Visa-Free Entry for French Citizens

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.

Entry Process

When you arrive in Vietnam, you will pass through immigration control where an officer will:

1. Check your passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and have at least two blank pages for stamps.12 Damaged passports or those reported lost or stolen will result in entry denial.

2. Stamp your passport

Your passport will be stamped with the entry date and the date by which you must depart (45 days later).1 This stamp is your proof of legal entry and permitted stay duration.

3. May ask about your visit

Be prepared to briefly explain your purpose (tourism, visiting family, business meetings). Officers may ask about your accommodation or return travel, though this is uncommon for French tourists.

The entry process is typically quick and straightforward for French passport holders. Most travelers clear immigration within 15-30 minutes, though wait times vary by airport and time of day.

Understanding the 45-Day Rule

Vietnam’s visa exemption allows French citizens to stay up to 45 days per entry.34 Here is how it works:

Key points:

• Maximum stay is 45 days per entry
• No minimum period required between exits
• You can leave Vietnam and re-enter for another 45 days immediately
• Overstaying results in fines of approximately $25 USD per day
• The exemption covers tourism, visiting family, and short business activities

Planning a longer trip? If you want to stay more than 45 days continuously, apply for a Vietnam e-visa before your trip. The e-visa allows stays up to 90 days.2

Example: If you enter Vietnam on April 1, you must leave by May 16 (45 days later). You could immediately re-enter for another 45 days, or apply for an e-visa before your trip to stay up to 90 days.

What You Need at the Border

Entry is straightforward for French citizens. While rarely checked, border officers can request:1

Practical tip: Have your hotel booking and return flight accessible on your phone. Most French tourists pass through immigration with just a passport check and quick stamp.

Fees

The visa-free entry is completely free for French citizens.3 E-visa fees are paid online during the application process.2

E-Visa Option for Longer Stays

If you plan to stay in Vietnam longer than 45 days, apply for an e-visa before your trip:2

E-visa details:

• Duration: Up to 90 days
• Entry type: Single or multiple entry available
• Cost: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry)
• Processing: 3-5 working days
• Application: Online at evisa.gov.vn

Application steps:

1. Visit the official e-visa portal at evisa.gov.vn or thithucdientu.gov.vn
2. Complete the online application form with personal and travel details
3. Upload a passport photo and passport bio page scan
4. Pay the visa fee online
5. Receive your e-visa by email within 3-5 working days
6. Print the e-visa and present it at immigration

Important: Only use the official government portals (evisa.gov.vn or thithucdientu.gov.vn). Third-party websites often charge excessive fees for the same service.

Overstay Penalties

Vietnam enforces its visa rules strictly. If you overstay your 45-day allowance, you face fines and potential further consequences.

How to avoid overstaying:

• Note your exit deadline from your entry stamp
• Set a calendar reminder a week before your departure deadline
• If you want to stay longer, apply for an e-visa extension or visit Vietnam Immigration

If you realize you will overstay: Visit the nearest Vietnam Immigration Department office before your 45 days expire to apply for an extension or new visa. This is much better than overstaying and paying fines.

Entry Points

French citizens can use visa-free entry at all of Vietnam’s international airports and border crossings.2

Major airports:

Land border crossings:

Visa-free entry is also available at land borders with Cambodia, Laos, and China. Popular crossings include:

• Moc Bai (Vietnam-Cambodia, near Ho Chi Minh City)
• Lao Bao (Vietnam-Laos)
• Huu Nghi (Vietnam-China, Friendship Gate)

Working in Vietnam

Visa-free entry does not permit any form of employment.1

What you can do:

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Visiting family or friends
• Attending business meetings or conferences
• Short educational courses

What requires a work visa:

• Any paid employment
• Freelance work or remote work for Vietnamese companies
• Volunteering (in some cases)
• Teaching English or other subjects
• Starting or operating a business

If you plan to work in Vietnam, you must obtain a work permit through a Vietnamese employer and apply for the appropriate visa before arriving.

If You Are Denied Entry

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:

1. Stay calm and request a written explanation
2. Ask to speak with a supervisor if you believe there is a misunderstanding
3. You have the right to contact the French Embassy or Consulate
4. 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

Travel Tips for Vietnam

Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. ATMs are widely available. Some places accept EUR or USD for larger purchases, but Dong is preferred.

Weather: Vietnam has diverse climates. The south (Ho Chi Minh City) is warm year-round. The north (Hanoi) has distinct seasons with cooler winters. Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An) can experience typhoons from September to November.

Transportation: Domestic flights, trains, and buses connect major cities. Grab (similar to Uber) is popular in cities. Motorbike taxis are common but require caution.

Health: Tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water. Consider travel vaccinations for Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid. Bring mosquito repellent, especially for rural areas.

Communication: WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and provide good coverage nationwide.

French influence: Vietnam was part of French Indochina, and French colonial architecture remains in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other cities. Some older Vietnamese speak French, and you will find French bakeries and cafes throughout the country.