Complete Guide for British National (Overseas) Passport Holders to Apply for Emergency Vietnam Visa: Must-Read If Your Vietnam E-Visa Application Is Rejected

Have you ever had to cancel your travel plans to Vietnam due to visa issues? Can BNO (British National Overseas) citizens apply for a Vietnam e-visa? How can you apply for an emergency Vietnam visa? These questions may trouble many BNO passport holders planning to visit Vietnam.

Whether planning a business trip or a vacation, this article will provide the latest information on Vietnam visas, emergency visas, and visa-on-arrival, specifically tailored for travelers holding a BNO passport. We will break down official policies, application steps, common rejection reasons, and strategies to address them.

First, let’s understand the latest Vietnam visa policies for 2025 and the special considerations BNO passport holders need to be aware of.

Foreigners holding a British National (Overseas) (BNO) passport are not eligible for visa-free entry and must obtain an appropriate visa to enter Vietnam. This rule remains in effect in 2025, with no signs of relaxation.

1. Can BNO Passport Holders Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa?

When planning a trip to Vietnam, BNO passport holders must first understand a crucial fact: According to Vietnamese government regulations, BNO passport holders cannot apply for a Vietnam e-visa. This is critical because many mistakenly assume that all UK-related passports enjoy the same privileges.

It’s worth noting that while BNO passport holders cannot use the e-visa system, they can still legally enter Vietnam through alternative methods. BNO citizens can apply online for a visa-on-arrival (VOA) or apply directly at a consulate, rather than through the online e-visa system.

2. Common Misconceptions vs. Reality

There are several common misconceptions about BNO passports and Vietnam visas:

• Misconception 1: BNO passport holders can enjoy 45 days of visa-free entry.
  Reality: BNO passport holders are not eligible for the 45-day visa exemption and must apply for a visa to enter Vietnam.
• Misconception 2: BNO passports can use the same application channels as regular UK passports.
  Reality: BNO passports have special restrictions—they cannot use the e-visa system and must apply through an embassy or visa-on-arrival.
• Misconception 3: The visa validity period starts from the actual entry date.
  Reality: Many applicants misunderstand the validity period of e-visas. They assume the visa is valid for 30 days from the actual arrival date. In fact, the e-visa becomes effective from the intended arrival date stated in the application. While you cannot enter Vietnam before that date, you can enter on or after the provided arrival date—but you must leave before the visa expires.

However, there is one exception: According to Vietnam visa service information, BNO citizens traveling directly to Phu Quoc Island from abroad and staying for no more than 30 days, then leaving Phu Quoc for a destination outside Vietnam, can enter visa-free.

3. Online Application for Vietnam Visa-on-Arrival (VOA)

Visa-on-arrival is the best alternative for BNO passport holders and has the highest success rate. However, this method is only applicable to travelers arriving in Vietnam by air. The application process is as follows:

1. Click this link to apply (Select nationality: British National Overseas):
   https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/

2. Prepare a copy of your passport biodata page (ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months and has 2 blank pages).

3. Provide a valid email address and expected travel dates.

4. Pay the service fee – The visa-on-arrival fee consists of two parts:

   • Pre-approval letter service fee (depends on processing speed—fastest approval within 1 hour).

   • Stamp fee (paid upon arrival: $25forsingle-entry,$50 for multiple-entry).

Emergency Visa Service:
If you need to enter Vietnam urgently, click the link above to apply for emergency service or contact us directly:

• Email: info@vietnam-visa.hk

• LINE: https://line.me/ti/p/nqB711G8TX

• WeChat: vietnam-visa

Our staff can assist you immediately with your emergency visa application.

After receiving the visa approval letter:

• Print it out.

• Fill out the entry and exit form (NA1).

• Prepare two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm).

• Have cash ready for the stamping fee ($25\; USDforsingle-entry,$50 $USD$ for multiple-entry).

Upon arrival:

• Go to the Visa-on-Arrival counter.

• Submit the required documents.

• Wait for your name to be called.

• Pay the stamping fee.

• Receive your visa and proceed to immigration.

Important Note: Emergency e-visa services are not available on weekends. Depending on urgency, you can choose:

• 2-4 working hours (super urgent)

• 1 working day (urgent)

• Standard processing time

4. Important Notes and Recommendations for Vietnam Visa Applications

1. If my e-visa application is rejected because I used a BNO passport, will applying for a visa-on-arrival afterward be affected?

   • No, because BNO passports cannot be applied for e-visas, so rejection is normal and not your fault. You can reapply for a visa-on-arrival without issues. However, the e-visa fee will not be refunded.

2. I hold both an HKSAR passport and a BNO passport. Which one should I use for an easier visa application?

   • For BNO holders who also have an HKSAR passport, using the Hong Kong SAR passport is the more convenient option. According to Vietnam’s visa policy, Hong Kong citizens can obtain single or multiple-entry e-visas valid for up to 90 days.

   • Additionally, if you plan to visit Phu Quoc Island for up to 30 days and then depart directly to another country, you can enter visa-free using your Hong Kong passport.