The rules differ for the two nationalities. UK citizens can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business (UK FCDO, updated 21 September 2026) and can apply for an e-visa for up to 90 days and multiple entries. US citizens need a visa: the U.S. State Department (last updated July 2, 2026) says you must have a valid passport and a visa, and that US citizens can apply online for an e-visa on the Vietnam Immigration website. Passports must be valid for at least six months.
This guide is based on the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 21 September 2026) and the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 2, 2026), checked 12 November 2026. We could not read the e-visa portal itself (evisa.gov.vn), so e-visa fees are not quoted: they are shown on the official portal.
Safety: the U.S. Department of State advisory for Vietnam is Level 1, « Exercise Normal Precautions » (State Department advisory feed, checked 12 November 2026). See the FCDO travel advice as well.
Vietnam entry at a glance
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business; e-visa for up to 90 days (FCDO).
- US citizens: visa required (or pre-approval for a visa on arrival); e-visa available online, single or multiple entry (State Department).
- Passport: at least 6 months of validity; at least 2 blank pages (FCDO) or at least one blank visa page (State Department); no damage.
- Enter and exit Vietnam with the same passport (FCDO).
- Extensions: the Vietnamese government does not allow renewal or extension of an e-visa from within the country (State Department); the British Embassy will not assist with extensions (FCDO).
- A digital arrival card is encouraged, not mandatory, at Tan Son Nhat Airport (FCDO).
Do US and UK citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
US citizens
According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 2, 2026), you must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay and have at least one blank visa page (not the endorsement page). US citizens can apply online for an e-visa; single or multiple entry visas are available. The State Department says e-visa applications are usually processed within three to five working days after the Vietnam Immigration Department receives the completed application and fee, and that holders must present the printed e-visa and valid passport at the port of entry. A minor error (a typo, a missing middle name) can lead to denial of entry, and Vietnam may deny an e-visa if you apply with an emergency passport. Visas are valid only for the period requested on the application. A US APEC Business Travel Card does not replace a visa.
UK citizens
According to the FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 21 September 2026), British citizens can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business. Your passport is stamped on arrival with the date you must leave by. Check that the date is 45 days from your arrival date, as immigration will not change it after you leave the airport or land border. To stay longer you can use a visa pre-approval letter arranged through a travel agent in Vietnam, apply for another visa type at the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK, or apply for an e-visa that allows a 90-day stay and multiple entries. Your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after you arrive, at least two blank pages and no damage; British nationals have been denied entry and exit because of passport damage.
US and UK rules are different: the State Department page does not mention a visa exemption for US citizens, while the FCDO describes a 45-day exemption for British citizens. US travellers should plan to have an e-visa (or another visa) before they travel.
| Situation | UK citizens | US citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 45 days (tourism or business) | No visa (FCDO) | Visa required, e-visa available (State Department) |
| Up to 90 days | e-visa, multiple entry (FCDO) | e-visa, single or multiple entry (State Department) |
| Longer than 90 days, work or study | Contact Vietnamese Immigration; work permit/visa type needed (FCDO) | Work permit before applying for the visa (State Department) |
The Vietnam e-visa: how to apply
The e-visa is requested on the national portal, evisa.gov.vn (Vietnam National Electronic Visa system). The two governments give these points to remember:
- Apply with a passport valid at least six months after entry and check every detail against the passport: errors can lead to denial of entry (State Department).
- Choose your entry and exit points carefully: e-visas restrict you to the points you select when you apply (FCDO). The State Department recommends checking the printed e-visa and the port of entry.
- An e-visa starts when you enter: if you get an e-visa while in Vietnam, you must leave and re-enter to start it (FCDO).
- Print the e-visa and carry it with your passport; the State Department says holders must present both at the port of entry.
- Processing is usually three to five working days (State Department), so apply well before travelling.
Official portal only: use the national portal above. Check the exact web address before you enter your passport and card details, as private sites can imitate official forms.
Extensions, overstays and lost passports
- Extensions: the State Department says the Vietnamese government does not allow renewal or extension of an e-visa from inside the country, and travellers who change their plans or are delayed will likely incur overstay fines. The British Embassy will not assist with visa extensions (FCDO). For stays beyond 90 days, contact the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
- Overstays: authorities can prevent you from leaving until you pay a fine, and you could be deported and banned from returning (FCDO). The State Department says penalties and enforcement have increased and exit visas can take one to two weeks or longer.
- Lost passport: you will need both a replacement passport and a replacement Vietnamese visa; the State Department says the Vietnamese government requires at least three to five working days to issue a replacement visa, and a police report.
- Transfers: if you transfer from an international to a domestic flight in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you must clear immigration and enter Vietnam, even if your final destination is outside Vietnam (FCDO).
- Laos by land: the State Department advises asking for an adhesive visa rather than a detachable one, because Lao officials require proof that you departed Vietnam.
Medicines, cash and customs
The FCDO says to carry prescription medication in your hand luggage with a copy of the prescription, and to declare it at customs if the total import value is over US$100. Declare cash over 15 million Vietnamese dong or US$5,000 (or the equivalent) when entering or leaving. Import of controlled drugs is strictly prohibited. See TravelHealthPro for vaccine and medication advice.
Climate differs between the north, centre and south: see when to go to Vietnam. See also our Vietnam guide, the time difference with Vietnam and, for a regional trip, Cambodia or Laos. Travel insurance covering medical costs is recommended. For a combined trip, see the Thailand visa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
US citizens do: the State Department says you need a passport and a visa (or pre-approval for a visa on arrival), and e-visas are available. UK citizens can enter without a visa for up to 45 days (FCDO).
How long can I stay in Vietnam with an e-visa?
The FCDO says an e-visa allows a 90-day stay and multiple entries. The State Department says single or multiple entry e-visas are available.
Can I extend my stay in Vietnam?
The State Department says the Vietnamese government does not allow renewal or extension of an e-visa from within the country, and the British Embassy does not assist with extensions (FCDO). Contact the Vietnamese Immigration Department for stays beyond 90 days.
How long must my passport be valid for Vietnam?
At least six months, with blank pages (two per the FCDO; at least one visa page per the State Department) and no damage.
How long does the Vietnam e-visa take?
The State Department says usually three to five working days after the Vietnam Immigration Department receives the completed application and fee.
Where do I apply for the e-visa?
On the Vietnam National Electronic Visa system, evisa.gov.vn. Check the address carefully, as private sites can imitate it.
Our sources
- UK FCDO, Vietnam travel advice: entry requirements (GOV.UK, updated 21 September 2026), checked 12 November 2026.
- U.S. Department of State, Vietnam: International Travel Country Information (last updated July 2, 2026), checked 12 November 2026.
- Government of Vietnam, National Electronic Visa system.
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.