Vietnam Visa for French Citizens (France) – How to apply

Do French people need a visa for Vietnam?

No, French citizens can stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. Vietnam generally requires a visa for entry, but it offers visa exemptions to select countries, including France. This makes short-term visits for French travelers simple and hassle-free.

How does a visa-free entry work?

Visa-free entry for French citizens means you don’t need to do anything in advance or upon arrival—no paperwork, no fees, and no need to carry extra documents like passport photos. However, there are a few requirements to keep in mind:

• Maximum stay of 45 days.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
• Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

Vietnam e-visa for France

For French citizens, an e-visa is generally not needed thanks to the visa exemption program allowing stays of up to 45 days. The only reason to apply for an e-visa is if you plan to stay longer than 45 days, as the e-visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. This is ideal for those who need more time to explore Vietnam.

The e-visa is the replacement for the old visa-on-arrival system, where travelers had to request an approval letter through a local agency. Now, the process is much simpler—you can apply for an e-visa entirely online through the official website of the Vietnamese Immigration Department.

Important notes:

1. An e-visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days, depending on the dates you specify in your application. It is not automatically valid for 90 days but only for the period you request, up to the maximum.
2. Processing times typically take 3 to 5 working days but can be longer during national holidays or if there are errors in your application. Apply well in advance to avoid delays.

Steps to Apply for a Vietnam e-visa

Step 1: Use the official Vietnamese Immigration website

There are many visa services that offer Vietnam visas, but using these services means you’ll pay the standard $25 fee plus their surcharge, and you’ll still need to provide the same information. Additionally, their processing times may vary and could be longer. To avoid unnecessary delays and costs, apply directly through the official Vietnamese Immigration website: https://evisa.gov.vn.

Step 2: Fill in all details correctly

You’ll need to upload:

• A passport-style photo.
• A scan or clear photo of your passport’s biographical page.

Double-check all the information you enter. If there’s an error, you’ll receive a notification to correct it, but this will restart the 3-5 working day processing time. If your name or other critical details are incorrect on the issued e-visa, it will be invalid, and you could be denied entry.

Tip: Read our complete guide and tips for “Applying for a Vietnam e-visa” to avoid mistakes and ensure your application is processed smoothly.

Step 3: Pay the fee and wait

The e-visa application fee is $25 USD. Once you’ve paid, processing will take 3-5 working days. Note that processing does not occur on weekends or during official Vietnamese holidays. Keep in mind any time differences, and if you haven’t received an update after a week, check your email’s spam folder.

Step 4: Receive and print your e-visa

While it’s acceptable to show the e-visa on your phone, it’s recommended to print a physical copy as a backup. This ensures you can present it whenever required, even in areas with limited phone access.

FAQ about Vietnam visas