British teachers in Vietnam have direct access to embassy services through two official UK diplomatic missions: the British Embassy in Hanoi and the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Emergency assistance is available 24/7 by calling +84 (0) 24 3936 0500 (Hanoi) or +84 (0) 28 3825 1380 (Ho Chi Minh City). Both locations provide identical consular services to British nationals, including emergency travel documents, limited notarial services, and consular support during emergencies.
All embassy services require advance appointments – walk-ins are not accepted. British teachers should book appointments through the official GOV.UK contact system and understand that certain services, particularly document legalization for work permits, cannot be performed at the embassy in Vietnam.
This guide provides verified contact information and essential procedures that British teachers need when accessing UK Embassy services in Vietnam, all sourced directly from official GOV.UK pages.
Where Is the British Embassy in Hanoi Located?
The British Embassy in Hanoi is located at Central Building, 4th floor, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam. This location serves British nationals throughout northern Vietnam, including teachers working in Hanoi and surrounding provinces.
Verified Contact Information:
- Address: Central Building, 4th floor, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Phone: +84 (0)24 3936 0500
- Email: DIT.Vietnam@fcdo.gov.uk
- Official Contact Form: https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/vietnam/british-embassy-hanoi
Important: All embassy services are by appointment only. The embassy does not accept walk-in visitors. You must book appointments in advance through the official GOV.UK contact system.
The embassy handles all standard consular services including emergency assistance, passport issues, notarial services (limited range), and support for British nationals in distress. However, both the Hanoi embassy and Ho Chi Minh City consulate provide identical services, so your choice of location depends solely on geographic convenience.
What Are the Contact Details for the British Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City?
The British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City is located at 25 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This consulate serves British teachers and nationals throughout southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and surrounding regions.
Verified Contact Information:
- Address: 25 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Phone: +84 (0)28 3825 1380
- Official Contact Form: https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/vietnam/british-consulate-general-ho-chi-minh-city
Critical Information: The British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City provides exactly the same services as the British Embassy in Hanoi. There is no service advantage to choosing one location over the other – select based purely on which is geographically closer to you.
Like the Hanoi embassy, all consular services at the Ho Chi Minh City location require advance appointments through the official GOV.UK booking system. The consulate cannot accommodate walk-in visitors for any services.
Discover Related Guides: US Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam: Complete Contact Guide
How Do I Contact the UK Embassy in an Emergency?
British teachers can contact the UK Embassy for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling +84 (0) 24 3936 0500 (Hanoi) or +84 (0) 28 3825 1380 (Ho Chi Minh City). These emergency lines operate around the clock for urgent consular assistance situations.
Official Emergency Contact Numbers:
| Location | Emergency Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi Embassy | +84 (0) 24 3936 0500 | 24/7, 365 days |
| Ho Chi Minh City Consulate | +84 (0) 28 3825 1380 | 24/7, 365 days |
| From UK (worried about British person in Vietnam) | 020 7008 5000 | 24 hours |
What Constitutes an Emergency: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) prioritizes emergencies and vulnerable people, including situations where someone is:
- Seriously ill or injured
- Involved in a crime (as victim or accused)
- With a British person who has died
- Facing arrest or detention
- In immediate danger
For Non-Emergency Inquiries: For routine questions, passport renewals (non-urgent), or general information, you should:
- Check GOV.UK travel advice and living guides first
- Submit an online enquiry through the official contact form
- Wait 1-3 working days for response from consular staff
Emergency assistance is available 24/7, but consular staff will assess whether your situation requires immediate intervention or can be handled during regular business hours through the appointment system.
Can the British Embassy Help With Work Permit Document Legalization?
No, the British Embassy in Vietnam cannot legalize UK documents (degrees, teaching certificates, police checks) required for Vietnamese work permits. This is a critical policy that went into effect on 13 November 2017 and directly impacts all British teachers seeking work permits in Vietnam.
Official Policy (Source: GOV.UK, effective 13 November 2017): “From 13th November 2017, the British Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City will no longer provide a legalisation service. All documents originating from the UK requiring legalisation (such as educational certificates university degrees, teaching and EFL qualifications and other documents required by the Vietnamese authorities for work permits) must be legalised by the UK Legalisation Office and by the Vietnamese Embassy in London before they can be used in Vietnam.”
Correct Legalization Process for British Teachers:
Step 1: FCDO Legalisation Office (London, UK) All UK educational documents must first receive legalization from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Legalisation Office in the United Kingdom.
- Apply online at GOV.UK legalisation service
- Processing typically takes several working days
Step 2: Vietnamese Embassy in London After FCDO legalization, documents must then be legalized by the Vietnamese Embassy in London before they can be used in Vietnam.
- Address: Vietnamese Embassy, London
- This is the final required step
Documents British Teachers Typically Need Legalized:
- University degree certificates (Bachelor’s or higher)
- TEFL/TESOL/CELTA teaching certificates
- UK police background checks
- Professional teaching licenses (if applicable)
Critical Planning Note: British teachers should complete this two-step legalization process before departing for Vietnam. If you are already in Vietnam and discover you need documents legalized, you will need to arrange for documents to be sent back to the UK for processing, then couriered to Vietnam – a process that can take several weeks or longer.
The British Embassy in Vietnam has no authority to bypass, expedite, or provide alternatives to this legalization requirement. It is the responsibility of British teachers to ensure all required documents are properly legalized in the UK before arriving in Vietnam to begin teaching.
What Notarial Services Does the British Embassy Provide?
The British Embassy Hanoi and British Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City provide a limited range of notarial and documentary services for British nationals in Vietnam, available by appointment only. Where local notaries or lawyers can provide services, the British Embassy will not provide them.
Official Policy (Source: GOV.UK Notarial Services Guide for Vietnam): “The British Embassy Hanoi and the British Consulate-General Ho Chi Minh City provide a limited range of notarial and documentary services for British nationals in Vietnam. Where local notary publics or lawyers can provide services we will not provide them.”
Available Notarial Services:
- Certified Copies (Limited)
- Certified copies of British passport bio-data pages
- Certified copies of UK driving licenses
- NOT available: Certified copies of education certificates, foreign documents, or full passports
- Affidavits and Declarations
- General affidavits for legal purposes
- Affidavit of single status (required for marriage registration in Vietnam)
- Statutory declarations (limited circumstances)
- Country-Specific Services
- Name affirmations (multiple name formats)
- Driving license certifications (specific requirements)
Services NOT Available at the Embassy:
- Legalization of UK educational documents for work permits (must be done in UK)
- Translation services (must use qualified local translators)
- Certified copies of education certificates
- Notarization of Vietnamese documents
- Certification of foreign (non-UK) documents
Booking Notarial Appointments: All notarial services require advance appointments booked through the GOV.UK Support for British Nationals Abroad system. The booking process includes:
- Selecting your required service
- Uploading supporting documents
- Paying consular fees online
- Receiving appointment confirmation
Required Documents for Appointments:
- Proof of identity (British passport accepted)
- Proof of address (lease contracts, police registration, utility bills accepted)
- Original documents requiring notarization
- Payment confirmation
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office reserves the right to cancel any appointment if the requested service cannot be provided or if it is a service that should be obtained from local providers instead.
How Do I Book an Appointment at the British Embassy?
All consular services at the British Embassy Hanoi and British Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City are by appointment only – walk-in visitors cannot be accommodated. British teachers must book appointments through the official GOV.UK online contact system.
Official Booking Channels:
For Hanoi Embassy: Use the official contact form at: https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/vietnam/british-embassy-hanoi
For Ho Chi Minh City Consulate: Use the official contact form at: https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/vietnam/british-consulate-general-ho-chi-minh-city
Booking Process:
- Visit the appropriate official contact form above
- Select your required service from available options
- Complete the online enquiry with your details and requirements
- Submit supporting documents (digital uploads)
- Wait for consular staff review (normally 1-3 working days)
- Receive appointment confirmation if service is available
Important Booking Information:
- Consular staff will review your enquiry and inform you whether the requested service is available at the embassy
- If the service is available, you will be sent a link to book your appointment
- The embassy may decline to provide a service if it can be obtained from local providers (notaries, lawyers) or if it is outside their service scope
- Always verify that your requested service is actually provided by the embassy before making travel arrangements
Services Requiring Appointments:
- Notarial and documentary services
- Emergency travel documents (non-urgent cases)
- General consular enquiries
- Document certification (limited scope)
Emergency Situations: For genuine emergencies requiring immediate assistance, call the 24/7 emergency phone numbers directly rather than using the online booking system:
- Hanoi: +84 (0) 24 3936 0500
- Ho Chi Minh City: +84 (0) 28 3825 1380
The online appointment system is designed for routine consular services during regular business operations, not for urgent emergencies that require immediate response.
What Should I Do If I Lose My Passport in Vietnam?
If you lose your British passport in Vietnam, immediately report it to Vietnamese police to obtain a police report, then contact the British Embassy to apply for an emergency travel document. You will also need to obtain a Vietnamese exit visa before you can leave Vietnam.
Step-by-Step Process (Source: GOV.UK Official Guidance):
- Step 1: Report to Vietnamese Police Report your lost or stolen passport to the police station closest to where the incident occurred. The police report will be in Vietnamese. If you need a copy for insurance purposes, you must pay separately for an official translation.
- Step 2: Apply for Emergency Travel Document Apply online at: https://www.gov.uk/emergency-travel-document
- If the person needing the emergency travel document is under 16, a parent or guardian must apply on their behalf.
- Step 3: Obtain Vietnam Exit Visa After receiving your emergency travel document from the British Embassy, you must obtain an exit visa from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Official Processing Time (Source: GOV.UK): “You will need to obtain an exit visa issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department when leaving the country on an emergency travel document issued in Vietnam. This can take up to 5 working days to obtain. However this could be longer if you have overstayed as an investigation into this and a decision on the fine amount to be settled will need to take place.”
Important Notes:
- If you have overstayed your Vietnam visa, the exit visa process will take longer due to required investigation and fine determination
- The Immigration office will advise on estimated processing time and contact you when the fine decision is ready
- You cannot leave Vietnam without both the emergency travel document AND the Vietnam exit visa
Alternative for Non-Urgent Situations: If you are traveling in more than 3 weeks, you may have time to apply for a new or replacement passport instead of an emergency travel document. Check if you’re a British citizen and can get a regular passport in time to travel.
Prevention Measures:
- Always report lost/stolen passports to local police immediately
- Keep digital and physical copies of your passport stored separately
- Inform your employer or emergency contacts if you lose your passport
- Follow Vietnamese immigration requirements for document registration
The British Embassy cannot prevent the Vietnam exit visa requirement or expedite Vietnamese government processes, but consular staff can provide guidance and support throughout the emergency travel document application.
Read Another Article: Essential Emergency Numbers in Vietnam Every Teacher Should Know
Are There Other Services for British Teachers at the UK Embassy?
Yes, the British Embassy in Vietnam provides additional consular assistance beyond emergency services, including support for British nationals facing legal issues, mental health crises, crime victimization, and general welfare concerns. The FCDO prioritizes emergencies and vulnerable people.
Additional Support Services Available:
1. Mental Health Support The British Embassy can provide information and referrals for British nationals experiencing mental health issues in Vietnam, including connections to English-speaking mental health professionals and support resources.
2. Crime Victim Assistance If you’re a victim of crime in Vietnam, the embassy can:
- Provide guidance on reporting to Vietnamese police
- Offer information about the Vietnamese legal system
- Share lists of English-speaking lawyers
- Provide emergency support in serious cases
3. Arrest and Detention Support If arrested or detained by Vietnamese authorities, British nationals have the right to request consular access. The embassy can:
- Visit British nationals in detention
- Provide information about Vietnamese legal procedures
- Share lists of local English-speaking lawyers
- Monitor treatment and conditions
- Notify family (with your permission)
4. General Welfare Support The embassy maintains updated information for British nationals including:
- Lists of English-speaking doctors and medical facilities
- English-speaking legal professionals
- Translation services
- Information about UK services accessible from Vietnam
Official Policy Statement (Source: GOV.UK): “If you cannot get the support you need from local services, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) can help British people abroad. We prioritise emergencies and people who are vulnerable, for example, if someone’s: ill, injured, or involved in a crime; with a British person who’s died.”
What the Embassy Cannot Do:
- Pay fines, legal fees, or medical bills
- Get you out of prison or prevent arrest
- Investigate crimes
- Provide legal advice
- Interfere in Vietnamese legal proceedings
- Provide accommodation or financial assistance
- Guarantee employment or visa outcomes
Contact for General Support: For non-emergency support needs, use the official contact forms:
- Hanoi: https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/vietnam/british-embassy-hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh City: https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/vietnam/british-consulate-general-ho-chi-minh-city
Consular staff will normally respond within 1-3 working days and can advise whether the embassy can assist with your specific situation or direct you to appropriate local services.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Embassy Services
Can the British Embassy help me find a teaching job in Vietnam?
No, the British Embassy does not provide employment services, job placement assistance, or work permit sponsorship. The embassy’s role focuses exclusively on consular services for British nationals already in Vietnam. British teachers seeking employment should use independent recruitment agencies, online job boards, or direct school applications.
How do I report a change of address to the British Embassy?
The British Embassy does not maintain a mandatory registration system for British nationals in Vietnam. However, if you have previously registered or provided contact information for emergency purposes, you can update your details through the official contact forms. Vietnamese immigration law requires all foreigners to register their place of residence with local police within 24 hours of arrival.
Does the British Embassy provide free legal services?
No, the British Embassy does not provide free legal services, representation, or financial assistance for legal fees. However, the embassy maintains referral lists of English-speaking lawyers in Vietnam. You are responsible for all legal costs. In cases of arrest or detention, consular staff can visit you and monitor treatment but cannot interfere in legal proceedings.
What if I need help outside of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
The UK maintains only two diplomatic missions in Vietnam: the British Embassy in Hanoi and the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. British teachers working in other locations (Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, etc.) must travel to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for in-person consular services. For emergency situations, contact the 24/7 emergency phone numbers immediately for remote guidance.
How long does it take to get an emergency travel document?
The processing time for an emergency travel document varies, but you must also obtain a Vietnam exit visa, which takes up to 5 working days (or longer if you have overstayed your visa). Total timeline depends on individual circumstances and Vietnamese immigration processing. Apply as early as possible if you need to travel urgently.
Can I walk into the British Embassy without an appointment?
No, all consular services at both the British Embassy Hanoi and British Consulate Ho Chi Minh City are by appointment only. The embassies do not accept walk-in visitors for any services. You must book appointments in advance through the official GOV.UK contact system. Only call the emergency phone numbers for genuine 24/7 emergencies requiring immediate assistance.
For comprehensive safety preparation, British teachers should familiarize themselves with local Vietnamese emergency services to supplement UK Embassy support during medical, police, or fire emergencies.
Essential emergency numbers in Vietnam every teacher should know can be found in dedicated safety guides specifically designed for foreign teachers working in Vietnam.
For teachers from other countries or those working in international schools with diverse staff, understanding multiple embassy services provides valuable context. Learn about US Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam complete contact information if you work alongside American colleagues.
Understanding UK Embassy services is one component of comprehensive safety preparation for British teachers in Vietnam. Explore our complete library of safety guides covering emergency contacts, healthcare facilities, legal procedures, and crisis management specifically for foreign teachers in Vietnam.
