Vietnam Visa Guide
For UK citizens · 5 visa types
Vietnam offers a growing range of visa options for UK nationals, from straightforward e-visas for short stays to business visas and temporary residence cards for long-term relocation. Since August 2023, UK passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for up to 45 days, making initial reconnaissance trips simple. For longer stays, the e-visa (up to 90 days) and business visa are the most common routes. Note: Vietnam does not currently have an official digital nomad visa — remote workers typically use repeated e-visas or business visas.
Tourist Visa (DL)
The standard single- or multiple-entry tourist visa for UK nationals visiting Vietnam for leisure, family visits, or short exploratory trips. Available as 30-day or 90-day variants. Note that UK citizens can also enter visa-free for up to 45 days.
- Duration
- Up to 90 days
- Cost
- 1,750,000 - 3,500,000 VND
- Best for
- Short exploratory trips and holidays before committing to relocation
E-Visa
A convenient online visa available to UK passport holders, allowing single or multiple entries for up to 90 days. The entire application is completed digitally with no embassy visit required.
- Duration
- Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry)
- Cost
- $25 USD (single entry) / $50 USD (multiple entry)
- Best for
- Hassle-free short to medium stays without visiting an embassy
Business Visa (DN)
Designed for UK nationals conducting business activities in Vietnam, including meetings, conferences, market research, and establishing commercial operations. Requires sponsorship from a Vietnamese entity. This is also the most common visa route for remote workers, as Vietnam does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa.
- Duration
- Up to 12 months (renewable)
- Cost
- 3,500,000 - 7,000,000 VND
- Best for
- Entrepreneurs, remote workers, and professionals setting up a business presence
Remote Worker Options
Vietnam does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers employed by companies outside Vietnam typically use one of two routes: repeated E-Visas (up to 90 days each, single entry $25 or multiple entry $50) or a Business Visa (DN) with local sponsorship for stays up to 12 months. The legal framework for remote work is evolving — always check the latest regulations.
- Duration
- Varies by visa type chosen
- Cost
- $25-$110 depending on route
- Best for
- Remote workers and freelancers who want to live in Vietnam while working for overseas companies
Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
Work OKA temporary residence card is the closest thing to semi-permanent residency in Vietnam. It replaces the need for regular visa renewals and is available to those with a valid work permit, Vietnamese family ties, or significant investment in the country.
- Duration
- 1 - 5 years
- Cost
- 8,000,000 - 15,000,000 VND
- Best for
- Long-term residents, employees of Vietnamese companies, and those married to Vietnamese nationals
General Tips
- 💡Always carry a colour photocopy of your passport and visa separately from the originals. Vietnamese police occasionally conduct spot checks, and a copy speeds things up considerably.
- 💡Visa regulations in Vietnam change frequently. Bookmark the official Immigration Department website (xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) and verify requirements within 2 weeks of your planned application date.
- 💡If you plan to live in Vietnam long-term, consider using a reputable local visa agent for renewals and extensions. Agents typically charge GBP 30-60 but save hours of queuing and paperwork.
- 💡Register with the British Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City so you receive travel advisories and can access consular assistance in emergencies.