Travel to Vietnam: French people without a visa until 2028 🇫🇷✈️🇻🇳

IN BRIEF

The Vietnam prolongs the visa exemption for French nationals.
French citizens can stay for up to 45 days without a visa, regardless of the purpose of the trip.
It is possible to obtain an e-Visa for stays of up to 90 days with multiple entries.
This measure is valid until March 2028.
This regime does not apply to all European countries, but to about a dozen nationalities, including France.

Traveling to Vietnam has never been easier for French travelers! Following the recent extension of a highly anticipated measure, it is now possible to enjoy stays of up to 45 days without a visa, until March 2028. A real boost for those dreaming of pagodas, golden rice fields, and steaming pho without worrying about administrative procedures.

Good news for Asian lovers: Vietnam extends its visa exemption for French citizens! It is now possible to travel until March 2028 without worrying about the lengthy administrative procedures to obtain a visa, for stays lasting up to 45 days. In this article, discover all the subtleties of this extended ease, understand why it delights travelers, what tips to avoid to not find yourself in a ridiculous situation at the border, and how to best prepare for your future Vietnamese adventure.

Here’s an announcement that feels like a desire for escape: Vietnam is extending its visa exemption policy for holders of a French passport. This measure, initially temporary, is now guaranteed until March 2028. Travelers from France can therefore enjoy tourist or business stays of up to 45 days without a visa. No more juggling between administrative documents and headaches for stays of less than a month and a half!

This exemption applies for all sorts of reasons: vacations, business meetings, or simply a desire to savor pho in the bustling streets of Hanoi. For those planning to stay longer or to enter and exit the country multiple times, the famous Vietnamese e-Visa, available online, allows for an extended stay of up to 90 days with multiple entries. Goodbye to the headaches upon arrival: a few clicks are all it takes to venture out and discover Asia’s Dragon.

Why this policy?

Attracting more visitors and encouraging them to return is the stated objective of Hanoi. By restarting and extending the visa exemption for the French, Vietnam is following the trend of many countries by simplifying access to its territory. Authorities aim to boost tourism and reconnect with the pre-pandemic influx, all while avoiding the issues related to visa procedures that can deter the most impatient.

A measure not applicable to the whole of Europe

However, be cautious: while France benefits from this favor, it is not automatic for all its European neighbors. Belgian or Swiss citizens, for example, still have to go through the visa registration process. So, if you dream of a road trip with your French-Belgian friends in Vietnam, please inform your companions: not everyone will receive the same treatment at customs! Before leaving, it is better to be well-informed about the entry rules, as highlighted in this useful article that should be read carefully: 7 travelers out of 10 are unaware of their risk of expulsion.

The small traps to avoid during your stay #

The visa exemption is great, but it doesn’t guarantee smooth border crossings if certain rules are not followed. Make sure to check the exact duration of your stay: the day of arrival counts, as does the day of departure! Distracted travelers who exceed even a single day beyond the authorized limit risk significant setbacks, just like the French family expelled from Mexico for a simple visa error — a story that reminds to check your dates ten times: a family expelled during a road trip.

At the airport, vigilance is also necessary when it comes to formalities. A wrong e-Visa or a forgotten document can be very costly, as demonstrated by the testimonial of a backpacker charged 1,800 euros for a lack of a valid visa: the trap of the invalid visa. It is always better to keep proof of exit from the country (return or onward ticket) handy, as it may be required by Vietnamese immigration officials.

Preparing your trip to Vietnam: practical information and inspirations #

Now that all administrative barriers are falling, it’s time to prepare! Vietnam is an ideal destination in all seasons, whether one chooses to relax on Phu Quoc Island, hike in the mountains of Sapa, or sample the street food in Ho Chi Minh City. Need inspiration or advice? Tap into adventure stories, health and budget tips, or useful information on currency and exchange before you go. And for those who love cruises on Ha Long Bay, a reservation with Filovent promises unforgettable memories filled with adventure.

When it comes to travel, a bit of caution is also necessary: inform yourself about current regulations regarding certain items for import or export, as highlighted in this article on product vigilance: product vigilance upon entry to the UK. And if you wish to broaden your escape desires, why not take a look at the visa requirements for other destinations, like Namibia: visa for Namibia?

In the meantime, Vietnam has never been so accessible and attractive for French travelers eager for adventure, endless rice fields, and vibrant souvenirs to bring back in their travel journals!