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🇻🇳VIETNAM
🇩🇪GERMANY (SCHENGEN)VN-DE

Do Vietnam passport holders need a visa to visit Germany (Schengen)?

Yes, a visa is required. Vietnamese ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen short-stay (type C) visa before traveling to Germany for tourism. Germany is a member of the Schengen Area, and Vietnam is on the list of nationalities that require a visa to enter. The German Federal Foreign Office explicitly lists Viet Nam as "visa required." There is no visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa option for Vietnamese ordinary passport holders. You must apply for a Schengen type C short-stay visa in advance, normally through the official partner VFS Global in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen states. ETIAS does NOT apply to Vietnamese nationals, because ETIAS is only for currently visa-exempt nationalities; Vietnam remains visa-required even after ETIAS launches (expected Q4 2026). The standard fee is EUR 90 for adults, and processing typically takes about 15 calendar days but can extend to 45 days in busy periods, so apply well in advance.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen short-stay visa (type C), required
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single, double or multiple (as granted)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 (adult); EUR 45 (child 6-11)
consular fee only
Processing time
~15 calendar days (up to 45 in peak)
standard track
Validity
As granted; aligned to travel dates within the 180-day window
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm the visa type
For tourism, apply for a Schengen short-stay (type C) visa for Germany. Germany must be your main destination or first point of entry.
· Type C· Tourism
/02
Book an appointment via VFS Global
Create an account and book an appointment at the official German visa application centre (VFS Global) in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Apply up to 6 months before travel.
· VFS Global· Hanoi / HCMC
/03
Prepare and complete the application
Fill in the Schengen visa application form, gather supporting documents, and obtain travel medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 coverage valid across the Schengen Area.
· Insurance EUR 30,000· Supporting docs
/04
Attend the appointment and give biometrics
Submit your documents in person, pay the visa fee and service fee, and provide fingerprints and a biometric photo (unless valid prints are on file).
· Biometrics· In person
/05
Wait for processing
Standard processing is about 15 calendar days; it may extend to 30-45 days if additional checks are needed. Track status online via VFS Global.
· ~15 days· Track online
/06
Collect passport and verify visa
Collect your passport, check the visa sticker for correct dates, number of entries and duration, and carry supporting documents when you travel.
· Check sticker· Carry docs
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages
required
Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
required
Two recent biometric passport photos (35x45mm)
required
Travel medical insurance, minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid in Schengen
required
Round-trip flight reservation covering entry and exit
required
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation/formal obligation letter)
required
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, usually last 3-6 months)
required
Proof of employment / business / study and travel purpose (cover letter, itinerary)
required
Visa fee EUR 90 plus VFS Global service fee
required
Previous visas / travel history (if any)
recommended
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard short-stay type C fee; payable in VND equivalent
Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt
VFS Global service fee~EUR 30-35Per application; varies, paid in VND
Travel medical insurance~EUR 20-50Minimum EUR 30,000 coverage required
Total estimateEUR 90 — EUR 175incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing
~15 calendar days
Typical decision time after a complete application is submitted with biometrics.
Peak-season / extended
30-45 days
May apply during high demand or when additional documents or checks are required.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Vietnam is a visa-required nationality for Schengen
The German Federal Foreign Office lists Viet Nam as requiring a visa for any entry, including short tourist stays.
High
/02
No visa-free or visa-on-arrival option
Germany does not offer visa-free entry, eVisa or visa-on-arrival to Vietnamese ordinary passport holders.
High
/03
ETIAS does not cover Vietnam
ETIAS applies only to visa-exempt nationalities. Vietnam remains visa-required, so a full Schengen visa is still needed after ETIAS launches.
Medium
/04
Underestimating processing time
Travelers often apply too late; peak periods can push processing to 30-45 days, risking missed trips.
Medium
/05
Insufficient supporting documents
Refusals commonly stem from weak proof of funds, unclear travel purpose, or missing insurance.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Border control
Carry your Schengen visa, itinerary, insurance, funds proof, and return ticket. Border officers can ask for the same evidence used for the visa.
/02
90/180 tracking
Your allowed stay is counted across the whole Schengen Area, not only Germany. Keep entry and exit dates recorded.
/03
Connectivity
EU roaming works for EU SIMs. Tourist SIMs and eSIMs are available at airports, stations, and electronics shops.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30
Vietnam to Germany route verified
Confirmed via the German Federal Foreign Office that Vietnam remains visa-required for Germany (Schengen type C). Verified ETIAS does not apply to Vietnamese nationals and the EUR 90 fee / ~15-day processing through VFS Global.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Vietnamese citizens enter Germany without a visa?—
No. Vietnamese ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen short-stay (type C) visa before traveling to Germany. There is no visa-free, visa-on-arrival or eVisa option.
Does ETIAS apply to Vietnamese travelers?+
How long can I stay in Germany on this visa?+
Where do Vietnamese citizens apply?+
How much does the visa cost?+
How early should I apply?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Vietnam passport

🇻🇳⇄
Compare the Vietnam passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇻🇳◐
Vietnam visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇻🇳▤
Vietnam passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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