France entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter France. Apply at the French embassy or consulate in Vietnam before you travel. This rule stays in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter France. Apply at the French consulate or visa application center in your home country. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — submit your application no later than 6 months and no earlier than 15 days before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in France. Schengen rules do not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but some airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen zone | Border officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area within your visa's validity. A flight, train, or bus booking works — just have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you're staying each night. Have hotel confirmations, a rental agreement, or a signed letter from your host with their address and contact details ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can request evidence of sufficient funds — roughly €65 per day of stay. Bank statements, traveler's cheques, or a sponsor letter with their bank records all work. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
You cannot get a visa on arrival in France. Submit your application at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to avoid delays. Processing can take up to 15 days, and longer during peak season.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Submit your visa application at the French embassy or consulate in Vietnam. You'll need to book an appointment, fill out the form, and provide supporting documents. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and a cover letter explaining your trip. Make copies of everything.
3
Attend the visa interview
Show up at the embassy on your appointment date. Bring all original documents plus photocopies. You'll be fingerprinted and may answer questions about your trip.
4
Wait for visa decision
After the interview, wait for the embassy to process your application. You'll be notified when your passport is ready for collection or delivery.
5
Arrive in France
At the airport, go to the 'All Passports' queue. Present your passport with the visa sticker, boarding pass, and any documents immigration asks for (return ticket, accommodation proof).
Download France Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa; must leave Schengen after 90 days.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
Validity6 months to 5 years (based on history)
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers; requires strong prior travel record.
Long-Stay Visa (National D Visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost€99 (≈$108 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or retirement; requires specific sponsorship.
work visa
Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)
Up to 4 years, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For highly skilled workers, researchers, or investors. Requires a job offer or business plan with minimum salary threshold. Includes family reunification.
Apply student visa
Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a French university or recognized institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds (€615/month). Allows part-time work.
Apply retirement visa
Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)
1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For retirees or those with sufficient passive income (no work allowed). Requires proof of funds (at least €1,200/month) and health insurance. Not a path to citizenship.
Apply family visa
Family Reunification Visa (Visa de Regroupement Familial)
1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For spouses and minor children of French residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and sponsor's income. Processing takes several months.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children 6-12 (€40). | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same base fee; validity depends on travel history. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Long-Stay Visa (National D Visa)For stays over 90 days (work, study, family). | €99 (≈$108 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Applied at departure; maximum cap varies but can reach €500+. | €30–€50 per day (≈$33–$55 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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 France
Transit visa required
Vietnam passport holders need an airport transit visa (VAT) to change flights in France, even if staying airside, unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, US, UK, Canada, Japan, or certain other countries.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, or South Korea visa
- Holders of a valid residence permit from Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, or Vatican City
Transit hubsCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) · Orly Airport (ORY) · Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for France
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural/forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter months; annual flu shot advised.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Paris
Préfecture de Police de Paris – Service des Étrangers
Place Louis Lépine, 75004 Paris
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required online.
Marseille
Préfecture des Bouches-du-Rhône – Service des Étrangers
Place Félix Baret, 13001 Marseille
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles long-stay visa renewals; bring all original documents.
Practical information for VN travellers
Country basics
CapitalParis
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended for longer stays.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C, E — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe throughout France. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' for free tap water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to France
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to France — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need a Schengen visa. Apply at the French embassy or consulate in Vietnam before you travel. The visa allows stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Processing usually takes about 15 calendar days. It can take longer during peak seasons (summer, holidays). Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
No, the Schengen visa cannot be extended for tourism. You must leave the Schengen area after 90 days. For longer stays, apply for a long-stay visa before traveling.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, travel insurance, bank statements (last 3-6 months), and a cover letter explaining your trip.
The standard fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Fees are paid in Vietnamese dong at the current exchange rate. Additional service fees may apply.
Yes, a Schengen visa issued by any member country allows you to enter France. But you must enter the country that issued the visa first, or spend the most days there. If you're visiting multiple countries, apply at the embassy of your main destination.
You can appeal the decision within 30 days. The embassy will provide a reason for rejection. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to Vietnam. You can reapply with stronger documentation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.