United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Vietnam passport holders
Vietnamese passport holders require a visa to visit the United Kingdom, costing approximately USD 115 for stays of up to 180 days. The UK is not in the Schengen Area and requires a completely separate visa.
Vietnam passport holders require a visa to enter United Kingdom.
Apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system (gov.uk/apply-uk-visa). The standard visitor visa is the most common type. Documents include bank statements, employment and income proof, property ties, travel history, and purpose of visit. Biometrics are required at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Hanoi. Processing takes approximately 3 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Vietnam to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK is home to a Vietnamese community of approximately 50,000 to 100,000 people, concentrated in London. The UK left the European Union (Brexit) and has its own immigration system. A Schengen visa does not give access to the UK, and vice versa.
Practical Tips
London is the primary destination; also popular are Manchester, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands. A biometric appointment at the VAC in Hanoi is mandatory. Show strong ties to Vietnam. The UK visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months (180 days). Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Note that the UK uses pounds sterling, not euros.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
Yes. A UK Standard Visitor Visa is required. The fee is approximately USD 115 (GBP 115) and allows stays of up to 180 days. The UK is not part of the Schengen Area and a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
How do I apply for a UK visa from Vietnam?
Apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system at gov.uk/apply-uk-visa. After submitting the online application, book a biometrics appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Hanoi. Documents include bank statements, employment proof, property ties, travel history, and purpose of visit.
What is the Vietnamese community in the UK like?
The UK has a Vietnamese community of approximately 50,000 to 100,000 people, concentrated in London (particularly in Hackney and Lewisham) and other major cities. Family visits are a primary purpose of travel. The UK Vietnamese community has been established since the 1970s and 1980s.
What are the top attractions in the UK for Vietnamese visitors?
London (Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, the Tower of London, West End shows), Edinburgh (Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile), the Scottish Highlands, Stonehenge, and Oxford are top draws. The UK has world-class museums that are free to enter, including the British Museum and National Gallery.