Vietnam visa for French citizens: the 45-day exemption and when you still need a visa

French citizens can currently enter Vietnam without a visa and stay for 45 days, whether they come as tourists, to visit family or on a short business trip. Anyone coming to work or to stay long term still needs the right visa and residence documents, and should start early.

The 45-day exemption

Under Government Resolution 44/NQ-CP of 7 March 2025, French citizens may stay for 45 days from the date of entry without a visa, whatever the passport type (official, service or ordinary) or purpose of entry. The conditions: a valid passport issued by the French authorities, valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, and not falling into a case where entry is refused under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam. The policy runs from 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028 and may be extended.

French diplomatic passports

Holders of French diplomatic passports are exempt under a separate bilateral agreement between Vietnam and France, for stays of up to 3 months within a 6-month period. Members of French diplomatic or consular missions posted to Vietnam still need the appropriate visa.

When you still need a visa

• Staying more than 45 days: an e-visa, valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
• Coming to work: a work permit and a work visa, then a temporary residence card.
• Investing or contributing capital: an investor visa.
• A spouse or children joining you: a family visa.

The e-visa for trips longer than 45 days

If you plan to spend more than 45 days in Vietnam for tourism, family or a short business trip, apply for an e-visa before you travel instead of entering visa-free. The e-visa is applied for online, is valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, and is usually processed in 3 working days, longer in peak season. The government fee is USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry. E-visa holders must enter and leave through the ports that accept e-visas.

French documents for a work application

A work permit application usually needs degrees, experience letters and a criminal record certificate issued in France. These must be legalised, unless exempt, then translated into Vietnamese and certified. This takes time, so start before you travel.

Notes

• Visa-free entry does not allow you to work. Working without a permit is a violation.
• Entering visa-free and deciding later to stay long term usually means leaving and re-entering on the right visa.
• Visa exemption policies have end dates and can change. Check again before each trip.

Gateway can check your case or file an e-visa for you.