UK Standard Visitor Visa Overview For Vietnamese Citizens
Vietnamese citizens need a visa before entering the United Kingdom. The most common visa for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips is the Standard Visitor visa.
What To Know About The Standard Visitor Visa
- Length of stay: Up to 6 months per entry
- When to apply: Up to 3 months before your intended travel date
- Purpose: Tourism, visiting family and friends, short business trips, medical treatment
Note: Rules can change. Always check the latest information on gov.uk before you apply.
The UK Visa Application Process
Unlike many countries, the UK process for Vietnamese citizens combines an online application with an in-person appointment.
Step By Step
- Step 1 — Apply online: Complete and submit your visa application on the official gov.uk website
- Step 2 — Pay the fee: Pay the visa fee online (the fee is non-refundable)
- Step 3 — Book an appointment: Book a slot at a VFS Global visa application centre
- Step 4 — Attend VFS: Visit VFS Global in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to give your biometrics (fingerprints) and have your photo taken there
Vietnamese Passports Cannot Use The UK ID Check App
Vietnamese passports are not compatible with the UK ID Check app. This means an in-person visit to VFS is required to complete your biometrics and photo. You cannot self-upload a photo from home.
UK Visa Photo Requirements
For Vietnamese applicants, the UK visa photo is captured at VFS during the biometrics appointment, not self-uploaded. Still, knowing the UK digital photo standard helps you prepare your appearance and clothing.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum resolution | At least 600 x 750 pixels |
| File size | Between 50 KB and under 6 MB |
| File format | JPG or JPEG |
| Background | Plain, light-coloured (not specifically white) |
| Framing | Shows head, shoulders and upper body |
| Expression | Plain expression, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Glasses & headwear | No glasses unless you must; no headwear except religious or medical |
Do Not Confuse This With The UK Passport Photo
The digital visa photo standard (at least 600 x 750 pixels, light-coloured background) is completely different from the printed UK passport photo (45 x 35 mm, taken within the last month). Do not mix up the two standards.
Where To Give Your Biometrics
- VFS Global Hanoi: UK visa application centre in Hanoi
- VFS Global Ho Chi Minh City: UK visa application centre in Ho Chi Minh City
UK Visa Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | Around £135 (please verify on gov.uk) |
| VFS service fee | Charged separately, depends on services chosen |
The visa fee is non-refundable and may change. Please verify the current fee on gov.uk.
Processing Time
- Standard time: About 3 weeks from your biometrics appointment
- Peak season: May take longer
Prepare Your UK Visa Photo Now
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Get StartedSee also: UK visa photo page — full size, background and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Vietnamese citizens apply for a UK visa online?
Yes. You complete and pay for the application entirely online on gov.uk, but you must attend VFS Global in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to give fingerprints and have your photo taken. The visa photo is captured at VFS, not self-uploaded.
Does the UK visa photo background have to be white?
No. The UK standard requires a plain, light-coloured background — it does not have to be pure white. This is different from many countries that require a strictly white background.
Can I use the UK ID Check app instead of visiting VFS?
No. Vietnamese passports are not compatible with the UK ID Check app, so an in-person visit to VFS is required to complete biometrics and your photo.
How far in advance should I apply?
You can apply up to 3 months before your intended travel date. Applying early gives you a buffer for processing, especially during peak season.
How long can I stay on a Standard Visitor visa?
The Standard Visitor visa allows a stay of up to 6 months per entry, covering tourism, visiting family, and short business trips.
Is the visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
No. The UK visa fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused. Prepare a complete and accurate application before you submit.