Vietnam – an incredible adventure for all tastes.
 Whether you are an adventurer, a great planner or simply a tourist looking for wonder and culture, Vietnam has a lot to offer you.
From Sapa mountains to the unspoilt beaches of Con Dao, Dalat waterfalls to the historic wonders of Hue, not forgetting the frenetic charm of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, nothing would hinder your trip … if not a visa problem !
Indeed, some travelers are lulled by their dreams and forget to prepare the essential formalities to travel serenely in Vietnam. Unfortunately, the visa process is more complex than in many other Asian countries and requires a little advance. So, get ready!
Vietnam – a country with complex administration.
Unlike many neighboring countries, you can not come to Vietnam and simply have your visa stamped on arrival.
However, nationals of 5 countries, including France, can benefit from a visa waiver for stays of up to 15 days (with single entry). This exemption can not be extended and a delay of 30 days is necessary before returning to the country. If you choose this option, be sure that your trip will not exceed 15 days.
How to make sure to get a visa for Vietnam for French citizens?
For all stays longer than 15 days, or for citizens of countries not included in the list of countries exempt from visa, 3 solutions are available to you:
1. Apply for E-visa.
It may be the simplest, the fastest, but also the most restrictive of the three solutions for your visa to Vietnam.
The E-visa for Vietnam is an official document issued by the Immigration Department of Vietnam, following a procedure that is 100% online, available to nationals of 46 countries, including France. This document is equivalent to a paper visa and has the great advantage of not having to wait for your passport to be stamped by Immigration after your long trip.
To apply for an E-visa, two official websites are available: immigration.gov.vn and evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. For this procedure, you will need a digital copy of your passport, a recent scanned photo, and a valid email address and credit card. The fee is $ 25 and must be paid upon request.
Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry into the country, and that you have enough time and all the necessary documents before starting the procedure. Indeed, you only have a limited time to finish it. We are at your disposal to assist you during this procedure and to advise you on the choice of your visa.
Be careful though! The E-visa is only available for stays of up to thirty days, with single entry. If you plan to stay longer or your stay may be longer, choose one of the two options below.
2. Apply for a visa on arrival.
This is the most traditional method, and perhaps the most used, to obtain a visa to visit Vietnam. Its great advantage is that you can choose the duration (1 month, 3 months, 6 months or 12 months) and the type of visa (single entry or multiple entries). However, you will only be able to enter Vietnam via one of the country’s four international airports (Noi Bai Int’l Airport in Hanoi city, Da Nang Int’l Airport in Da Nang city, Nha Trang Int’l Airport in Nha Trang city & Tan Son Nhat Int’l Airport in Ho Chi Minh city).
Be careful though! Visa on arrival does not mean you can land at the airport with your hands in your pockets!
Indeed, the issuance of a visa on arrival by the Immigration Department of Vietnam requires that you make a request for a letter of invitation in advance. This is a document containing your personal information (alongside other people’s information) and bearing an official red seal to ensure that the list has been approved by the Immigration Service.
Many agencies, including ours, can help you get this letter of invitation for a nominal fee, starting at only $ 8 (depending on the options chosen). All you have to do is fill out a simple online form, pay the processing fee, and we’ll take care of the rest.
The invitation letter will be sent to you by email within 2 to 3 working days. In case of emergency, do not hesitate to inquire about emergency services.
Once you have printed the letter of invitation, do not forget to put it in your carry-on baggage and make sure that you have also thought about taking a photo ID and the amount needed in dollars to pay the fees. stamping at the airport ($ 25 for a single entry visa and $ 50 for a multiple entry visa, 1 or 3 months). Your visa must also be valid for 6 months from your date of entry into the country.
At the airport, you will need to head to the visa office on arrival (Visa on Arrival) before passing the passport checkpoint. Your wonderful journey can begin.
3. Apply for a visa at an embassy.
Few people choose this solution which is often more complex and expensive. However, if you prefer to leave your country with a visa already issued and you live near a Vietnamese embassy, this solution can be convenient.
Check with your chosen embassy for opening hours, rates, documents to provide, and processing times. Indeed, embassies may have different procedures.
Whatever method you choose, we are there to assist you all along the way to make your Vietnam experience a success, even before you leave.
