Vietnam Visa for French Citizens: A Complete Guide

Vietnam has become one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia for French travelers thanks to its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and affordable travel costs. Before planning a trip, French citizens need to understand Vietnam’s visa regulations to ensure a smooth entry process.

This guide by Your Vietnam Travel provides clear, up-to-date information on Vietnam visa requirements, application methods, processing times, fees, and practical tips specifically tailored for French passport holders

Do French citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam?

French citizens do not need a visa to enter Vietnam for short stays of up to 45 consecutive days. Under Vietnam’s current visa exemption policy, holders of a valid French passport can travel to Vietnam for tourism or short-term visits without applying for a visa in advance.

A Vietnam visa is required in the following cases:

• Staying in Vietnam for more than 45 days
• Working or taking up employment
• Investment or business projects
• Journalism, media, or press-related activities

For longer stays, French travelers have two practical options. They may exit Vietnam and re-enter from a neighboring country to receive a new 45-day visa exemption, or apply online for a 90-day Vietnam eVisa, which is a convenient and widely used solution.

Vietnam’s eVisa system allows French passport holders to complete the entire application process online, making it a fast and efficient choice for extended travel plans.

French citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for 45 days (Source: Collected)

Vietnam visa requirements for French citizens

French citizens are eligible for visa-free entry to Vietnam for up to 45 consecutive days under the current visa exemption policy. This applies to tourism, short business trips, and other non-remunerated activities.

To enter Vietnam without a visa, French passport holders must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid French passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of arrival
• Have at least one blank page in the passport for entry and exit stamps
• Ensure the length of stay does not exceed 45 days

A Vietnam visa is mandatory in these situations:

• Staying in Vietnam for more than 45 days
• Engaging in employment, paid work, or long-term business activities
• Participating in investment projects
• Conducting journalism or media-related work

For extended stays, French citizens can apply for a 90-day Vietnam eVisa online, which is the most convenient option and allows single or multiple entries, depending on the selected visa type.

Complying with these requirements helps ensure smooth entry into Vietnam and full adherence to immigration regulations.

How to get a Vietnam visa for French citizens

French citizens who are not eligible for visa-free entry or plan to stay in Vietnam for more than 45 days must apply for an appropriate visa. Below are the three official and commonly used methods to obtain a Vietnam visa.

Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa

For French citizens, the Vietnam e-Visa offers a streamlined and fully digital way to obtain legal entry permission. This option is widely preferred for its flexibility, speed, and minimal paperwork.

e-Visa validity:

• Valid for up to 90 days
• Issued as single-entry or multiple-entry

Processing time and official fees:

• Standard processing: 3-7 working days
• Fee: USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry)

e-Visa application process:

• Submit an online application: Access the official Vietnam Immigration or National Public Service portal. Complete the electronic form with personal and travel details, then upload a recent portrait photo and the passport information page.
• Receive the application reference code: After submission, the system generates a unique code used to track the application status and retrieve the result.
• Complete online payment: Pay the government fee through approved electronic payment methods. Applications are reviewed during working days, excluding public holidays.
• Download and print the e-Visa: Once approved, download the e-Visa in PDF format. A printed copy must be presented to immigration officers upon arrival in Vietnam.

The Vietnam e-Visa is suitable for tourism, business visits, and longer stays that exceed the 45-day visa exemption period.

Apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival

French citizens can apply for a Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA), but this option is only available for travelers entering Vietnam by air. A pre-approved visa letter must be obtained before departure; without this document, boarding the flight to Vietnam will not be permitted.

Visa validity:

• Up to 30 days
• Available for single-entry or multiple-entry

Processing time and fees:

• Processing time: 3-5 business days
• Stamping fee paid on arrival: USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry)
• Additional visa approval letter service fee charged by the sponsoring agency

How the visa on arrival process works:

• Application submission: A sponsoring organization, company, or authorized visa agency submits the French applicant’s information through the official immigration or public service portals.
• Application verification and approval: The application is reviewed by the Vietnam Immigration Department after confirmation and payment of the processing fee.
• Receive the approval letter: Once approved, the French traveler receives a visa approval letter by email and must print it before traveling.
• Visa stamping upon arrival: At a Vietnamese international airport, the traveler presents the approval letter, passport, photos, and stamping fee to receive the visa stamp and officially enter Vietnam.

The visa on arrival method is suitable for travelers who require short-term visas, urgent processing, or visa types not available under the e-Visa program.

Apply for a Vietnam visa at the embassy

French citizens may apply for a Vietnam visa directly at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. This traditional method is often chosen for long-term stays or travel purposes that are not covered by online visa options.

Who should apply at the embassy:

• Travelers planning long-term stays
• Those applying for work, study, family reunion, or other special visas
• Applicants who prefer in-person submission and official document verification

General visa validity:

• Determined by the visa type and purpose of travel
• Can range from short-term to long-term visas with single or multiple entries

Processing time and fees:

• Processing time varies depending on the visa category and embassy workload
• Visa fees are set by the embassy and may differ from online visa options

Application process:

• Prepare the required documents, including a valid French passport, visa application form, passport photos, and supporting documents based on the visa type.
• Submit the application in person or by mail to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in France.
• Pay the visa fee as instructed by the embassy.
• Collect the visa once approved, either in person or by return mail.

Applying for a Vietnam visa at the embassy is recommended for travelers who need tailored visa solutions or require official guidance throughout the application process.

French citizens need a visa for stays over 45 days (Source: Collected)

Learn more: Vietnam Multiple Entry Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

How long does it take to process a Vietnam visa for French citizens?

The processing time for a Vietnam visa for French citizens depends on the visa type and application method chosen.

• Vietnam e-Visa: Standard processing takes 3-7 business days from the date of successful submission and payment. Processing time may be longer during peak travel seasons or public holidays.
• Vietnam visa on arrival: The visa approval letter is usually issued within 3-5 business days. After arrival, the visa stamp is granted on the spot at the airport.
• Vietnam visa at the embassy: Processing time varies by embassy and visa category, typically ranging from 5 to 10 business days, and may be longer for long-term or special-purpose visas.

Travelers are advised to apply well in advance to avoid delays, especially during high-demand periods.

How much does a Vietnam visa cost for French citizens?

The cost of a Vietnam visa for French citizens depends on the visa type, length of stay, and number of entries selected. Below is a clear breakdown of the most common options.

Vietnam e-Visa (official government fees):

• USD 25 for a single-entry e-Visa
• USD 50 for a multiple-entry e-Visa

These fees are paid online during the application process and are non-refundable.

Vietnam visa on arrival:

• Visa stamping fee at the airport: USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry)
• An additional visa approval letter service fee applies, depending on the visa agency used

Vietnam visa at the embassy:

• Visa fees are determined by the Vietnamese embassy or consulate
• Costs vary according to visa category, processing time, and permitted duration of stay

Visa prices listed above do not include optional service charges from third-party agencies. French travelers should verify the most up-to-date fees before applying to avoid unexpected costs.

Vietnam visa cost for French citizens varies by type (Source: Collected)

Tips to speed up the Vietnam visa application process for French citizens

To avoid delays and ensure a fast approval, French citizens should follow these practical tips when applying for a Vietnam visa:

• Apply early: Submit your visa application at least two weeks before departure, especially during peak travel seasons or public holidays.
• Review visa requirements carefully: Confirm the correct visa type, duration, and entry option before applying to prevent rejections or reprocessing.
• Ensure accurate information: All details entered in the application form must exactly match the passport, including full name, passport number, and date of birth.
• Prepare complete documentation: Upload clear and compliant copies of required documents, such as the passport data page and personal photo.
• Complete payment promptly: Visa applications are only processed after the full fee is successfully paid. Incomplete payment may cause significant delays.
• Monitor application status: Regularly check the application status on the official portal and respond quickly if additional information or clarification is requested.

FAQs about Vietnam visas for French citizens

Is it better for French travelers to choose an e-Visa or Visa on Arrival?

Choose an e-Visa for most trips because it’s fully online, government-issued, and works for air, land, and sea entry (at eligible checkpoints). Choose Visa on Arrival only when entering by air and you already have a reliable sponsor/agency for the approval letter, or when you need a visa type that doesn’t fit the e-Visa option.

What should French citizens do if their Vietnam visa application is rejected?

Submit a new application with corrected details and compliant photos/scans. Common issues include mismatched passport information, unclear documents, or payment problems. If travel is urgent, use an alternative route such as applying through the embassy/consulate or using a Visa on Arrival (air entry only).

Can French citizens apply for a Vietnam visa through a travel agency?

Yes. French travelers can use a reputable visa or travel agency to handle the e-Visa application or arrange a Visa on Arrival approval letter. Always verify service fees, timelines, and refund policies before paying.

Do French children need a separate Vietnam visa?

Yes. Each child needs their own entry permission. If the child is not eligible for visa exemption, they must have their own e-Visa/visa (even when traveling with parents). Use the child’s passport details when applying.

Can French citizens extend or renew a Vietnam visa while in Vietnam?

It depends on the visa type and current immigration rules at the time of stay. In many cases, travelers handle longer stays by applying for a suitable visa before entry or using an agency to process extensions when permitted. Plan ahead if you intend to stay beyond the allowed period to avoid overstays.

Conclusion

Vietnam offers flexible visa options for French citizens, from short-term visa exemption to e-Visas, Visa on Arrival, and embassy-issued visas. Choosing the right option depends on travel duration, entry method, and purpose of visit. Proper preparation and timely application ensure a smooth and stress-free journey to Vietnam.

For a well-planned and memorable trip, contact Your Vietnam Travel to explore Vietnam with expertly designed tours and local insights tailored for French travelers.