In order to protect the Vietnamese citizens from the deadly coronavirus, also known as Covid 19, Vietnam has to temporarily stop the issuance of tourist visas. From March 2020, the world was put to a standstill when the virus has started to spread very rapidly. Thus, several countries have decided to close their respective borders in an effort to contain the virus and prevent it from further spreading.

Thankfully, the situation is now under control and some countries have already started opening their borders. In fact, Vietnam is now accepting visa applications once again. For citizens of the United Kingdom, you are required to apply for a visa before you can enter Vietnam. There are two kinds of visas that you are qualified to avail, the e-visa and the visa on arrival. Here’s what you need to know about these visas.

Vietnam E-visa for Citizens of the UK

The Vietnam e-visa is the latest type of visa that the Vietnam government is offering. It’s a visa that you can apply online and will no longer require you to go to an embassy to personally hand in your requirements. Thus, the process of application is very convenient.

To apply for this visa, all you need to do is to fill out the visa application form online. After you fill out the form, you will be asked to upload your visa requirements. Then there’s a processing fee that you need to pay, which is around $25. For this, you can pay with your card or PayPal account.

Once your e-visa is approved, they will send it to you online. You don’t need to leave your house to claim it. The e-visa will be available for you to download in the PDF file. Save a copy on your computer and print at least two copies. This is what you’ll show the Vietnam Immigration upon entry. You can use it to enter through the main airports of Vietnam, at some of its seaports, as well as land border entry points.

Take note that the e-visa is only good for a single entry. So if you’re going to go out of the country, you’ll have to apply for a new visa to re-enter. Also, the visa will only allow you to stay in the country for 30 days.

Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Citizens of the UK

The visa on arrival is exactly what it sounds like, a visa that you can get on arrival. However, before you can claim the visa on arrival, you are required to register online in advance. After you register online, they will give you a pre-approval letter, which you need to print in order to show at the airport and be given the visa. You are also required to submit other requirements, such as the visa application form, passport-sized photo, and your passport. Bring in some cash to pay for the $25. They only accept USD or VND currency.

The visa can only be claimed at some of the major airports in Vietnam. Therefore, you cannot use it when entering through the land border or seaport. But the good thing about the visa on arrival is that they will ask you to choose from a single entry or multiple entry visas during your application. Also, you’ll be asked to choose whether you want to stay in the country for 30 days or 60 days. Therefore, it’s a great option for those who will be staying in Vietnam for the long term.

Which Visa Should You Choose?

As you see, both the e-visa and visa on arrival are easy to apply. But the type of visa that you will choose will mainly depend on how long you will stay in Vietnam. If your holiday won’t take longer than 30 days, then go ahead, and get the e-visa. Also, the e-visa is a good option for those who are entering via seaports and land border entry points.

However, if you prefer to stay in Vietnam for more than 30 days, then you should apply for the visa on arrival and choose the 90-day validity. As mentioned, the visa on arrival will let you choose between the 30-day or 90-day validity periods. Also, you can choose the multiple entry option just in case you decide to get out of the country and come back again.

But remember that the visa on arrival can only be claimed at the major airports of Vietnam. So before you apply, make sure that you knew which airport you are flying into. If you are traveling to Vietnam by crossing a land border, this visa will not work for you. This is also not suitable for those who are on a cruise and will be entering through the port.