1. Visa Exemption for French Citizens

Since 15 August 2023, French nationals have been exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 45 days (including the day of entry and the day of departure). This exemption applies regardless of passport type or purpose of travel. However, to qualify, your French passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Vietnam.

For stays longer than 45 days, a visa is required. You can apply for an e-visa online through Vietnam's national immigration portal. This e-visa allows multiple entries for a maximum stay of 90 days.

2. Visa Requirements for Other French-Speaking Citizens

If you are a citizen of Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, or another French-speaking country (Morocco, Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, etc.), a visa is required to enter Vietnam, regardless of the length of your stay.

You can apply online for an electronic visa (e-visa), which allows either a single entry or multiple entries for a maximum stay of 90 days. For stays longer than 90 days, you'll need to obtain a visa from your nearest Vietnamese embassy before departure.

3. Requirements to Obtain an E-Visa

To apply for a Vietnam e-visa, you'll need to meet the following requirements:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date into Vietnam and have at least 2 blank pages.
• You must provide a digital copy of your passport's full identification page (JPEG format).
• You must provide a recent passport-style photo that meets e-visa requirements (JPEG format).

The Vietnamese Immigration Department's online portal

• You must have an active email address to receive the OTP code.
• You must have a credit or debit card to pay the visa fee.
• You can access the Vietnamese Immigration Department's online portal at: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/web/guest/khai-thi-thuc-dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tu (the site is in English)

4. E-Visa Fees and Processing Times

The fees for obtaining a Vietnam e-visa are as follows:

• Single-entry visa: USD 25
• Multiple-entry visa: USD 50

As for processing times, they generally vary as follows:

• Less than 3 business days: 5% of applicants
• 3 business days: 75% of applicants
• 4–5 business days: 15% of applicants
• More than 5 business days: 5% of applicants

Sample e-visa

5. Practical Tips

When Should You Apply for a Vietnam Visa?

It's strongly recommended that you prepare your Vietnam visa application at least two weeks before your planned travel date. Don't leave it to the last minute — processing times can sometimes stretch to as long as 15 days for an e-visa. If you're travelling during peak tourist season, plan even further ahead and submit your application even earlier.

Can I Enter Vietnam Through Any Entry Point with My E-Visa?

Unfortunately, no — this flexibility isn't allowed. You must enter Vietnam through the specific entry point listed on your approved e-visa. Attempting to enter through a different point of entry will result in your being denied admission into Vietnam. Be sure to select the correct entry point when submitting your e-visa application.

Do I Have to Enter Vietnam on the Exact Date Stated on My E-Visa Approval Letter?

You may enter Vietnam on any date between the arrival and departure dates shown on your approved e-visa. However, entering before the stated arrival date is not permitted.

Avoiding Mistakes

To avoid any issues with your e-visa application, carefully double-check all the information you provide. Also make sure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Vietnam.

Photos

As for the ID photo to include with your application, it should be recent, in standard passport format, with a plain background. Your face must be clearly visible, with a neutral expression and your gaze looking straight at the camera.

Want to find the ideal French-speaking guide in Vietnam and check rates? Get in touch with TYPIC Travel.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines and preparing your visa application in advance, you'll be able to make the most of your trip to Vietnam. Feel free to contact our travel agency if you need help applying for your visa or arranging a tailor-made tour in Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia.

---

Share: