🇻🇳VIETNAM

🇫🇷FRANCE (SCHENGEN)VN-FR

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

Q: Do Vietnamese travelers need ETIAS for France?

No. ETIAS is only for visa-free nationalities. Vietnamese nationals still require a full Schengen visa, not an ETIAS authorisation.

Q: How long can I stay in France on a Schengen tourist visa?

Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area, subject to the visa's validity.

Q: Where do Vietnamese citizens apply for a France visa?

Through the official TLScontact visa application centres in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, after completing the France-Visas online form.

Q: How much does the visa cost?

EUR 90 for adults (EUR 45 for children 6-11, free under 6), plus a TLScontact service fee, paid in Vietnamese Dong.

Q: What is EES and does it affect me?

The EU Entry/Exit System, fully live since 10 April 2026, records your biometrics and entry/exit electronically instead of stamping your passport. It applies to all short-stay travelers including visa holders.

Vietnamese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Category C short-stay visa to visit France for tourism. There is no visa-free, eVisa or visa-on-arrival option. France is part of the Schengen Area, and Vietnam is NOT on the EU short-stay visa-exemption list. Therefore an ordinary Vietnamese passport holder must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to France for tourism. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Applications for France are submitted through the official TLScontact visa application centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with a decision normally made by the French consulate within about 15 calendar days. The standard adult visa fee is EUR 90 (paid in VND), plus a TLScontact service fee. Because Vietnam is not visa-exempt, the new ETIAS travel authorisation does NOT apply to Vietnamese nationals — ETIAS is only for visa-free travelers. However, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on 10 April 2026 and now registers all short-stay non-EU travelers (including visa holders) biometrically at the border, replacing manual passport stamping.

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)

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) + TLScontact service fee

consular fee only

Processing time

About 15 calendar days (up to 45 in complex cases)

standard track

Validity

As issued; tied to 90/180 Schengen rule

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm purpose and determine main destination

Apply at the French mission only if France is your sole or main Schengen destination (longest stay), or your first point of entry if stays are equal. Choose the short-stay tourism (Type C) category.

· Tourism· Type C

/02

Complete the France-Visas online application

Fill in the application form on the official France-Visas portal, create your file, and obtain the checklist of required documents for Vietnam.

· France-Visas portal· Online form

/03

Gather supporting documents

Assemble passport, photos, travel medical insurance (min. EUR 30,000), accommodation and flight bookings, proof of funds, employment/ties evidence and a cover letter.

· Documents· Insurance

/04

Book an appointment at TLScontact

Schedule an appointment at the TLScontact visa application centre in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to submit your file and give biometrics (fingerprints + photo).

· TLScontact· Biometrics

/05

Attend the appointment and pay fees

Submit documents in person, provide fingerprints, and pay the EUR 90 visa fee plus the TLScontact service fee in VND.

· In person· Pay fee

/06

Track and collect your passport

Wait for the consulate decision (about 15 days), then collect your passport or receive it by courier. Check the visa sticker dates before traveling.

· Tracking· Collection

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Vietnamese ordinary passport, valid 3+ months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages

required

Completed and signed France-Visas application form

required

Two recent ICAO-standard passport photos (white background)

required

Travel medical insurance covering all Schengen, min. EUR 30,000

required

Round-trip flight reservation / itinerary

required

Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or host invitation)

required

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, last 3-6 months)

required

Proof of ties to Vietnam (employment letter, property, family)

recommended

Cover letter stating purpose, dates and itinerary

recommended

Biometrics (fingerprints) given at TLScontact

required

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen short-stay visa fee (adult)EUR 90Paid in VND at chancery exchange rate

Visa fee (children 6-11)EUR 45Free for children under 6

TLScontact service fee~EUR 25-35Mandatory centre service charge

Travel medical insuranceVariesMin. EUR 30,000 Schengen coverage

Total estimateEUR 115 — EUR 130+incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard consular processing

~15 calendar days

Normal decision time after biometrics submission; apply well ahead of travel.

Extended review

Up to 30-45 days

Applies when additional documents or checks are required.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Vietnam is not on the EU visa-exemption list

Vietnamese ordinary passport holders are not visa-exempt for the Schengen Area, so a visa is mandatory for France.

High

/02

France is a Schengen member state

Entry is governed by Schengen short-stay rules, requiring a Type C visa for non-exempt nationals.

High

/03

ETIAS does not apply to Vietnamese nationals

ETIAS is only for visa-free travelers; Vietnamese nationals still need a full Schengen visa, not ETIAS.

Medium

/04

EES now registers travelers biometrically

Since 10 April 2026 the Entry/Exit System records entries/exits at the border, replacing passport stamps.

Medium

/05

90/180 day limit strictly enforced

Short-stay visas cap total presence at 90 days in any 180-day window across all Schengen states.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

Vietnam to France route verified

Confirmed via France-Visas that Vietnamese ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C short-stay visa; verified EUR 90 fee, TLScontact processing, EES live since 10 April 2026, and that ETIAS does not apply to Vietnamese (non visa-exempt) nationals.

/09 — The questions