Vietnam travel guide for Britons

British citizens can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. You need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, with two blank pages. If you plan to stay longer, apply for an e-visa online before you travel; it allows stays up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.

The 45‑day visa exemption is the simplest route for a typical holiday. For a first trip of 10–14 nights, you will not need any visa paperwork at all. If you are combining Vietnam with neighbouring countries and re‑entering, check whether your plans fit the exemption or whether an e‑visa is simpler.

The table below summarises what you need to enter Vietnam as a British citizen. Rules can change with little notice, so confirm with the Vietnamese embassy or the official immigration portal before you book.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and have two blank pages for the entry stamp. You may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, though this is rarely enforced for short stays.

The British Embassy in Hanoi is the main point of contact for consular help. There is also a British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. For lost passports, arrests or serious emergencies, contact the embassy directly; for routine queries, consult the gov.uk travel advice page first.

If you need a visa for Vietnam, you do not go through the UK embassy — visas are handled by Vietnamese immigration. The embassy can only help with British citizenship and consular matters.

Vietnam is one of the cheaper long‑haul destinations from the UK. A two‑week trip for one person typically costs £1,200–£2,000 including flights, mid‑range hotels, food and internal transport. The biggest variable is flights, which can range from £500 to £900 return depending on season and booking time.

On the ground, budget about £25–£40 per day for a comfortable traveller: street food, a decent hotel room, and occasional taxis or tours. Luxury options push daily costs above £100.

Direct flights from London to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City take about 11–12 hours. Most travellers fly via a hub in the Middle East or Southeast Asia, which adds a few hours but can be cheaper. From Manchester or other UK airports, you will almost always connect through London or a European hub.

Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of the UK (UTC+7, no daylight saving). When it is noon in London, it is 7 pm in Hanoi. Use the flight‑time planner to work out jet lag and arrival times.

Vietnam uses 220 V, 50 Hz electricity with plug types A (two flat pins) and C (two round pins). UK appliances with a three‑pin plug will need an adapter; most phone chargers and laptops handle 220 V, but check the label before plugging in anything without a universal power supply.

Tipping is not expected in Vietnam. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a few percent is appreciated but not required. For tour guides, drivers and spa staff, a tip of 5–10 % or a few dollars is common for good service. Taxi drivers generally do not expect tips.

In an emergency, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire and 115 for an ambulance. Operators may not speak English, so have a Vietnamese speaker help if possible. For consular emergencies, call the British Embassy's 24‑hour line. Save these numbers in your phone before you travel.

Common questions from UK travellers about visiting Vietnam.

Official government and embassy sources for entry requirements and travel advice.