Changes To British Passport Services In Vietnam
The process for applying for a British passport in Vietnam has changed. You will now apply at Visa Application Centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; and will be able to retain your passport throughout the application process.
The process for applying for a British passport in Vietnam has changed. You will now apply at Visa Application Centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; and will be able to retain your passport throughout the application process.
If you are applying to renew, replace, change your name in your passport or apply for the first time, you should now make an appointment to submit your application and collect your new passport at the UK Visa Application Centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Further information about new arrangement can be found on Her Majesty’s Passport Office website at: https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports/y/vietnam.
We have included some additional information in the questions and answers below:
Q1: Why is this change being introduced?
A: Because a change in Vietnamese law requires those residents in Vietnam to be able to produce a passport as proof of identity at any time. (You may wish to carry a copy of your passport but you must be able to produce the original when asked.)
Q2: Where are the UK Visa Application Centres (VAC) in Vietnam?
A: They are in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City at the following addresses:
UK Visa Application Centre
VinaforBuilding
11th Floor, 127 Lo Duc Street,
Dong Mac Ward, Hai Ba Trung District,
Ha Noi
UK Visa Application Centre
2nd Floor, RescoBuilding,
94-96 Nguyen Du Street,
Ben Nghe Ward, District 1,
Ho Chi Minh City.
Q3: Can I still apply online and by post?
A: No, this service is being withdrawn for applicants in Vietnam because of the Vietnamese authorities requirement that you should be able to produce a passport as ID.
Q4: How much will I need to pay to use the service?
A: An adult standard 32-page passport is £83.00 plus a courier fee of £23.01. The courier fee pays for your new passport to be sent securely to the VAC.
Q5: Does the VAC need originals or photocopies of my documents?
A: Originals. Please take your current passport and a colour copy of the entire passport (including blank pages). You must also bring originals and photocopies of your supporting documents. The VAC will certify these and return the originals to you.
Q6: Will the VAC copy my passport and documents for me?
A: No, please ensure that you have all the necessary documents photocopied before your appointment at the VAC.
Q7: Can I still travel on my passport after I submit my application?
A: No, you can’t travel on your current passport once you’ve applied for a new one. You will be able to keep your passport for ID purposes.
Q8: Where can I download the passport application form?
A: Please follow the instructions on https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports/y/vietnam
Q9: Can someone submit the application on my behalf?
A: You should make an appointment and apply in person at the VAC. You must bring ID with you. In exceptional cases where you are unable to apply in person, a representative can apply on your behalf: they must bring authorisation from you and their own ID to the VAC.
Q10: How do I make an appointment at the VAC?
A: You should email the VAC, including your first and last names and offering three alternative dates and times when you would be available to go to the VAC. They will email you with an appointment. Their email addresses are:
Hanoi: HMPO.Hanoi@vfshelpline.com
Ho Chi Minh City: VietnamHMPO@vfshelpline.com
Q11: How will I receive my new passport?
A: It will be sent to the VAC who will contact you to let you know it is ready for collection from them.
