Vietnam entry requirements for UK travellers
Everything a UK traveller needs to know before visiting Vietnam: visa and passport rules, recommended vaccines with lead times, and whether you need an International Driving Permit.
Quick answer for UK travellers
- Visa
- No visa - but you need an eVisa before travel
- Passport
- valid 6+ months beyond arrival, 2 blank pages
- Vaccines
- 3 recommended, 6 to consider
- Driving permit
- 1968 Vienna Convention IDP if you plan to drive
Data is automatically refreshed from official UK government sources: gov.uk Foreign Travel Advice for visa and passport rules, NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro for vaccines, and gov.uk driving abroad guidance for International Driving Permits. Not medical advice - always confirm with a travel-health professional and the Vietnam embassy before you travel. Read our full methodology →
Entry requirements for Vietnam
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive and have 2 blank pages.
Visas
British passport holders do not normally need a visa, but must obtain a eVisa before travel.
Source: UK Foreign Travel Advice - Vietnam · checked . Always confirm the latest requirements before you travel.
Vaccines for travel to Vietnam
Based on NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro guidance for UK travellers. Lead times assume protection is needed on the day you arrive.
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2 weeks before travelHepatitis A Recommended
Recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers.
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Tetanus / Diphtheria Recommended
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago.
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2 weeks before travelTyphoid Recommended
Recommended for most travellers, especially frequent or long-stay visitors.
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2 weeks before travelChikungunya Consider
For ages 12+. Consider for outbreak regions, long-term or frequent travellers.
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Dengue Consider
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3 weeks before travelHepatitis B Consider
Intermediate/high prevalence. Recommended for those with sexual risk and long-stay travellers.
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4 weeks before travelJapanese Encephalitis Consider
JE occurs countrywide. Recommended for rural areas, 1+ month stays, or visits to rice fields or pig farms.
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4 weeks before travelRabies (Pre-exposure) Consider
Pre-exposure for those with limited medical access, high-risk activities, or long stays (>1 month).
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Tuberculosis (BCG) Consider
Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro - Vietnam · checked . Cross-check against NHS Fit for Travel and US CDC Traveller's Health.
Driving in Vietnam
To drive in Vietnam with a UK driving licence, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1968 Vienna Convention.
IDPs are issued by PayPoint (no longer the Post Office) - find an issuing store.
Vietnam travel: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Vietnam from the UK?
No - British passport holders don't normally need a visa for Vietnam, but you must obtain a eVisa before travel. Always confirm with the UK government's foreign travel advice before booking.
How long does my passport need to be valid for Vietnam?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive in Vietnam, and have at least 2 blank pages. Check your expiry date well in advance - renewing a UK passport currently takes around 3 weeks.
What vaccines do I need for Vietnam?
No vaccines are listed as required for Vietnam, but Hepatitis A, Tetanus / Diphtheria, Typhoid are recommended for UK travellers based on NaTHNaC guidance. Some vaccines need several weeks for full protection - book a travel clinic appointment well before you fly.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Vietnam?
If you plan to drive in Vietnam on a UK licence, you may need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. UK IDPs are issued by PayPoint in person and cost £5.50.
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