Vietnam Visa for France Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Vietnam as a French citizen? You do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 45 days. This visa exemption, established by Resolution 44/NQ-CP, applies to all passport types and entry purposes. Simply arrive with a valid passport and enjoy your visit. For stays beyond 45 days, apply for an e-visa online for up to 90 days.

Visa Application Steps

1. Check your passport
2. Stamp your passport
3. May ask about your visit

Visa Fees breakdown

Entry Type: Cost	Visa-free entry: Free	E-visa (single entry): $25 USD	E-visa (multiple entry): $50 USD	The visa-free entry is completely free for French citizens.3 E-visa fees are paid online during the application process.2

Required documents

Valid French Passport
Entry and Exit Stamps

Valid French Passport

Your passport must meet specific validity requirements for entry into Vietnam • Valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry; • At least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps; • Must not be damaged, defaced, or reported lost or stolen] (Tip: Check your passport expiry date before booking flightsThe 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Vietnamese immigration)

Entry and Exit Stamps

Your passport must be stamped upon entry and exit from Vietnam • Ensure you receive an entry stamp when arriving in Vietnam; • Entry stamps indicate the date by which you must leave (45 days later); • Get an exit stamp when leaving to avoid future entry problems] (Tip: If border officers do not stamp your passport, politely request they do soMissing stamps can result in fines and difficulties on future visits)

Optional documents

Return or Onward Travel | Proof of Accommodation | Sufficient Financial Means | Health and Vaccination | Purpose of Visit

Return or Onward Travel

Proof that you will leave Vietnam within the allowed stay period • Return flight ticket to France; • Or onward travel ticket to another country; • Airlines may request this before boarding] (Tip: Having a return ticket ready can speed up border processingIf traveling one-way, be prepared to explain your exit plans)

Proof of Accommodation

Evidence of where you will stay during your visit • Hotel reservations; • Vacation rental confirmation; • Address where you will be staying] (Tip: Have reservation confirmations accessible on your phoneVietnamese immigration may ask for a local address)

Sufficient Financial Means

Ability to support yourself during your stay • Credit cards or debit cards; • Cash in EUR, USD, or Vietnamese Dong; • Bank statements if questioned] (Tip: There is no specific minimum amount required for French citizensHaving access to funds is common sense for any international travel)

Health and Vaccination

Vietnam has no mandatory vaccination requirements for French tourists • No mandatory vaccinations for entry; • Recommended: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus; • Yellow fever certificate required only if arriving from endemic countries] (Tip: Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations before travelBring mosquito repellent for tropical regions)

Purpose of Visit

Be prepared to explain why you are visiting Vietnam • Tourism: sightseeing, beaches, cultural exploration; • Visiting family or friends; • Business meetings (short-term, not employment)] (Tip: Have a brief, honest explanation readyVisa-free entry does not allow paid work in Vietnam)

Border entry information

French citizens enjoy visa-free access to Vietnam for tourism, business visits, or visiting family for up to 45 days per entry.1 This exemption, established by Vietnam’s Resolution 44/NQ-CP, is valid from March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028 and may be extended.34 No application, payment, or advance authorization is required. Simply arrive at any Vietnamese international airport or border crossing with a valid passport.
The 45-day visa exemption applies to all French passport types and all purposes of entry, provided you meet Vietnam’s general entry conditions.3 This policy places France among 13 countries enjoying visa-free access to Vietnam, alongside Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and other European nations.

If your application is denied

Entry denial for French citizens is rare but can happen. If denied, you will receive an explanation of the reason.
Common reasons for denial:
Passport validity under 6 months
Damaged or defaced passport
Passport reported lost or stolen
Previous overstays or deportations from Vietnam
Criminal record, especially drug-related offenses
Health concerns or contagious disease
Immediate steps if denied:
Stay calm and request a written explanation
Ask to speak with a supervisor if you believe there is a misunderstanding
You have the right to contact the French Embassy or Consulate
Do not attempt to argue or become confrontational
After denial:
Address the specific issue before attempting re-entry
For passport problems, renew your passport
For previous violations, wait until any ban period expires
For security concerns, consult the Vietnamese Embassy in France

Comparison

Requirement	Details
Valid passport	6+ months validity beyond entry, at least two blank pages
Return or onward travel	Ticket showing exit from Vietnam (sometimes requested)
Accommodation	Hotel booking or address where staying (sometimes requested)
Purpose of visit	Brief explanation if asked

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
45%	Invalid or Insufficient Passport
20%	Previous Immigration Violations
15%	Incomplete or Suspicious Documentation
12%	Security or Criminal Record Concerns
8%	Health-Related Issues

45% - Invalid or Insufficient Passport

How to avoid: Check your passport before traveling. Renew if it expires within 8 months of your trip. Ensure you have at least two blank pages.

20% - Previous Immigration Violations

How to avoid: If you have previously overstayed in Vietnam, verify your status before traveling. Entry bans can last several years depending on violation severity.

15% - Incomplete or Suspicious Documentation

How to avoid: Have hotel bookings, return flight, and a clear travel plan ready. Answer immigration questions honestly and consistently.

12% - Security or Criminal Record Concerns

How to avoid: Vietnam may deny entry to individuals with certain criminal records, especially drug-related offenses. Consult the Vietnamese Embassy if you have concerns.

8% - Health-Related Issues

How to avoid: If you are visibly unwell, immigration may question your health status. Ensure you are fit to travel.

Frequently asked questions

Do French citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam?

No. French citizens can visit Vietnam for tourism without a visa for stays up to 45 days. This exemption, under Resolution 44/NQ-CP, is valid from March 15, 2026 to March 14, 2028 and applies regardless of passport type or purpose of entry.

How long can French citizens stay in Vietnam without a visa?

French citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days per entry without a visa. There is no minimum period required between exits, so you can leave and re-enter for another 45-day period.

What passport requirements does Vietnam have for French citizens?

Your French passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date into Vietnam and have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Can I stay longer than 45 days in Vietnam?

Yes. If you want to stay longer than 45 days, apply for a Vietnam e-visa before your trip at evisa.gov.vn. The e-visa allows stays up to 90 days with single or multiple entries. Costs are $25 for single entry and $50 for multiple entry.

What documents do I need to enter Vietnam as a French citizen?

You only need a valid French passport meeting the 6-month validity requirement. While border officers may ask about your accommodation, return travel, and purpose of visit, these checks are uncommon for French tourists.

Can French citizens work in Vietnam on visa-free entry?

No. Visa-free entry only permits tourism, visiting family or friends, and short business activities like meetings. Any paid or unpaid employment requires a work visa applied for before traveling.

What happens if I overstay my 45 days in Vietnam?

Overstaying results in fines of approximately $25 USD per day of overstay. Extended overstays can lead to detention, deportation, and entry bans. If you realize you will overstay, apply for an e-visa extension or visit Vietnam Immigration before your 45 days expire.

Is there an e-visa option for French citizens?

Yes. While French citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 45 days, you can apply for an e-visa at evisa.gov.vn for stays up to 90 days. This is useful if you plan to stay longer than 45 days. Processing takes 3-5 working days.

Which airports and border crossings accept visa-free entry?

Visa-free entry is available at all Vietnamese international airports and land border crossings. Major entry points include Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai (Hanoi), Da Nang International Airport, and land borders with Cambodia, Laos, and China.

Do I need travel insurance for Vietnam?

Travel insurance is not a formal entry requirement for French citizens visiting Vietnam. However, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation, as healthcare costs can be significant.

Apply for Vietnam tourist visa online

Sources

Vietnamese Embassy in France - Visa Exemption Policy

https://vnembassy-paris.mofa.gov.vn/en-us/Consular%20Services/Visa%20Exemption/

Vietnam Immigration Department - E-Visa Portal

https://evisa.gov.vn

Vietnam Tourism - Visa Waiver Announcement

https://vietnam.travel/things-to-do/viet-nam-waives-visas-citizens-12-countries

Resolution 44/NQ-CP - Visa Exemption for 12 Countries

https://english.luatvietnam.vn/ngoai-giao/resolution-44-nq-cp-2025-on-visa-exemption

French Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Vietnam Travel Advice

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/vietnam/

At a glance