Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in United Kingdom

The Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in United Kingdom is a traditional and reliable option for British citizens, residents, and others in the UK who prefer a physical visa sticker affixed directly into their passport. This embassy-processed visa allows entry to Vietnam by air, land, or sea and is especially suitable for specific visa types (such as business visas requiring sponsorship), longer durations.

UK passport holders benefit from a visa exemption for short tourism or business stays of up to 45 days (under Vietnam’s current unilateral policy for many countries, including the United Kingdom). Convenient modern alternatives include the e-visa (up to 90 days, single or multiple entries) and visa on arrival (for air travel only). However, the sticker visa remains fully available through the Vietnamese embassy in London for those needing the classic embassy route or for stays beyond the exemption period.

1. Vietnam Embassy and Consulates in United Kingdom

Vietnam maintains one diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom: the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in London.

The embassy serves as the primary hub for consular services, including issuing Vietnam embassy sticker visas, assisting Vietnamese nationals in the UK, document legalization, and promoting bilateral relations in trade, education, tourism, and cultural exchange between Vietnam and the United Kingdom.

• Address: 12-14 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD, United Kingdom
• Phone: +44 20 7937 1912 (general/consular inquiries—confirm for updates)
• Fax: +44 20 7937 6104
• Email: consular@vietnamembassy.org.uk
• Official Website: vnembassy-london.mofa.gov.vn (English available)
• Working Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m

2. Can United Kingdom Apply for a Traditional Sticker Visa?

Yes, UK citizens and residents in the United Kingdom can apply for a traditional sticker visa at the Embassy of Vietnam in London. While UK nationals enjoy visa-free entry for up to 45 days (tourism/short business), a visa is required for longer stays, specific purposes (e.g., work, study), or when extending beyond the exemption.

The sticker visa (physical affix in the passport) is fully supported and ideal for:

• Stays exceeding 45 days.
• Business or sponsored visas needing embassy approval.
• All entry modes (air, land, sea).

3. Step-by-Step Application Process for Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in United Kingdom

Applying for a Vietnam embassy sticker visa in United Kingdom is straightforward and convenient locally. Typical steps at the London embassy:

1. Contact the Embassy: Email consular@vietnamembassy.org.uk or call +44 20 7937 1912 to verify requirements, check if an appointment is needed, and confirm submission options (in-person recommended; mail sometimes accepted).
2. Gather Documents: Collect all required items (detailed in section 4).
3. Submit Application: Visit the embassy in London during consular hours. Submit your passport, form, photos, supporting documents, and pay the fee.
4. Processing: The embassy reviews your application, possibly coordinating with Vietnam’s Immigration Department (common for business visas).
5. Collect Your Visa: Return to pick up your passport with the sticker visa affixed once approved.
6. Travel: Enter Vietnam within the visa’s validity period.

4. Required Documents for Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa Application in United Kingdom

Standard documents for a Vietnam embassy sticker visa from the UK (confirm with the London embassy) include:

• Valid Passport: Original UK passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your planned departure from Vietnam and at least 2 blank pages.
• Photos: 2 recent passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background).
• Supporting Documents:
  • Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations).
  • For tourism: Proof of purpose/funds if requested.
  • For business: Invitation/approval letter from a Vietnamese sponsor/company.

5. Processing Times, Fees, and Costs for Vietnam Embassy Sticker Visa in United Kingdom

• Processing Time: Typically 3–7 working days for standard applications (often faster locally), but can extend to 1–2 weeks depending on visa type, workload, and Hanoi coordination. Expedited services may be available for extra fees.
• Fees and Costs: Vary by visa type (single/multiple entry, duration)—often starting from US$25–$100+ (or equivalent in GBP), plus possible stamping/service fees. Additional costs include photos or travel to London.

6. Other Consular Services

Beyond sticker visas, the Vietnam Embassy in London provides:

• Passport and consular support for Vietnamese nationals.
• Document notarization, authentication, and legalization.
• Emergency assistance for Vietnamese citizens (e.g., lost documents, welfare concerns).
• Civil registration (births, marriages) where eligible.
• General consular protection and bilateral cooperation support.

7. Upcoming Office Closures

The embassy closes for Vietnamese and UK public holidays, such as:

• Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year, late January/early February).
• Vietnam National Day (September 2).
• UK holidays like Christmas, New Year, Easter, May Bank Holidays, and August Bank Holiday.