Plan your business trip to Vietnam with our guide to visa requirements for UK citizens! Learn about business visa applications, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Start your visa-prepared journey with Vietnam’s vibrant glow (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. UK citizens can apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn or obtain a business visa through a Vietnamese embassy. This guide details business visa requirements for UK citizens, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian business hub, is renowned for its economic growth, cultural landmarks like Hanoi’s Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh City’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, and natural wonders such as Ha Long Bay vinpearl.com. Understanding business visa requirements for UK citizens ensures smooth entry for meetings, investments, or conferences, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or traveling independently. UK citizens can use e-visas for short business trips or embassy visas for longer stays, facilitating access to Vietnam’s 13 international airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports vietnam.travel. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Traveloptions for UK business travelers.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via multiple entry points, including Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai in Hanoi. This guide blends visa requirements for UK citizens, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free business adventure.
UK citizens require a visa for business stays exceeding 45 days under the visa exemption policy, while e-visas cost $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) for up to 90 days, and embassy business visas cost $80–$150. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Temple of Literature cost $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business hosts. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Tourism or short business visits.
Eligibility: UK citizens holding a UK passport vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 45 days, calculated from the date of entry vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: UK passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket) recommended but not mandatory vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Thailand, Laos) and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) vietnam.travel.
E-Visa (For Short Business Trips):
Purpose: Business or tourism for stays up to 90 days.
Eligibility: Available to UK citizens evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality as UK), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel address) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the immigration checkpoint; ensure details match exactly to avoid entry issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders, and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Embassy/Consulate Business Visa:
Purpose: Business activities like meetings, conferences, or investments.
Eligibility: Available to UK citizens with a business sponsor or invitation letter from a Vietnamese company travel.state.gov.
Duration: Typically 1–3 months (single or multiple entry); longer for specific business needs travel.state.gov.
Cost: $80–$150 (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: UK passport, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), invitation letter from Vietnamese business, and fees; apply in person or by mail at the Vietnamese Embassy in London (+44 20 7937 1912) or consulate travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable for 1–3 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Business visa holders must engage in approved activities; working without a work permit can lead to fines or deportation travel.state.gov.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business hosts travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. UK citizens must use e-visas or embassy visas for business travel vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, invitation letter for business e-visa if required, and payment; ensure details match passport evisa.gov.vn.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business hosts travel.state.gov.
Invitation Letter: Required for embassy business visas; provided by Vietnamese business partners travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa preparation for UK travelers. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for transactions to show respect, especially at temples or markets like Hanoi’s Old Quarter culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport or e-visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest from the UK shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs made our visa-prepared trip seamless.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering to preserve cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An’s ancient town culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to locals or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen UK travelers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow temple rules (avoid touching sacred items); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry PassApp for ride-hailing.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently; suitable for UK travelers with valid visas or exemptions; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use e-visas ($25–$50) or embassy visas for business stays; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay cruises available daily.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm visa eligibility or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from London noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the e-visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid e-visa or embassy visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Manchester noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or embassy visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Edinburgh noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or embassy visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from Birmingham noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for UK travelers with e-visas or embassy visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for visa-prepared travel and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: UK citizens can use the 45-day visa exemption for short business visits; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for up to 90 days; use embassy business visas for longer or sponsored stays vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure UK passport validity (6+ months); carry invitation letter from Vietnamese business for embassy visas; have proof of onward travel for exemptions travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or business hosts register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Invitation Letter: Required for embassy business visas; provided by Vietnamese companies travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; contact the Vietnamese Embassy in London (+44 20 7937 1912) for business visa applications.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: UK passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), invitation letter (for business visas), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., banh mi); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Exemption Costs: No cost for 45-day exemption vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Business Visa Costs: $80–$150 (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: UK citizens can use the 45-day visa exemption for short business visits; apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn for up to 90 days; use embassy business visas for longer or sponsored stays vietnam-visa.com.
Business Etiquette: Use “xin chào” in meetings; exchange business cards with both hands; dress formally for business; respect hierarchy in discussions culturetrip.com.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Business hours 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, UK Embassy in Hanoi: +84 24 3936 0512).
Do UK citizens need a visa for business in Vietnam? Not for up to 45 days under the visa exemption; e-visas or embassy visas required for longer stays or specific business activities vietnam-visa.com.
How do UK citizens apply for a Vietnam business visa? Use e-visas online at evisa.gov.vn for up to 90 days or apply for embassy business visas with an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company travel.state.gov.
How much does a Vietnam business visa cost for UK citizens? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy business visa: $80–$150 vietnam-visa.com.
Can business visas be extended? Embassy visas are extendable with a sponsor for 1–3 months; e-visas are non-extendable vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for business visas? No, discontinued in 2022; use e-visas or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-prepared business journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Business Eco-Tour ($40–$80/person, 1 day): Guided cultural and networking tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Business Heritage Trail ($100–$200/person, 2 days): Combine business sites with low-emission transport.
Vietnam Explorer ($200–$350/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Business Visa for UK with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly business journey through this Southeast Asian hub. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, this trip offers opportunity and sustainability for UK business travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage visa exemptions or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn for longer stays, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
