Are you a British National Overseas (BNO) planning a visit to Vietnam? This guide will provide you with all the necessary information on obtaining a Vietnam visa for BNO citizens. Read on to learn more.
1. Does British National Overseas need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. According to the latest update from the Vietnam Government, all BNO citizens are required to have a valid visa to enter Vietnam for any purpose.
However, there is an exception: BNO citizens can visit Vietnam without a visa if they travel directly to Phu Quoc island from a foreign country, stay there for no more than 30 days, and then leave Phu Quoc for another destination outside Vietnam.
For more details, you can refer to the Phu Quoc Vietnam visa exemption.
2. How to apply for Vietnam visa for British National Overseas citizens?
There are two ways to obtain a valid visa for Vietnam as a BNO citizen: visa on arrival and Vietnam e-visa. Let’s explore each option in detail.
2.1 Getting Vietnam evisa for BNO citizens
► What to prepare before getting started
To apply for a Vietnam e-visa, you need to prepare the following before starting your application:
- Passport bio page photo: a clear and full photo of your passport bio page in .jpg format. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam and has at least 2 blank pages.
- Current Portrait Photo that meets the Vietnam evisa Photo size and requirements.
- Credit or Debit Card: You will need a credit or debit card with sufficient funds to cover the e-visa fee. This fee is paid online during the application process.
- Email Address: Provide a valid email address for support and communication regarding your e-visa application.
- Itinerary Details: your entry and exit dates and the entry and exit ports. You will also need to provide the details of your hotel or accommodation in Vietnam.
►How to get started with your Vietnam evisa application
You can apply for Vietnam evisa yourself directly at eVisa official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department. Or we can help you with an easier process as below.
- Access to our Vietnam evisa application form online
- Complete your request by uploading your photos and completing your travel plans.
- Get our advice and confirmation via email.
- Make payment of Visa fee and service charge.
- Get your visa at agreed time.
2.2 Getting a Vietnam visa on arrival
While Vietnam e-visa is a convenient option, it has a lower success rate. An alternative with a higher success rate is getting a visa on arrival.
With this option, you will obtain a visa approval letter before departure and then get visa stamped onto passport upon arrival at Vietnam airport.
And you must apply for this type of visa via an agency in Vietnam like Vietnam-visa.com.
► What you need to prepare before starting your visa on arrival application:
- Passport bio page photo: clear and full. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 06 months from the date of entry into Vietnam, and has at least 02 blank pages.
- Credit or Debit Card: You will need a credit or debit card with sufficient funds to cover the visa fee. This fee is paid online for us to process your visa approval letter with the Immigration Department.
- Email Address: Provide a valid email address for support and communication regarding your e-visa application.
- Your expected travel dates and arrival airport.
►How to get start your Vietnam visa on arrival application
Here is full our process to help you get a visa on arrival for Vietnam:
- Complete our Vietnam visa on arrival application form
- Get our advice and confirmation via email.
- Make payment of the service charge.
- Get your visa approval letter at agreed time.
- Get your Vietnam visa stamp upon arrival at Vietnam airport and go and enjoy your trip.
3. Vietnam visa processing time and cost for BNO citizens
The processing time and cost for obtaining a visa to Vietnam may vary depending on the chosen application method.
For e-visa:
- Processing time: 3 to 7 working days.
- Cost: Starting from 25 USD.
For visa on arrival:
- Processing time: 4 working hours to 10 working days.
- Fees: Two types of fees are involved:
- Vietnam visa approval letter fee: Paid online before your visa on arrival application is processed.
- Visa stamping fee: US$25 for a single-entry visa or US$50 for a multiple-entry visa.
4. Urgent Vietnam visa for British National Overseas
If you require a last-minute Vietnam visa, the best option is to hire an agency. Agencies can help you obtain a visa on the same day, within 4 hours, or even 2 hours in some cases.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, British National Overseas citizens can easily obtain a valid visa for Vietnam, either in the form of an e-visa or a visa on arrival. The cost and processing time will vary depending on your chosen method.
Regardless of the method you choose, you are still required to complete the immigration procedures at the entry port in Vietnam, which may take time and be tiring after a long flight. To avoid this, you can consider our Vietnam Arrival Meet & Greet/Fast-track service which costs from US$30. Take a look and make your decision.
