Vietnam Visa for French Citizens

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If you’re a French passport holder planning a trip to Vietnam, understanding the current visa policy is essential before booking your flight. While Vietnam offers visa exemption for French citizens on short visits, many travelers still need a valid visa depending on the length or purpose of their stay.

This updated 2025 guide explains clearly who needs a visa, how to apply online, the costs, and some smart travel tips to make your journey smoother.

Do French Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Yes — but not always.

Since 2023, French citizens have been exempt from a visa for stays up to 45 days in Vietnam. This policy makes short holidays or business visits very convenient.

However, if you plan to stay more than 45 days, make multiple entries in a short period, or visit for work or study, you’ll need to apply for a visa in advance. Your passport must also remain valid for at least six months after your intended entry date.

If your trip goes beyond the visa-free period, getting a Vietnam visa for French citizens is straightforward thanks to online systems and trusted agencies.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa from France (or Other Countries)

Vietnam offers several ways for French citizens to apply, depending on where you are and how fast you need the visa.

1. Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa (Recommended)

The Vietnam e-visa is the simplest and most popular choice. It allows you to apply completely online without visiting the embassy.

You just need:

• A valid French passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
• A digital passport photo
• A scanned copy of your passport page
  

Then visit the Vietnam Immigration portal or use a reliable visa agency like Entry Vietnam Visa, which helps travelers avoid errors during the application.

After submitting the online form and paying the visa fee (usually $25–$50 USD), you’ll receive your approved e-visa via email in about 3–5 working days. Simply print it out and present it at the airport on arrival.

If you need the visa urgently — say, you’re flying tomorrow — check the option how to apply urgent Vietnam visa online. Express services can process your visa within just 4–8 hours for an additional fee.

2. Apply for Visa on Arrival (VOA)

If you’re entering Vietnam by air (via Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang), the Visa on Arrival option may be suitable — especially for urgent travel.

Here’s how it works:

1. You apply online for an approval letter from a visa agency.
2. Once approved, you’ll receive the letter via email.
3. Print it and show it at the VOA counter when you land.
4. Pay the stamping fee (usually $25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entry) and get your visa at the airport.

This option is ideal for travelers who didn’t have time to apply in advance. Many people use entryvietnamvisa.com because it offers 24/7 customer support and handles urgent cases reliably.

3. Apply at the Vietnam Embassy in France

If you prefer traditional paperwork, you can also apply in person or by post at the Vietnamese Embassy in Paris.
You’ll need to submit:

• Your passport
• A completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photos
• The visa fee

Processing usually takes 5–7 working days. This method suits those who prefer handling documents directly with the embassy.

See more>> How to apply for Vietnam visa from Netherlands? 

Fees and Processing Time

Visa fees for French citizens depend on the type and urgency of the application:

Visa Type	Processing Time	Estimated Cost (USD)
E-Visa (single entry, 90 days)	3–5 working days	25
E-Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)	3–5 working days	50
Urgent E-Visa	4–8 hours	45–70
Visa on Arrival	2–4 working days	20–25 + stamping fee

Useful Travel Tips for French Visitors to Vietnam

• Check visa validity carefully: The entry and exit dates are strictly enforced.
• Print your e-visa and keep a digital copy on your phone.
• Confirm flight and hotel details before applying; they’re often required on the visa form.
• Avoid overstaying — penalties apply even for a few days of overstay.
• If you plan to visit neighboring countries like Cambodia or Laos and return to Vietnam, choose a multiple-entry visa instead of relying on visa exemption.

With more than 45 days, you’ll have time to explore Vietnam’s diverse landscapes — from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the beaches of Phu Quoc — without worrying about visa extensions.

Conclusion

The Vietnam visa for French citizens process has become simpler than ever. French travelers can enjoy up to 45 days visa-free, and for longer stays, easily apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival.