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French passport holders are eligible for 45 days of visa-free entry to Vietnam. Learn about entry requirements, eVisa applications for longer stays, and consular services.
Visa Requirements for French Citizens
For stays of 45 days or less, French passport holders are exempt from requiring a visa to enter Vietnam. This policy applies to tourism, business, and transit purposes.
For stays exceeding 45 days, up to a maximum of 90 days, French citizens must apply for a Vietnam eVisa online through the official National Web Portal on Immigration prior to departure.
The visa exemption allows for a maximum stay of 45 days per entry. The eVisa is valid for entry at any of the 83 approved international checkpoints, including airports, land borders, and seaports.
Visa Options for French Travelers
| Entry Type | Maximum Duration | Official Fee | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | Up to 45 days | Free | Short-term visits |
| eVisa (Single Entry) | Up to 90 days | $25 USD | Extended stays |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry) | Up to 90 days | $50 USD | Regional travel and multiple entries |
Entry Requirements
When utilizing the visa exemption or entering with an eVisa, French citizens must ensure:
- The passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival in Vietnam.
- The passport contains at least 2 blank pages for immigration stamps.
- A valid onward or return ticket is presented upon request.
- Note: Emergency passports (passeport d'urgence) may be subject to additional scrutiny or rejection for visa-free entry; a standard biometric passport is recommended.
Flight Routes: France to Vietnam
Direct and connecting flight routes are available between France and Vietnam:
- Direct Flights: Vietnam Airlines and Air France operate direct routes from Paris (CDG) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Hanoi (HAN), with flight times of approximately 11-12 hours.
- Connecting Flights: Transit options are available through international hubs via airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
French Consular Assistance in Vietnam
For emergency assistance, French citizens can contact diplomatic representations in Vietnam:
Embassy of France in Hanoi
- Address: 57 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Telephone: +84 24 3944 5700
- Email: [email protected]
Consulate General of France in Ho Chi Minh City
- Address: 27 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Telephone: +84 28 3520 6800
Practical Information
- Currency: The Euro (EUR) is not widely accepted. Travelers should exchange to Vietnamese Dong (VND).
- Time Zone: Vietnam operates on GMT+7, which is 6 hours ahead of Central European Time (CET), or 5 hours ahead during summer (CEST).
- Healthcare: The French national healthcare system (Sécurité sociale) does not provide coverage in Vietnam. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Electricity: Vietnam uses 220V/50Hz. Type C plugs, standard in France, are widely compatible without an adapter.