Vietnam entry requirements for France passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
45 days
Max stay
45 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
French passport holders can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making short trips straightforward. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Vietnam eVisa | Apply online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The fee is $25 USD for single or multiple entry, valid up to 90 days. Processing takes 3 working days — apply at least a week before travel.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Vietnam. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound flight required | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight within the 45-day visa-free period. Budget airlines at Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation ready. Immigration may ask for your address in Vietnam during the entry interview. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers rarely ask, but it's a formal requirement for visa-free entry. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 45 days only
French passport holders get 45 days visa-free. This is not extendable. If you plan a longer trip, apply for a visa before you go.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this at check-in. If it's close, renew before booking.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Book a return/onward ticket and first night's accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone. Consider getting travel insurance and a local eSIM.
2
Arrive at Vietnamese airport
At Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), or Da Nang airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
3
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket or accommodation confirmation. Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in for up to 45 days.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No additional forms needed for visa-free entry.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$25 USD (approx. 600,000 VND)
Apply at Vietnamese embassy or online eVisa; for longer stays beyond visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 1,200,000 VND)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple entries; can extend once.
Long-stay visa (1 year, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 2,400,000 VND)
Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose; available through agents or embassy.
retirement visa
Vietnam Retirement Visa (TT visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD/year + agent fees
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or income. Requires a local sponsor or agent. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
work visa
Vietnam Work Visa (LD visa)
1-2 years, renewable
~$200 USD/year + employer costs
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Vietnamese company. Requires work permit and health check. Common for expats.
investor visa
Vietnam Investor Visa (DT visa)
1-5 years, renewable
~$500 USD+ depending on investment
For investors with minimum capital of $50,000 USD in a Vietnamese business. Offers long-term residency and family inclusion.
student visa
Vietnam Student Visa (DH visa)
Up to course duration, renewable
~$100 USD/year
For enrolled students at Vietnamese universities or language schools. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (1 month)Extension possible via immigration office or agent; max 1-3 months. | ~$25 USD (approx. 600,000 VND) |
| Overstay fine per dayFines apply for overstaying visa-free period; max cap may apply. | ~$10 USD (approx. 250,000 VND) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)For stays beyond 45 days or multiple entries; apply online or at embassy. | ~$25 USD (approx. 600,000 VND) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within validity; useful for side trips. | ~$50 USD (approx. 1,200,000 VND) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Vietnam
No transit visa needed
French passport holders transiting through Vietnam airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsNoi Bai International Airport (HAN), Hanoi · Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City · Da Nang International Airport (DAD), Da Nang
Health & vaccines for Vietnam
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and avoid standing water.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; higher in rural highlands; consider prophylaxis for remote travel.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in major cities and tourist hubs; moderate risk in rural highlands (e.g., Da Lat). Prophylaxis recommended for extended rural stays.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Hanoi
Hanoi Immigration Office
44 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
For extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and TM.7 form.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat 08:00–12:00
Popular for extensions; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for FR travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,256 VND
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+12h (EST) / +11h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+15h (PST) / +14h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CType A, C, F — US plugs (Type A) fit some sockets. Bring an adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Vietnam
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Vietnam — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 45 days, you must apply for a visa (e.g., e-visa or visa on arrival) before traveling, or leave the country and re-enter.
You need a visa. French citizens can apply for a 90-day e-visa online (cost around $25 USD, processing 3-5 business days) or get a visa on arrival with a pre-approval letter from a travel agency. Overstaying without a visa can result in fines.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for visa-free entry. Just present your passport at immigration.
Yes, you can enter multiple times, but each stay is limited to 45 days. There's no minimum gap required between visits, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back trips.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Vietnamese immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you stay in the international transit area and don't clear immigration, no visa is needed. If you plan to leave the airport, you'll need a visa or use the visa-free entry (if your layover is within 45 days).
No, it's not mandatory. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Vietnam can be high for foreigners. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.