Vietnamese Visa Requirements for UK (2026)
Yes — Vietnamese citizens need a Standard Visitor visa to enter the United Kingdom. Vietnam is not on the UK non-visa-national list, so travelers must apply and get a visa approved before departure; the new UK ETA does not apply to Vietnamese passport holders because ETA only replaces the need for a visa for nationalities that were already visa-exempt.
Visa Requirements at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa required | Yes, UK Standard Visitor visa |
| ETA eligible instead of visa | No, Vietnam is a visa-national country |
| Fee, up to 6 months validity | Charged in local currency, equivalent to roughly £115 to £127 (around $190 based on comparable 2026 Bangladesh fee schedule of BDT 23,070) |
| Fee, 2-year validity | Roughly 4x the 6-month fee |
| Standard processing time | 3 weeks (15 working days) |
| Maximum stay per visit | Up to 6 months |
| Where to apply | VFS Global UK visa application centre in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City |
Source: gov.uk visa processing times page; UK Home Office visa fees, 2026.
FAQs
Do Vietnamese citizens need a UK visa? Yes. Vietnam is a visa-national country for the UK, so a Standard Visitor visa is required regardless of trip length under 6 months.
Is the UK ETA an option for Vietnamese travelers? No. The Electronic Travel Authorisation only applies to nationalities that were previously visa-exempt. Vietnamese citizens must apply for a full visa.
How long does a UK visa take to process from Vietnam? The standard service is 3 weeks (15 working days) from the date of application, per gov.uk guidance, though priority services can speed this up for an extra fee.
Can a Vietnamese citizen get a multi-year UK visitor visa? Yes. Alongside the standard 6-month visa, 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year long-term visitor visas are available at higher fees.
What documents do Vietnamese applicants need for a UK visitor visa? Bank statements, employment verification, an invitation letter if visiting family, and proof of accommodation and return travel are standard requirements.
Related Guides
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- Vietnamese visa requirements for Canada
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