for a one-week Northern Vietnam trip or the first stage of a longer journey.
London Heathrow is currently the UK’s nonstop gateway to Vietnam, with Vietnam Airlines flying directly to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This two-gateway network makes an open-jaw itinerary particularly useful for British travellers.
London Heathrow currently has nonstop Vietnam Airlines services to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam Airlines’ current UK schedule lists approximately four direct London-Hanoi services and three London-Ho Chi Minh City services per week. Exact operating days can change between timetable periods.
| Route | Current published frequency | Current published flight time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Hanoi (HAN) | About 4 flights per week | About 11 hours 15 minutes on the current network schedule | Northern Vietnam or a north-to-south route |
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | About 3 flights per week | About 12 hours 30-50 minutes depending on timetable | Southern Vietnam or a south-to-north route |
Vietnam Airlines publishes several route pages that can show slightly different frequencies as seasonal schedules are loaded. Check the live Vietnam Airlines timetable (https://www.vietnamairlines.com/en-gb/flights-to-vietnam) for your exact dates before relying on a weekly frequency.
Travellers starting in Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle or another regional UK city usually have two main strategies.
Vietnam Airlines currently sells connecting itineraries from cities including Manchester and Newcastle. Other international airlines offer one-stop journeys from major UK regional airports.
Compare the total journey, not only the ticket price. A slightly more expensive itinerary can be worthwhile if baggage is checked through and both sectors are protected on one ticket.
| Arrival airport | Best for | Natural onward route |
|---|---|---|
| Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) | Northern Vietnam | Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Sapa and northern mountains |
| Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) | Southern Vietnam | Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, southern coast and Phu Quoc connections |
| Da Nang International Airport (DAD) | Central Vietnam | Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue and the central coast |
Hanoi is the logical first stop for travellers prioritising Northern Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City works better for a southern-first trip through the Mekong Delta or for an onward connection to Phu Quoc.
The strongest advantage of the UK-Vietnam direct network is that London has nonstop access to both ends of the country.
A first-time visitor can therefore plan:
London → Hanoi → travel south through Vietnam → Ho Chi Minh City → London
or the reverse direction.
This avoids flying back to the original arrival city only to catch the flight home. On a 10 to 14-day trip, removing one unnecessary domestic flight can save most of a travel day.
| Trip length | Route | Planning logic |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Hanoi + Ninh Binh + Ha Long Bay | One region, no domestic flight required |
| 8-10 days | Hanoi + Ha Long Bay + Hue/Hoi An | North and Central Vietnam with one domestic flight or overnight train |
| 10 days | Hanoi + Ha Long Bay + Hoi An + Ho Chi Minh City | Active first-time highlights route using two domestic flights |
| 14 days | Hanoi + Ninh Binh/Ha Long + Hue/Hoi An + Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta | Balanced north-to-south first trip |
| 18-21 days | Classic route plus Sapa, Ha Giang, Quang Binh, Da Lat or Phu Quoc | More depth with fewer rushed transfer days |
Hoi An combines well with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on a 10 to 14-day open-jaw itinerary from London.
A British traveller staying for 45 days or less currently pays no tourist-visa fee under the visa exemption. The largest variable cost is usually the international flight, followed by accommodation, domestic transport and major experiences.
| Item | Current reference | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for eligible British citizen staying up to 45 days | No visa fee | Passport and entry conditions still apply |
| Single-entry eVisa | USD 25 | For travellers needing an eVisa |
| Multiple-entry eVisa | USD 50 | Useful for longer regional journeys that leave and return to Vietnam |
| Street-food meal | Vietnam Tourism uses about 45,000 VND as an indicative example | Actual prices vary by dish and city |
| Mid-range hotel | Vietnam Tourism uses about 700,000 VND per night as an indicative example | Peak dates and major resorts can cost substantially more |
| Half-day group activity | Vietnam Tourism uses about 1,000,000 VND as an indicative example | Private tours and cruises are priced separately |
| Higher-end hotel | Vietnam Tourism uses about 3,500,000 VND per night as an indicative example | Luxury pricing varies widely by destination |
Airfares change continuously. At the time this article was fact-checked on 22 September 2026, Vietnam Airlines was displaying selected round-trip economy fares around:
| Route | Example live fare | Selected travel dates shown |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow to Hanoi | From about £636-£637 return | Selected October-December 2026 dates |
| London Heathrow to Ho Chi Minh City | From about £633-£634 return | Selected November-December 2026 dates |
These are timestamped examples, not standard fares. Vietnam Airlines states that displayed fares are collected from recent searches and may no longer be available when a traveller books.
For a visa-free trip of 45 days or less, the booking sequence is simpler than for travellers who must wait for visa approval.
If the trip will last 46 to 90 days, move the eVisa application toward the beginning of the process.
British travellers should not assume that UK healthcare arrangements, prescriptions or electrical plugs work in Vietnam exactly as they do at home. Insurance, medicine documentation, local currency and connectivity are much easier to organise before the flight.
A UK Global Health Insurance Card is not a worldwide travel-health card. Vietnam is not listed among the non-EU countries with which the United Kingdom has a reciprocal healthcare agreement.
Buy comprehensive travel insurance before departure. FCDO advises that the policy should cover:
The British Embassy does not pay a traveller’s medical bills.
FCDO recommends reviewing Vietnam travel-health advice at least 8 weeks before departure.
TravelHealthPro’s recommendations depend on itinerary, trip length, health status and planned activities. Health risks relevant to Vietnam include dengue, malaria in some rural areas, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, Zika and other mosquito-borne or food- and water-borne illnesses.
TravelHealthPro currently identifies no malaria risk in major locations such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while low risk remains in several rural areas. Japanese encephalitis risk is countrywide but is more relevant to longer stays or rural exposure, particularly around rice fields, wetlands and farming areas.
Check the latest TravelHealthPro Vietnam guidance (https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/240/vietnam) with a GP, pharmacist or travel-health professional rather than treating a general vaccine list as personalised medical advice.
Vietnam regulates some medicines differently from the UK. FCDO specifically warns about medicines Vietnam classifies as addictive or psychotropic, including some treatments for anxiety, depression, insomnia and other conditions.
Current FCDO guidance says travellers should not carry more than 7 days of prescribed addictive or psychotropic medicine without checking the applicable requirements.
Carry the medication with:
If you are unsure whether a medicine falls into a restricted category, contact the Vietnamese Embassy before travelling.
GOV.UK also states that prescription medicine with a total import value above USD 100 must be declared at customs.
The Vietnamese dong (VND) is Vietnam’s official currency. Pounds sterling are a foreign currency to exchange, not a normal day-to-day payment currency in Vietnam.
Cash remains useful for smaller purchases, markets and some local businesses. International debit and credit cards are widely accepted at many hotels, established restaurants, shops, tour operators and other larger businesses.
Vietnamese dong is the normal currency for spending in Vietnam, while cards cover many larger travel purchases.
Old travel guides sometimes recommend exchanging money at unofficial jewellery or gold shops. Current FCDO advice says otherwise.
Only change money at official money-exchange counters displaying their authorised status. FCDO states that changing money elsewhere is illegal and can put your money at risk.
Official exchange services are available at airports, banks and authorised exchange centres. ATMs are also widely available in major destinations.
| Currency carried into or out of Vietnam | Current declaration threshold |
|---|---|
| Vietnamese dong | More than 15,000,000 VND |
| Foreign currency | More than the equivalent of USD 5,000 |
If you leave Vietnam with more than these amounts, GOV.UK advises that customs may also require confirmation from an authorised credit institution or written approval from the State Bank of Vietnam.
An unlocked phone can use a Vietnamese SIM or compatible eSIM. Vietnam’s main mobile networks include Viettel, VinaPhone and MobiFone.
If a UK bank or credit-card provider sends login or payment codes to your British mobile number, consider keeping that SIM active while using a Vietnamese data SIM or eSIM.
The dedicated Vietnam SIM card guide compares physical SIMs, eSIMs, registration and the main network choices in more detail.
Usually, the main issue is the plug shape rather than voltage.
The UK’s nominal low-voltage electricity supply is 230V. Vietnam commonly uses a 220V supply, so most normal UK electronic devices are designed for a compatible voltage range.
However, UK Type G plugs do not fit many Vietnamese sockets. Carry a suitable travel adapter and always check the voltage information printed on the device or charger before use.
A charger marked 100-240V is designed to operate across both systems.
Vietnam stays on UTC+7 throughout the year and does not change clocks seasonally.
| UK time system | Vietnam difference |
|---|---|
| Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | Vietnam is 7 hours ahead |
| British Summer Time (BST) | Vietnam is 6 hours ahead |
In 2026 the UK moves to BST on 29 March and returns to GMT on 25 October. In 2027, clocks move forward on 28 March and back on 31 October.
British visa-free travellers should pay particular attention to the immigration stamp on arrival. The leave-by date recorded there determines how long the current visa-free stay has been authorised.
| Transport | Best for | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic flights | Long jumps between regions | Useful between Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City when holiday time is limited |
| Train | Selected scenic and overnight sectors | Works well along Vietnam’s north-south railway corridor |
| Private car with driver | Families, groups and regional routes | Useful where rail or flights do not match the itinerary |
| Grab, XanhSM or licensed taxi | Urban travel and airport transfers | Check the vehicle details before entering |
| Walking | Historic centres and compact neighbourhoods | Road traffic requires extra attention when crossing streets |
Regional clusters often work better than repeated flights. Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay connect naturally by road, while Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An form a practical Central Vietnam route.
UK travellers need both their UK driving licence and a 1968 International Driving Permit when driving a car or motorbike in Vietnam.
GOV.UK specifically lists Vietnam under the 1968 IDP convention. The permit currently costs £5.50 and can be obtained in person from participating PayPoint locations.
A 1968 IDP lasts for up to 3 years or until the underlying UK licence expires, whichever happens first.
The IDP does not remove the other legal requirements. You must:
Check the current GOV.UK IDP requirements (https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit) before renting a vehicle.
FCDO warns that drink-driving is a serious offence in Vietnam. If testing finds alcohol in your system, you can face penalties including fines and possible imprisonment.
For practical trip planning, treat the permitted alcohol level as zero when you intend to drive or ride.
Some rental operators may ask to hold a passport as security. FCDO specifically advises British travellers not to give their passport to a vehicle-rental business as a deposit or guarantee.
Use a reputable operator and agree on an alternative deposit arrangement before accepting the vehicle.
Most UK visitors travel through Vietnam without a serious incident, but local laws and road conditions differ significantly from the UK. Current FCDO advice highlights petty theft, transport risk, methanol poisoning, illegal drugs, vaping restrictions and weather-related hazards.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in tourist areas. Motorcycle riders can take phones or bags from people standing or walking near the road.
Keep a bag on the side away from traffic and avoid holding a phone toward the road while walking.
Use official ride-hailing apps or established taxi services. FCDO advises booking the complete ride inside the application rather than accepting a driver who claims to represent the company outside the platform.
FCDO reports deaths and serious illness in Vietnam from alcoholic drinks containing methanol. Cases have involved drinks purchased not only informally, but also in licensed bars, shops and hotels in tourist areas.
Methanol cannot reliably be identified by taste or smell, and even a small amount can cause severe poisoning.
Buy sealed branded drinks where possible, keep drinks in sight and seek urgent medical attention if someone becomes unexpectedly unwell after drinking alcohol.
Vapes and related products are currently banned in Vietnam. FCDO states that travellers cannot buy vapes in Vietnam or bring them into the country.
Leave electronic cigarettes, vaping devices and vaping liquids at home rather than placing them in cabin or checked baggage.
Cannabis is illegal in Vietnam regardless of its legal status elsewhere. Penalties for possessing, using, distributing, manufacturing or smuggling illegal drugs are severe.
FCDO also warns that a positive drug test can result in criminal charges even when the substance was consumed before the traveller entered Vietnam.
Do not carry luggage or packages across a border for another person unless you know exactly what they contain.
FCDO states that visitors must carry photographic identification. Vietnamese authorities will accept a printed copy of the passport photo page and visa for ordinary identification purposes.
Keeping a paper copy separate from the original passport is also useful if the passport is lost or stolen.
Do not take photographs around military bases or other clearly restricted facilities. Some communes, wards and villages near land borders can require permission from the provincial authorities.
If a remote route approaches a border area, ask the accommodation provider, licensed guide or relevant local authority whether a permit is required.
Safety and maintenance standards for some outdoor activities can differ from those expected in the UK. Flooding, landslides and rapidly changing river conditions are important risks in mountainous and rainy-season destinations.
Use established operators, check the weather forecast and make sure insurance specifically covers the planned activity.
A Ha Long Bay cruise can be delayed or cancelled when marine authorities determine that weather is unsafe. Keep some flexibility around the international departure day rather than returning from a weather-sensitive destination immediately before the flight home.
A British Emergency Travel Document alone is not enough to leave Vietnam if the original passport containing the Vietnamese entry record has been lost or stolen.
| Emergency service | Number |
|---|---|
| Child protection | 111 |
| National search and rescue | 112 |
| Police | 113 |
| Fire | 114 |
| Ambulance | 115 |
FCDO notes that Vietnam’s emergency telephone services operate in Vietnamese. If reporting a crime, take a Vietnamese speaker or interpreter where possible and obtain a police report.
| Office | Current contact information |
|---|---|
| British Embassy Hanoi | Central Building, 4th Floor, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi |
| British Consulate-General Ho Chi Minh City | 25 Le Duan Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City |
| FCDO urgent help from the UK | 020 7008 5000, 24 hours |
Public access to the British Embassy and Consulate is by appointment. Current consular guidance and contact forms are available through UK help and services in Vietnam (https://www.gov.uk/world/vietnam).
No. Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifically states that British National (Overseas) passport holders are not covered by the current unilateral 45-day visa exemption. BNO passport holders need an appropriate visa before entry.
Apply for the appropriate visa before the longer stay. Vietnam’s official eVisa can allow a stay of up to 90 days and can be issued for single or multiple entry. The government fee is currently USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry.
Check the leave-by date stamped in the passport when you enter Vietnam. GOV.UK specifically advises British travellers to verify the date before leaving border control because an incorrect date can later create an overstay problem.
Vietnam requires the 1968 version of the International Driving Permit for eligible UK drivers. Carry the 1968 IDP together with the original UK driving licence and make sure the licence category, insurance and vehicle all meet Vietnamese requirements.
Not immediately. First report the passport loss to the police and obtain the appropriate replacement British travel document. A British Emergency Travel Document issued in Vietnam also requires an exit visa from Vietnam Immigration. GOV.UK says the exit-visa process can take up to 5 working days and sometimes longer.
