United Kingdom Tourist Visa
Standard Visitor Visa · For Vietnam citizens
Planning a trip to the United Kingdom as a Vietnamese citizen? You will need a Standard Visitor Visa, which costs £127 (approximately 4.2 million VND) and takes about 3 weeks to process. Apply online and attend a biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. This guide covers everything you need for a successful application.
UK Tourist Visa for Vietnamese Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Vietnam citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Vietnamese passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK
Complete the online visa application on the UK government website
Recent photograph meeting UK visa specifications
Attend VFS Global to provide fingerprints and photograph
Evidence of sufficient funds for your UK trip
Proof of your employment or income source
Details of your intended trip to the UK
Application Process
Vietnamese citizens must apply online and attend a biometrics appointment for a UK Standard Visitor Visa.1
1. Complete the Online Application
Visit gov.uk/standard-visitor and complete the online application form.1 Provide details about:
- Your travel plans
- Employment and financial situation
- Previous travel history
- Personal information
2. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the £127 visa fee online using a credit or debit card.3
3. Book Your Biometrics Appointment
Schedule an appointment at VFS Global:2
- Hanoi: Available location
- Ho Chi Minh City: REE Building, District 4
You will pay an additional VFS service fee of £76.50.
4. Attend Your Appointment
Bring to your appointment:
- Printed application form
- Valid passport
- Supporting documents
- Passport photograph
Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.
5. Submit Your Documents
Submit all supporting documents at VFS Global. You can choose to have your passport returned while waiting or leave it with your application.
6. Wait for Decision
Processing takes approximately 3 weeks.1 Track your application status online.
7. Collect Your Passport
Once decided, collect your passport from VFS Global or have it couriered. If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport.
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (GBP) | Fee (VND approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (6 months) | £127 | 4,200,000 |
| 2-Year Multiple Entry | £500 | 16,500,000 |
| 5-Year Multiple Entry | £895 | 29,500,000 |
| 10-Year Multiple Entry | £1,115 | 36,800,000 |
| VFS Service Fee | £76.50 | 2,500,000 |
Long-term visas allow multiple entries but each visit is limited to 6 months.1
What You Need to Prove
UK visa officers assess applications based on:1
- Genuine visitor: Clear, legitimate reason for visiting the UK
- Financial capability: Sufficient funds without working in the UK
- Intent to leave: Strong ties to Vietnam demonstrating you will return
- Accommodation: Where you will stay in the UK
Processing Times
| Service | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Standard Processing | 3 weeks |
| Priority (if available) | 5 working days |
Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel. Processing times exclude weekends and holidays.1
VFS Global Centres in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
- REE Building, Unit 3B.2, 3B Floor, No. 9 Doan Van Bo, Ward 13, District 4
- Hours: Mon-Fri 08:30-15:00
Hanoi
- Check VFS Global website for current address and hours
Book appointments online through the VFS Global website after completing your UK visa application.2
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved:
- Collect passport with visa sticker from VFS Global
- Check validity dates and entry allowance
- At UK immigration, may be asked about travel plans
- Keep accommodation and return ticket details accessible
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is rejected:
- Review the refusal letter: Understand specific reasons
- Gather stronger evidence: Address each refusal point
- Reapply: No mandatory waiting period
- Consider administrative review: Available in some cases (additional fee)
Most refusals are due to financial or ties-to-Vietnam issues that can be addressed.1
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements not showing enough funds, inconsistent income, or unexplained deposits.
How to avoid: Provide 6 months of bank statements showing regular income and sufficient balance for your trip. Avoid large unexplained deposits.
Weak Ties to Vietnam
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Vietnam after the visit.
How to avoid: Include employment letter with approved leave, property documents, family certificates, and evidence of ongoing commitments in Vietnam.
Unclear Travel Purpose
Vague itinerary, no accommodation details, or inconsistent travel plans.
How to avoid: Provide detailed itinerary with confirmed accommodation. Explain clearly what you plan to do in the UK.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing documents or inconsistent information in the application.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents. Ensure information matches across application and supporting documents.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa overstays or refusals in the UK or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about any previous issues. Explain circumstances in a cover letter if relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for the UK?
Yes, Vietnamese citizens need a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option.
How much does a UK visa cost for Vietnamese citizens?
The Standard Visitor Visa costs £127 (approximately 4.2 million VND) for stays up to 6 months. VFS Global charges an additional service fee of £76.50.
How long does UK visa processing take for Vietnamese?
Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.
Where do I apply for UK visa in Vietnam?
Apply online through the UK government website, then book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
How long can Vietnamese stay in the UK on a tourist visa?
The Standard Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. Long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years) still limit each visit to 6 months.
What is the UK visa approval rate for Vietnamese citizens?
The approval rate is approximately 76% for Vietnamese applicants with complete documentation.
Can I extend my UK tourist visa?
Standard Visitor Visas generally cannot be extended. You must leave the UK before your visa expires.
What documents do I need for UK visa from Vietnam?
Required documents include: valid passport, passport photo, bank statements (6 months), employment letter, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.