Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers from France, offering rich cultural experiences, historic cities, beautiful landscapes, vibrant cuisine, and tropical destinations. French passport holders can benefit from Vietnam’s visa exemption for eligible short visits. This guide explains the Vietnam Visa for France Citizens, including the 45-day visa exemption, Vietnam eVisa eligibility, requirements, costs, processing times, application steps, expedited services, entry points, and useful travel information.
Do France citizens need a visa to Vietnam?
No, not for eligible stays of up to 45 days. French passport holders may enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days under Vietnam’s visa-exemption policy.
If a traveler from France plans to stay in Vietnam for more than 45 days or requires a visa for a specific travel purpose, an appropriate visa will be required. Eligible French passport holders can apply for a Vietnam eVisa online.
Vietnam visa exemption for France citizens
French passport holders visiting Vietnam for a short trip may benefit from Vietnam’s visa-exemption policy. Eligible travelers from France can stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days.
This makes short holidays and other eligible visits more convenient because travelers do not need to complete an eVisa application when their entire planned stay falls within the applicable visa-free period.
Travelers should make sure their planned stay complies with the applicable visa-exemption conditions and that their passport and other travel documents meet the relevant entry requirements.
What if you want to stay longer than 45 days?
French citizens planning to stay in Vietnam for more than 45 days should arrange an appropriate visa for their intended stay. One convenient option for eligible travelers is the Vietnam eVisa.
Can France citizens apply for a Vietnam eVisa?
Yes. France citizens can apply for a Vietnam eVisa online.
The eVisa is a convenient option for travelers who need to stay beyond the 45-day visa-exemption period or whose travel circumstances require a visa. Depending on the visa issued, an eVisa can be valid for between 30 and 90 days and may allow single or multiple entry.
👉 Apply for a Vietnam eVisa online
Types of Vietnam visas available for France citizens
Vietnam offers several visa options depending on the application method, purpose of travel, and intended duration of stay.
Vietnam eVisa
The Vietnam eVisa is a convenient option that allows eligible France citizens to apply online without visiting an embassy. Applicants can submit their passport information, supporting images, travel details, and payment electronically.
Visa on Arrival
Visa on Arrival is currently available only for qualifying emergency travel and requires prior arrangements, including an approval letter before departure. Travelers who believe they require this option can review our Vietnam Visa on Arrival service.
Embassy visa
Travelers whose circumstances are not suitable for an eVisa may apply through the appropriate Vietnamese diplomatic mission. Additional information is available through our Vietnam embassy information.
Visa types based on purpose of visit
- Tourist Visa (DL): For travelers visiting Vietnam for tourism purposes.
- Business Visa (DN1, DN2): For individuals visiting Vietnam for business-related activities.
- Relative Visit Visa (TT): For qualifying travelers visiting relatives in Vietnam.
eVisa duration and entry options
- 30-day single entry
- 30-day multiple entry
- 90-day single entry
- 90-day multiple entry
Vietnam eVisa requirements for France citizens
France citizens applying for a Vietnam visa should prepare the required information and documents carefully. Accurate information is important to avoid unnecessary application problems.
- Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry into Vietnam.
- Completed application: Fill in the required personal, passport, and travel information accurately.
- Passport photograph: Prepare the required recent passport-style photograph.
- Passport data-page image: Prepare a clear image of the information page of your passport.
- Travel information: Provide the requested intended arrival date, entry point, address in Vietnam, and other relevant travel information.
- Visa fee: Pay the applicable fee according to the visa and processing option selected.
Travelers should carefully review their full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, intended entry date, and other important information before submitting an application.
Vietnam eVisa cost for France citizens
If you choose to apply for the Vietnam eVisa yourself through the official government system, the existing France guide lists the following government fees:
- Single-entry visa: US$25
- Multiple-entry visa: US$50
Government fees are separate from optional Vietnam Visa Express service and expedited-processing fees. Travelers applying independently can check official information through the Vietnam Immigration eVisa portal.
Vietnam Visa Express processing options and fees
Vietnam Visa Express provides standard and expedited processing options for France citizens who require application assistance or faster processing.
👉 Apply for a new Vietnam eVisa
👉 Expedite a pending Vietnam eVisa
Vietnam eVisa processing time for France citizens
Processing time can vary depending on the application, the information submitted, application volume, weekends, public holidays, and whether additional verification is required.
The existing France guide notes that government processing may extend to 15 days when additional verification is required.
Vietnam Visa Express also offers standard processing and expedited options, including services ranging from 1–2 business days to urgent 1–4 hour processing, depending on availability and the circumstances of the application.
Travelers who know that their trip requires an eVisa should apply early to allow additional time for any application or document issues.
How France citizens can apply for a Vietnam eVisa
- Start your application: Visit our Vietnam eVisa service page.
- Enter your information: Complete the form using accurate personal and passport details.
- Upload the required images: Provide the requested passport and photograph images.
- Review your application: Check your name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, travel dates, and other important details.
- Pay the applicable fee: Complete payment according to your selected application and processing option.
- Receive your eVisa: Once approved, your eVisa can be delivered electronically according to the selected processing method.
- Prepare for travel: Keep a copy of your approved eVisa available when traveling to Vietnam.
Already applied? Expedite a pending Vietnam eVisa
If you have already submitted a Vietnam eVisa application but it is still pending and your departure date is approaching, do not automatically submit another application.
Instead, you can check whether assistance is available through our Expedited Pending Vietnam eVisa service.
This service is intended for travelers who already have an existing eVisa application and need assistance because their application remains pending close to their travel date. Availability depends on the status and circumstances of the application.
Approved entry points for Vietnam eVisa holders
Travelers using a Vietnam eVisa must enter and exit Vietnam through entry points permitted under the eVisa program. These include designated international airports, land border gates, and seaports.
Common international airports listed in the existing France guide include:
- Noi Bai Airport – Hanoi
- Tan Son Nhat Airport – Ho Chi Minh City
- Cam Ranh Airport – Khanh Hoa
- Da Nang Airport – Da Nang
- Cat Bi Airport – Hai Phong
- Can Tho Airport – Can Tho
- Phu Quoc Airport – Kien Giang
- Phu Bai Airport – Hue
- Van Don Airport – Quang Ninh
- Lien Khuong Airport – Lam Dong
Travelers should verify that their intended entry and exit points are permitted for their eVisa before departure. Current official information can be checked through the Vietnam Immigration eVisa portal.
Enhance your Vietnam itinerary
Whether traveling under the 45-day visa exemption or using an eVisa for a longer trip, Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and rich history offer plenty to explore.
- Ha Long Bay: Known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers can enjoy cruises, explore caves, and kayak through the scenic waters.
- Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital offers a combination of ancient history and modern city life. Visit the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Hoi An: Famous for its well-preserved Ancient Town, lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, riverside scenery, and Vietnamese cuisine.
- Hue: Vietnam’s former imperial capital is home to the Imperial City, royal tombs, pagodas, and the Perfume River. Discover more about Hue.
- Ho Chi Minh City: A bustling metropolis with museums, historic landmarks, markets, nightlife, and popular Vietnamese dishes such as pho and banh mi.
- Sapa: Located in northern Vietnam, Sapa is known for terraced rice fields, mountain scenery, trekking routes, and ethnic minority communities.
- Mekong Delta: Explore waterways, floating markets, fruit orchards, rice paddies, and traditional villages.
- Phu Quoc Island: Enjoy beaches, clear water, coral reefs, Phu Quoc National Park, night markets, and beachside resorts.
Vietnam’s weather overview
Vietnam’s diverse geography results in different climates across Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam.
Northern Vietnam
- Winter (December–February): Around 10°C to 20°C, generally cool with occasional drizzle. Suggested destinations include Hanoi, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay.
- Spring (March–April): Around 15°C to 25°C with pleasant conditions and blooming flowers. Suggested destinations include Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Moc Chau.
- Summer (May–August): Temperatures can rise above 30°C with hot, humid conditions and frequent afternoon showers. Suggested destinations include Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Ba Be National Park.
- Autumn (September–November): Around 20°C to 25°C with cooler conditions. Suggested destinations include Mu Cang Chai, Ha Giang, and Hanoi.
Central Vietnam
- Winter (December–February): Around 18°C to 25°C. Suggested destinations include Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang.
- Spring (March–April): Around 20°C to 30°C with comfortable conditions for exploring Da Nang, Hoi An, and Quy Nhon.
- Summer (May–August): Temperatures can rise above 35°C with hot and humid weather. Suggested destinations include Nha Trang, Phong Nha, and My Son Sanctuary.
- Autumn (September–November): Central Vietnam can experience heavy rain and typhoons, especially during parts of September and October.
Southern Vietnam
- Dry season (December–May): Around 25°C to 35°C, generally warm and dry. Suggested destinations include Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, and the Mekong Delta.
- Rainy season (June–November): Warm and humid with frequent afternoon rain and lush scenery. Suggested destinations include Can Tho, Con Dao, and Vung Tau.
Travel tips for France citizens visiting Vietnam
- Check your permitted stay: If traveling under the visa exemption, make sure your entire planned visit remains within the applicable visa-free period.
- Plan ahead: Research destinations and book accommodation early during peak travel periods.
- Visa and documents: If using an eVisa, check the information carefully before departure and keep your travel documents accessible.
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. ATMs and currency-exchange services are widely available.
- Language: Learning basic phrases such as “Xin chào” (Hello) and “Cảm ơn” (Thank you) can be helpful.
- Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and respect local customs.
- Transportation: Use reliable transportation options such as Grab for city travel and domestic flights for longer distances.
- Connectivity: Consider obtaining a local SIM card or suitable roaming package for navigation and communication.
- Cuisine: Try Vietnamese dishes such as pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls while choosing hygienic and reputable vendors.
Frequently asked questions about Vietnam Visa for France Citizens
How long can France citizens stay in Vietnam without a visa?
French passport holders may stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days under the visa-exemption information provided in this guide.
Can France citizens apply for a Vietnam eVisa?
Yes. France citizens can apply for a Vietnam eVisa online when they require a visa for their travel plans.
How long can a Vietnam eVisa be valid?
The existing France guide lists Vietnam eVisa options ranging from 30 to 90 days, with single and multiple-entry options.
How much is the Vietnam government eVisa fee?
The existing France guide lists US$25 for a single-entry visa and US$50 for a multiple-entry visa when applying through the government system.
Can I expedite a Vietnam eVisa that is already pending?
If you have already submitted an eVisa application and it remains pending close to your departure date, you can check whether assistance is available through our Expedited Pending Vietnam eVisa service.
Do France citizens need an eVisa for a trip shorter than 45 days?
If a French passport holder qualifies for Vietnam's visa exemption and the entire visit falls within the permitted 45-day visa-free period, an eVisa is generally not required for that stay.
Planning a longer stay in Vietnam?
France citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to Vietnam for eligible short visits within the applicable 45-day period. If your planned stay is longer or your travel purpose requires a visa, arrange the appropriate visa before departure and carefully review your application information.
👉 Staying longer? Apply for your Vietnam eVisa online
Already submitted your application? 👉 Expedite your pending Vietnam eVisa
