Vietnam Visa for French Citizens: Exemption Guide

Are you a French citizen eager to explore the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history of Vietnam? As a top travel destination in Southeast Asia, Vietnam offers unforgettable experiences for all types of travelers. But before you embark on your adventure, you'll need to understand the Vietnam visa for French citizens. 

1. Visa Exemption for French Citizens

Good news for the holders of French passports! If you're going to Vietnam for less than 45 days, then there might not be any need to apply for a visa at all. As per the policy of exempting visas for French citizens visiting Vietnam, one can enjoy a visa-free journey in Vietnam for up to 45 days for whatever purpose your visit could be one for tourism, business, or even personal. This makes planning your trip to Vietnam easier, and more flexible; if it is only a brief term, there is no urge to do complicated procedures related to visas.

However, there are a few important details to note:

• Duration: The French will be able to stay in Vietnam for 45 continuous days without a visa. The longer you stay, the more you will have to apply for a visa.
• Purpose: This is for most common travel purposes, either tourism or business.
• Re-entry: In case you visited Vietnam without a visa, then it will take 30 days before you are allowed to re-enter.
• COVID-19 exceptions: Please be informed that policies may have changed due to pandemic-related regulations so always check the latest guidelines before traveling.

2. Applying for a Vietnam Visa from France

For those planning a stay beyond 45 days or who want to avoid the re-entry wait, applying for a visa is straightforward. You can apply at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in France, and here's how:

Step-by-step Guide

1. Prepare your documents: Have with you a valid passport that has at least six months validity, passport photos, in addition to any document that might have been required for traveling to that place, like your flight itinerary and proof of accommodation.
2. Submit your application: If possible, go to the French embassy or consulate in Vietnam, have them provide you with a visa application form, and make sure all information has been given to you correctly.
3. Pay the fees: The visa fees vary in type and duration of stay, so inquiries from the embassy on the exact amount should be made.
4. Wait for processing: This will take anything from a few days to weeks depending on the type of visa the person is applying for. Ensure you apply with good timing in advance according to your planned travel dates to avoid the last-minute stress that comes with it.
5. Collect your visa: When approved, you will be mailed your visa, which will be used upon entering Vietnam.

Tips:

• Be sure to check visa exemption dates to know how many days you have remaining if your travel dates are near your day limit of 45 days.
• Processing times and fees should always be verified with the embassy directly for accuracy to avoid any hitches while applying.

3. Applying for a Vietnam E-Visa

Want an easier option? Applying for a Vietnam e-Visa is a quick and convenient way for French citizens to secure their visa before arrival, especially if you’re entering via one of Vietnam’s major airports like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

Here’s how the process works:

Step-by-step Guide for E-Visa Application

1. Check eligibility: Make sure to use the eligibility check to find out if you are eligible for an e-visa. The majority of French passport holders can apply, and the e-Visa is issued for up to 90 days for both tourism and business.
2. Gather your documents: You will need a digital copy of your page in the passport, passport photos, and a valid means of payment, such as a credit/debit card or PayPal.
3. Complete the application form: Log in to any official e-Visa website or other trusted services, such as iVisa. You will be asked to set a date of travel and fill in your passport number, and other identification information.
4. Pay the fee: The cost of an eVisa will vary depending on the processing time. You can choose between Standard Processing and Super Rush Processing, which takes as little as 8 days. The cost will vary from about USD 62.99 to $100.99.
5. Receive your e-Visa: When your visa is processed, you will be sent your Vietnam e-Visa via email. Download and print out a copy; take it with you on your travel.
6. Present your e-Visa upon arrival: Upon arrival, show your printed e-Visa at the airport or border entry point along with your passport, it’s that simple!

Why choose an e-visa?

• Faster processing: With options to expedite, you can get your visa as early as 8 days.
• Convenient online application: French embassy in Vietnam no physical need for it, it's online!
• Avoid scams: Be sure to only utilize authorized providers like iVisa to avoid scam websites.

4. Visa on Arrival for French Citizens

For those planning to fly into Vietnam, another convenient option is the Visa on Arrival (VOA), available to French citizens at certain international airports. This option is perfect if you prefer to sort out your visa when you land at major airports like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, or Nha Trang.

Eligibility and Process

To obtain a Visa on Arrival, French passport holders must:

1. Apply online for a visa approval letter: You will be obliged to apply online for a visa approval letter from a trusted service provider before getting a visa upon arrival.
2. Bring required documents: Upon arrival in Vietnam, one will need an approval letter, a passport with at least six months of validity, passport photos, and the visa stamping fee in USD.
3. Pay the visa stamping fee: Payment for single or multiple entries. The normal charge is usually USD 25 for a single entry and $50 for multiple entries.
4. Receive your visa: Present your documents to the Visa on Arrival counter, and voil vous will have your visa to Vietnam right there at the airport.

Keep in mind that the Visa on Arrival is only applicable if you're entering Vietnam by air. If you're arriving by land or sea, you'll need to arrange your visa beforehand.

5. Common Reasons for Vietnam Visa Refusal

While the process of applying for a Vietnam Visa for French Citizen is generally straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls that could lead to rejection. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Incorrect or mismatched information: From using the wrong passport number to input to using the wrong format for dates, Vietnam accepts DD/MM/YY, which can delay or invalidate your visa.
2. Insufficient passport validity: The passport has to be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Vietnam. If not, your visa will be denied.
3. Unclear passport photos: Anytime one is submitting, one should always ensure that the passport photo observes the necessary spec. Poor quality or unmatched guidelines delay it.
4. Overstaying previous visas: If you have overstayed any previous Vietnam visa, it may affect your next application for a visa. The conditions of the visa should be followed strictly, and one must leave before its expiration.

Tip: To possibly avoid all of these complications, check that all application details are correct, and your passport is updated, and don't go through some shady provider to apply for an e-Visa or even a Visa on Arrival.

6. Extending a Vietnam Visa

If you’re having such a fantastic time in Vietnam that 45 days or 90 days just isn’t enough, you might want to extend your visa. French citizens can apply for a visa extension without leaving the country, but the process can be a bit complex.

How to Extend Your Vietnam Visa

1. Contact a local visa agency: You will need a local visa agent in Vietnam who can help you process your application with Immigration.
2. Prepare the required documents: You will be needing your passport, your current visa or e-Visa, and recent passport photos. Depending on your visa type, your agent will ask you for other supporting documents.
3. Pay the extension fee: The fees vary depending on the length of extension required, plus urgent or non-urgent. It usually takes approximately 5-7 working days.
4. Receive your visa extension: Your passport will have a new date of exit stamped on it; therefore, now you will be able to legally stay in the country for further time.

Limitations and COVID-19 Considerations

Visa extension policies have seesawed because of the pandemic, and one needs to find out whether there are any restrictions currently. Whereas before it was easier to get one, at the height of the COVID-19 era it got tougher, but then policies may still be in flux.

Tip: Make the application for an extension at least 10 days before the expiration of your current visa, so that there will be no gap in your legal stay.

7. Conclusion

After all, travel to Vietnam has just not been this easy if you had French citizenship! Always verify your travel information, have your passport photos, and choose reputable visa service providers for your visa application, if needed. In case of doubt, the French Embassy in Vietnam will always come in handy.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply for your Vietnam visa for French citizens today and get ready for an unforgettable journey through this vibrant and hospitable country!