Vietnam

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Vietnam set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK.

Digital Arrival Card 

From 15 April 2026, all foreign nationals entering Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City, are encouraged by the Vietnamese Government to complete a digital arrival card online before arrival.

The digital arrival card system is not currently a mandatory requirement for entry into Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat airport, but this may change, or be rolled out to other airports in Vietnam with limited notice.

Additionally, from 1 July, if you travel to or transit through Vietnam you may be required to complete a health declaration, which may include providing proof of vaccinations. Check official guidance from your nearest Vietnamese Embassy for instructions on how to complete the declaration.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Vietnam, your passport must have:

• an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive
• at least 2 blank pages
• no damage – British nationals have been denied entry and exit due to passport damage

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

It is a requirement of Vietnamese authorities that visitors enter and exit Vietnam using the same passport.

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

Check the visa expiry date written in your passport is correct before leaving border control. If it is wrong, you could be accused of overstaying. Your passport is stamped upon entry which will specify the date by which you need to leave Vietnam.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business. On arrival, your passport will be stamped with an entry and exit stamp (the date you have to leave by). Check that the date given is 45 days from your arrival date, as Immigration will not change this after you have left the airport/land border.

If you want to stay longer than 45 days, you can:

• book with a travel agent in Vietnam and ask them to apply for a visa pre-approval letter – your agent will tell you when to collect your visa from the embassy
• apply for other visa types from the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK
• apply for an e-visa that allows a 90-day stay and multiple entries

E-visas restrict you to the entry and exit points you select when you apply. If you get an e-visa while in Vietnam, you must exit the country and re-enter to start your e-visa.

If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, please visit the Vietnamese Immigration Department (in vietnamese) for further information and contact details of your nearest office.

The British Embassy will not assist with visa extensions.

Work or study

If you want to work or study, check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Read about visas and work permits if you live in Vietnam.

If you overstay your visa or work illegally, the authorities can prevent you from leaving until you pay a fine. You could be deported and prevented from visiting Vietnam in the future.

Travelling through Vietnam

If you transfer from an international flight to a domestic flight in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you must go through immigration and enter Vietnam. You must do this even if your final destination is outside Vietnam. Check with your airline before departing.

Exit requirements

You cannot leave Vietnam without a valid visa and must enter and exit Vietnam using the same passport.

Exit bans

Vietnamese authorities may place an exit ban on certain individuals to prevent them from leaving the country. Your passport will be seized until the case is fully investigated. If you are unable to leave the country because of an exit ban, consult a lawyer and contact your nearest British embassy or consulate.

An exit ban can relate to investigations into: 

• an individual, their family or an employer
• criminal and civil matters, such as business disputes or motor vehicle accidents 
• employment without a work visa
• unpaid financial debts

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Vietnam guide

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Vietnam. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

If you’re taking prescription medication into Vietnam, carry it in your hand luggage with a copy of the prescription. If it has a total import value greater than 100 US dollars, you must declare it at customs. For information about restrictions on medication, see Health.

Taking money into or out of Vietnam

If you’re taking cash into or out of Vietnam, you must declare amounts over:

• 15 million Vietnamese dong
• 5,000 US dollars (or the same value in other currencies)

If you’re leaving the country with more than these amounts, declare the money at customs and show either:

• confirmation you’re carrying cash abroad, issued by an authorised credit institution
• written approval to carry cash, issued by the State Bank of Vietnam

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Vietnam

Ambulance: 115

Fire: 114

Police: 113

National search and rescue: 112 

Hotline for child protection: 111

Emergency numbers in Vietnam are operated in Vietnamese only. 

Take a translator with you when you report a crime to the local police. Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. Inform a friend or family member about your insurance provider and policy number should they need to act on your behalf.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Vietnam
• dealing with a death in Vietnam
• being arrested or imprisoned in Vietnam
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

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• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Vietnam on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.